The difference between a dream renovation and a nightmare is usually decided before work starts. Here's what to check.
Check that the business is real and registered
A legitimate contractor operates as a registered company with a physical address, a company registration number and VAT registration. Anyone can print a flyer, a paper trail is harder to fake, and it's what protects you if something goes wrong.
Read the reviews, carefully
Look at Google reviews, not just the star rating. Do reviewers mention the same names repeatedly? Do they talk about communication, cleanliness and follow-through? Consistent specifics are worth more than a hundred vague five-star ratings.
Demand a detailed, written quote
A one-line quote ('Bathroom renovation: R___') is a red flag. A proper quote itemises materials, labour and scope, states what's excluded, and sets out a payment schedule tied to milestones. Vagueness before the job becomes conflict during it.
Ask who actually does the work
Some 'contractors' are brokers who sub-contract everything to the cheapest crews available. Ask whether the team on site works for the company, and who supervises quality day to day.
Red flags to walk away from
Large cash deposits before any work, pressure to decide today, no physical address, no references, and prices dramatically below every other quote. Cheap becomes expensive very quickly in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good rule. You're not just comparing price, you're comparing how thoroughly each contractor understood and specified the job.
Is the cheapest quote a bad sign?
Not always, but a quote far below the others usually means something was left out, scope, quality of materials, or the intention to 'extra' you later.
What payment terms are normal?
A reasonable deposit with progress payments tied to completed milestones. Never pay the full amount up front.
Need professional help?
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General Contracting in Bloemfontein