When renovating your home, finding the right renovation contractor is crucial in the planning process. As you will be spending a large amount, you want to ensure that their work quality matches to standard, job scope, and tasks are specified clearly in writing. You also want a renovation contractor that is properly licensed. With so much to take in, we will provide you with some tips on finding the ideal renovation contractor for your project.

Choosing contractor

Look for multiple contractors

Before starting your renovation work, you should understand the overall scope. For a larger project, you can engage a design and build contractor. Design and build contractors are one-stop service contractors who they would design and do the renovation work. This is to minimise the miscommunication between the designers and builders.

Once you figure out your scope, it is time to call for a quotation. There are many ways to engage with contractors. Get referrals from friends or even look for contractors online. Here, we have a list of renovation contractors that you can choose from. Get a minimum of three quotations to make a fair judgement.

Lay out the job description

When calling for a quotation, it is beneficial to outline your job description. Contractors will appreciate it when you lay out the job description in detail. That way, they have a better understanding of your needs and give a more accurate and detailed quotation. Specify the scope of work such as the design you’d like, materials to use, and overall job scope.

Background check

Doing a thorough background check on the renovation contractors ensures that they carry out your work properly. This is to ensure that the works they carry out are up to standards, comply with workplace safety, and has the necessary permits and licenses to start work.

Ensure that the renovation contractors are properly licensed with the appropriate governing body. In Malaysia, contractors are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). CIDB is the governing body that regulates the construction practice in Malaysia. Do a quick search of the renovation contractors in the CIDB directory.

CIDB separates contractors into different grades, ranging from G1 to G7. The key difference between G1 and G7 contractors is the tender limit. Here is a guide on the tender limit for each grade:

G1 – No more than RM 200,000

G2 – No more than RM 500,000

G3 – No more than RM 1,000,000

G4 – No more than RM 3,000,000

G5 – No more than RM 5,000,000

G6 – No more than RM 10,000,000

G7 – No limit

 

Ensure that your contractor is allowed to tender for your renovation project. Also, ensure that the company is properly registered with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM).

Review

A reliable contractor will have a good track record. Look for reviews online or get feedback from their previous clients. There are forums dedicated to the discussion of renovation contractors in Malaysia.

Alternatively, you can also ask the respective contractors. Ask about how they deal with authority submission, technical problems, and how they manage their work. That way, you will have a gauge of their experience and ability.

Don’t just look at the price

Upon receiving quotations, make a like-for-like comparison. Things you should look at are the price, material used, construction method, and lead time. Clarify with the contractors if there are any queries.

Price is one of the important factors, and note that the cheapest or most expensive option may not be the best. Understand how they come up with such costing. Discuss with your contractor on how you can come to a compromise on the pricing.

Written Contract

Once you have decided on appointing a contractor, get a written contract before work commences. That way, everything is stated clearly and prevents any potential issues. Things to include in the contract:

  • Detailed job scope – From preliminaries, authority submission, construction work, and defect repairs. Identify these items and prices clearly
  • Payment term – Have a realistic payment term. Do not pay everything upfront. Create a schedule that both you and your contractor can agree on.
  • Lead time – A realistic timeline where your renovation work can be completed. You do not want the renovation work to go on for too long.

Make sure that the contract is signed by both parties and changes should be known and accepted by both parties if there are any.

Finding a contractor is not an easy task. There are many factors to take into account. With these tips, you will have a better idea of finding the right renovation contractor.