Hey there, Perth homeowners! Thinking about giving your place a facelift? You’re not alone. Home renovations are booming in our corner of Western Australia, and for good reason. But before you start knocking down walls or dreaming up that perfect kitchen, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: finding the right builder for your project. It’s a big decision, and I’m here to walk you through it, step by step.

I remember when my sister Sarah decided to renovate her Fremantle cottage. She jumped in headfirst without doing her homework on builders, and let’s just say it didn’t end well. Delays, budget blowouts, and a whole lot of stress. I don’t want that happening to you, so let’s dive into how you can avoid those pitfalls and find a renovation builder who’ll turn your dreams into reality.

1. Start with Research (But Don’t Stop There)

Kicking off your search online is a great start, but it’s just the beginning. Here’s how to get the ball rolling:

• Google is your friend: Search for “home renovation builders Perth” and start making a list. But don’t just jot down names – note what stands out about each one.

• Check out online directories: Sites like HiPages and ServiceSeeking can be goldmines for finding local builders.

• Social media sleuthing: Instagram and Facebook can give you a peek at a builder’s recent projects and style.

But here’s the thing – a flashy website doesn’t always mean top-notch work. I learned this the hard way when I hired a landscaper based solely on their gorgeous online portfolio. The reality didn’t quite match up. So, treat your online research as a starting point, not the finish line.