Not everyone has the space that they want in their house as space is in short supply. But, you may be lucky because you may have empty spaces that you don’t use that you can convert. Take the loft as an example. Do you use your loft for anything in particular? Is it an essential part of your home? No, then it is time for a change. Your loft could soon become an extra storage unit or an extra bedroom depending on what you prefer. All you need is the right company to make it happen. To make sure you don’t hire any cowboys here’s what you need to consider.
Their Reputation
Reputations are not everything because they can be misleading. However, that being said, you don’t want to take the chance with a company that isn’t very reputable. Yes, they may have been subject to a couple of harsh reviews that do not reflect their skill. But, how likely is that scenario? The most likely scenario is that they perform mediocre jobs at the same price as high-quality vendors. So, you want to avoid them at all costs. Even if they are cheaper, it will cost you more in the long run if they do a bad job as they will have to fix the problems.
Their Track Record
To ensure that their reputation is legitimate, take a look at their references. References act as proof that they can do everything they say they can do to your loft. If they don’t have references, or they refuse to provide any, they are lying. But, if they can provide you with testimonials and loft conversion pictures, they are genuine.
Their Accreditations
As a trading company, they will need specific accreditations to be able to provide their services legally. To start with, you should look for basic trade licenses to make sure that they are not set up illegally. Once you are satisfied, move onto their individual certifications and awards. For example, do they have a degree or an apprenticeship? Or, are they a member of a union that regulates the industry? Also, make sure they can deal with electrical works if they are installing bulbs and other such appliances. These are all important accreditations to look out for when you are hiring a loft conversion expert.
No Outsourcing
You are hiring the people that you negotiate with and no one else. Although the outsourcers may be brilliant at their job, there is no way to find out for sure. As a result, you are taking a gamble and hoping that they are not a bunch of cowboys. Companies that outsource their work to private contractors are not companies that you can trust.
No Money Upfront
Always be wary of handing over any money before the work has even started. As soon as you do, you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position. It is not beyond the realms of probability that the firm you hire could run off with cash and leave you out of pocket.