FAQ

Renew Renovations is relatively new, however, the company dates back to 2007 and Renew Renovations was started on 21st November 2013.

Our main builder, Phillip has been in the industry since 1977 and successfully renovating homes on the Gold Coast since 1994.

Andre has been in the local building/construction industry since 1993, That’s well over 25 years’ experience each. The same goes’ for our designer Kathryn.

The workmanship on every project we do is covered by our warranty and guaranteed for a full 6.5 years. We don’t RUN FROM warranties... if there is a problem, we’ll fix it. We’ll do everything in our power on the front end (great work!) and back end to protect your investment... and ours!

Absolutely! We’ll meet with you in your home to discuss the project and get a general feel for what’s involved and what it will take (time, materials, resources, etc...) to do. This usually allows us to estimate at least a “high-low” budget range; this also gives you a chance to determine if you think we’re a good fit for you. If you’re comfortable with the range (and with us), we will then ask for a small deposit, then work with you on all of the finer details required to provide you with a thorough, accurate quote.

To read all the details of our process, please click here.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell. The real unscrupulous bozos are easy to pick out... but what’s harder to detect are the contractors who are basically “good guys” but who might be experiencing financial difficulties, or who might be overbooked, or who might have quoted your job too low and have to cut corners to make up for it. We’ve developed the Code of Ethics & Competency Contractor Standards Guide to help you judge a reno builder in terms of what to look for, and what to look out for.

Use this as a guide to help you make an informed decision.

We prefer to be very frank and forthright with all of our clients about the possible costs of their projects before we even get started. Simply put... it leads to happier clients. While every renovation project is different, we can help you determine a general budget range for many common
projects based on what similar projects have cost in the past.

However, there are several factors which impact the final cost of any project. Such as quality of materials, site conditions, accessibility, age of your home, specific design tastes, finishes, updating existing systems, etc... just to name a few.

Generally speaking, we’re on the medium end. There is no question you can find contractors who will quote you less money—we won’t even attempt to match them. We offer a fair price on a great job that you will love for years to come. We specialize in quality, reliability, and beauty... but don’t be scared off—if you’re like any of the previous RENEW customers, you’ll be glad you went with us, to do the job correctly, on time, and without additional costs over and above the quote. LINK TO PRICE GUIDE

While it’s true that we manage multiple projects at a time, we are also very skilled at scheduling and planning. We have very good project management tools and systems. Problems occur when contractors take on more work than they can handle—which leads to projects with no progress for days—or weeks—at a time. We do everything possible not to spread ourselves too thin... we respect our clients too much to do that. You will have somebody working on your project just about every (working) day until it is completed.

We sure do. We are always happy to show you all of our QBCC and builder licenses, accreditations, and memberships with the HIA. If a company won’t do this you should run like the wind.

In most cases, NO. Obviously, renovating can be somewhat messy and inconvenient. But at Renew, we’ll go to great lengths to keep the mess to a minimum, the time as short as possible, and the project moving along on schedule. However in some cases, usually only on bigger projects, it is in everyone’s best interest that all or some of the work be performed while you are not living in the home. This is determined on a case by case basis and discussed up front before work begins.

Some renovation contractors will tell you that the “price they quote is the final price” This is naïve at best, and intentionally misleading at worst. The fact is there are two major components that routinely come up that will indeed INCREASE the final price...

Unexpected conditions that are not visible when formulating the quote (hidden or blocked pipes, Asbestos, termites, decayed framing, faulty wiring, structural or foundational issues etc.) and

Upgrades and change orders (Variations) requested by you the homeowner.

Naturally, we do everything we can to anticipate the unexpected and we are quite good at it but despite this, most projects end up costing about 10% to 15% more than the original contract. We strongly recommend that you budget this additional amount to cover these costs. This allows for flexibility... and happy customers!

To be clear: we at Renew will not charge you more than the original estimate unless one or both of the factors above (unexpected conditions or client-requested upgrades) occur.

Our insurance has backbone & teeth—not loopholes.
When we say it’s covered, you can take it to the bank. For your piece of mind we have the following insurances in place;

Domestic building insurance, Professional indemnity insurance, public liability insurance, Structural defect/builders indemnity insurance. Tools, plant & equipment insurance for tradespeople. Insurance for loss or damage to property in the course of construction. Job specific Home Warranty Insurance.

When other renovators say that they are “Fully Insured” they mean that they have (only) the minimum obligatory cover as required by law.

An estimate is an approximation of how much a project is going to cost based on a preliminary discussion about your wants and needs. We provide our clients with a “high-low” estimated range usually after the first meeting to give you an idea of what the project will entail.

If the initial estimate is acceptable to you, we will then work to create a fixed price for you based on gathering more detailed information on the exact scope of work, including finishes, fixtures, and materials. A lot of pre-planning and design work is required to provide you with an accurate fixed price, so we only proceed once you feel comfortable with us as your renovation contractor, and vice versa. Once the price is set, it will not change unless unforeseen circumstances arise, or unless you specifically request changes and/or upgrades during construction (see above).

To be honest, we don’t like to work with your people. We present a quote, and you seem to be on-board, Then say “Oh, by the way, my nephew Larry is a plumber/electrician/carpenter and I want you to use him”

A builder’s most important asset is his network of tradesmen. The building company is a facilitator at the centre of a vast group of tradesmen or contractors. Top performers are hard to find. We have our go-to people and others as back-ups. Almost as important, we have a blacklist of subs we don’t like working with.

By using your relatives, we would be working with someone with whom we have no relationship. Second, we are depriving work from a group of tradespeople who rely on us for steady work. Third, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not taking advantage of a group of men and women that we know can get the job done well.

It all comes down to reputation; As a client, you are valuable to us, not just as a source of immediate work, but for that all important thing called word-of mouth. Owner, and industry veteran Andre Vermast will personally manage your project and is available to you via call, text and email. Make sure any contractor that you are considering has lots of happy clients who will sing their praises. We’ve gone to a lot of effort to provide you with everything you need to perform your “due diligence” on us. Including this free consumer awareness guide.

You just love those old vintage 1952 doors/windows, architraves... They are so romantic and have character, but the truth is they may hold up while in place, but fall apart upon removal. Old timber things have that tendency. If you really want to reuse an item, factor in the added time and cost (to you). We aren’t meanies about this, and often, most home owners incorrectly think that reusing would be a money saver.

Yes, we leave out the high pressure, bogus “buy it now and save” discounts, and drawn-out sales pitches. We’re not kidding when we say no stress no surprises.

We get it. You want simple and smooth. We have a thorough process that allows you to see the design and materials before we ever pull a permit or pick up a hammer. Our job is to take the dreams out of your head, design them for you to look at on paper and then deliver them in real life in your home.