Most renovation mistakes do not happen on site. They happen before the first hammer swings. Asking the right questions early can save you from budget surprises, poor communication, and endless frustration down the track.
Choosing the right builder for your renovation is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right team will protect your investment, your sanity, and your vision for the home you want to create.
Here are six questions every homeowner should ask before signing a renovation contract, plus one bonus question most people forget.
1. How do you handle unexpected issues such as rot, wiring, or plumbing?
Even with the best preparation, surprises can happen once walls and floors are opened. A good builder will be upfront about how they manage these discoveries.
At Elevation Homes, we communicate immediately, provide revised pricing before any work proceeds, and make sure you understand every decision along the way.
Pro tip: Ask your builder how they document variations. If it is not written and signed off, it is not confirmed.
2. Can you provide a clear measured estimate with defined inclusions and exclusions?
Transparency starts with pricing. Ask how your builder prepares estimates and what is covered in your contract.
Our clients receive detailed, line-by-line quotes, with clear notes on what is included, what is excluded, and why. No guesswork, no vague allowances, and no nasty surprises.
Pro tip: Request a copy of a sample quote or template. The level of detail will tell you everything about how that builder manages money.
3. How will you contain dust and manage noise during the build?
Renovations can disrupt daily life, so planning for comfort matters. Your builder should have a clear system for keeping the site tidy, managing dust, and minimising noise.
We zone work areas, keep communication open, and make sure you know when and where work will happen.
4. What consents are needed, and will you manage them?
Consents can be confusing, but they are essential for compliance and resale value. Ask whether your builder will handle this process or if it is your responsibility.
Elevation Homes takes care of all required building and resource consents, ensuring every design meets council and code requirements.
5. Can I speak to past renovation clients?
A reputable builder will happily put you in touch with past clients. These conversations give you real insight into what the experience is like beyond the glossy photos.
Every Elevation client is welcome to check our references. We are proud of the relationships we build and the homes that come from them.
6. What does your Post-Build Care include?
Your renovation should not end at handover. Ask what kind of maintenance or aftercare support is provided.
We check in 12 weeks and one year after completion to ensure everything still feels and functions as it should. Because finishing a build is not the end of our relationship; it is just the start.
Bonus: How will you keep me informed throughout the build?
Weekly updates, photos, and open communication make all the difference.
At Elevation Homes, our clients receive regular progress updates through their own client portal and site meetings as needed. You are always in the loop, no chasing, no wondering.
The takeaway
The best builders welcome your questions. In fact, the more you ask, the more confident you will feel. If a builder cannot answer clearly, that is your sign to keep looking.
At Elevation Homes, we believe trust is built through transparency. Every question deserves an honest answer, and that is how we approach every renovation we take on.
If you found these questions helpful, download our free Renovating Without Regret guide. It covers everything you need to plan a smooth, stress-free renovation from start to finish.
