When your home renovation or interior work wraps up, it’s vital to review your contractor’s final bill closely. Often, even with fair rates, contractors may inflate measurements, leading to hidden costs that can eat away at your budget. This guide will provide you with three simple tricks to verify your interior bills without needing technical expertise.
1. Electrical Work: Understand Measurement Terms
For electrical work, contractors can charge based on carpet area or per point (outlet, switch, etc.). If you’re adding lighting in a false ceiling, ensure the wiring costs are billed per point rather than by carpet area. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of each point and any conditions in writing.
Tip: If you’d like, I can provide a pre-made terms and conditions format. Comment below if you need a PDF file with details.
2. Plumbing: Stick to Lump Sum for Bathrooms
A recent experience taught us that contractors sometimes increase piping lengths unnecessarily when charging by the foot. Always negotiate a lump-sum price for each bathroom to prevent this. You can calculate a fair price by getting local rates and comparing them.
Tip: If you’re unsure, consult our complete bathroom renovation guide. There’s a link in the description for a breakdown of all elements.
3. False Ceiling: Know the Scope
False ceiling costs can vary based on how it’s measured. For accurate billing, ensure they’re calculating using surface area alone, without additional “coats” or “edges” unless necessary. Contractors may charge more per square foot but measure less area, making it more cost-effective than opting for seemingly cheaper rates with inflated areas.
Additional Tips
- Paint Calculations: When contractors measure edges and corners by running feet in addition to wall area, it inflates costs. Stick to wall area alone for accurate billing.
- Tile Estimates: Add around 20% to the carpet area for flooring to account for skirting and extra tiles. This ensures that if any tile breaks or needs replacement, you’ll have matching extras.
- Stone Polish: When choosing contractors for polishing work, go for those who use reliable, high-quality scrubbers, even if it costs more.
Remember, being informed about these basics can make a significant difference. Be a smart customer, double-check measurements, and stay vigilant against overbilling.
