Win more building and renovation projects: list your construction business

Building and renovation projects can represent a major investment for a homeowner.

Before choosing who to contact, customers may want to see more than a list of services. They may look for examples of previous projects, customer reviews, relevant registrations and a clear indication that you actually work in their area.

If you run a construction or renovation business, presenting that information properly can make it much easier for potential customers to evaluate you.

Give customers more than a business name

Think about what a homeowner sees when they first come across your business.

Can they quickly tell:

• what type of construction work you do;
• where you work;
• what previous projects you've completed;
• whether you handle new builds, renovations or both;
• what relevant registrations or credentials you hold; and
• how to contact you?

Your Know a Pro profile gives you a place to bring useful information about your business together so customers can decide whether they want to make contact.

South African Pros complete identity verification as part of the Know a Pro signup process before their profile can go live. Once your identity has been verified, your profile can display the ID Verified badge.

Identity verification doesn't prove the quality of someone's building work, which is why the rest of your profile matters too.

Build a portfolio that shows what you can do

Construction is visual.

Instead of simply saying that you do “quality renovations,” show customers what that means.

Useful portfolio examples could include:

• completed extensions;
• kitchen renovations;
• bathroom renovations;
• new builds;
• roofing work;
• structural alterations where appropriate;
• before-and-after transformations; and
• examples of different finishes or types of work you offer.

Use genuine photographs of projects you've actually worked on.

Where possible, add enough context for the customer to understand what they're looking at. For example:

Kitchen renovation — Somerset West

is more useful than:

Recent job

Be mindful of your clients' privacy when publishing project photographs. Get appropriate permission and avoid exposing addresses or other personal information unnecessarily.

Understand which registrations are relevant to your work

Different registrations serve different purposes in South Africa's construction industry.

If you're in the business of building homes, NHBRC registration is particularly important.

The NHBRC states that anyone in the business of building homes must be registered with it. New homes must also be enrolled with the NHBRC before construction begins.

CIDB registration serves a different purpose.

The CIDB Register of Contractors is used for contractors seeking to undertake public-sector construction work, with contractors categorised and graded according to their capability. Public-sector clients are required to apply the register when awarding applicable construction contracts.

CIDB also notes that home builders are regulated by the NHBRC and are exempt from its Register of Contractors unless they also want to tender for other kinds of public-sector construction work.

Don't add a registration to your profile simply because you think customers expect to see one. Add the genuine registrations, qualifications and credentials that are relevant to the work you actually perform.

Make your quotes part of your reputation

Your marketing gets you noticed. Your communication helps turn interest into an opportunity.

For construction and renovation work, a professional quote can make a big difference to the customer's experience.

Where appropriate, make it clear:

• what work you're quoting for;
• what's included;
• what's excluded;
• whether materials are included;
• whether VAT applies;
• how long the quote remains valid;
• the expected payment arrangement;
• how additional work or changes will be handled; and
• any important assumptions you've made when preparing the quote.

Don't hide uncertainty.

If you need a site visit before you can give an accurate price, say so. If something is only an estimate until walls are opened or existing conditions can be assessed, explain that too.

Clear expectations can prevent disagreements later.

Ask customers for genuine reviews

Completed projects can help build your reputation for future work.

After a successful job, ask the customer to leave an honest review.

Reviews can give future customers useful information about things that photographs alone can't show, such as:

• communication;
• reliability;
• professionalism;
• how problems were handled; and
• the customer's overall experience.

Don't write reviews for customers or tell them what rating to give you. Genuine feedback is more useful.

Respond professionally to new enquiries

A homeowner contacting you about a renovation may still be at the early planning stage.

Instead of rushing straight to a price, understand the project first.

Useful questions could include:

• What work are you planning?
• Where is the property?
• Do you already have plans or drawings?
• Has any required approval been obtained?
• When are you hoping to start?
• Are there photographs of the existing property?
• What level of finish are you considering?

Some projects can be discussed initially from photographs and plans. Others need a proper site visit before you can quote responsibly.

Make your construction profile work harder

Before sending customers to your profile, check that it represents your business properly.

Construction Pro profile checklist:

• Complete your identity verification.
• List the construction and renovation services you actually provide.
• Add the areas you genuinely serve.
• Upload photographs of real completed work.
• Add relevant registrations, qualifications or credentials where available.
• Keep your contact and business information current.
• Ask satisfied customers for genuine reviews.
• Update your portfolio as you finish new projects.

If you specialise in something, say so.

A contractor focused on high-end residential renovations may want to present themselves differently from someone specialising in smaller alterations or new-home construction.

The goal isn't to look like you do everything. It's to help the right customers understand what you do well.

What it costs to list on Know a Pro

Know a Pro uses a monthly membership model.

Independent Pro — R300/month

For independent Pros and sole traders.

Registered Business — R500/month

For registered businesses.

Know a Pro does not take a percentage of the jobs you receive through the platform. Your applicable monthly membership fee still applies.

Prices shown are current at the time of publication and may change.

Ready to grow your construction business?

Create your Know a Pro profile, show customers what you do and make it easier for people looking for construction and renovation services in your area to discover your business.

List my business