How to Choose a Make Good Contractor
Choosing a make good contractor comes down to licensing, fixed pricing and waste compliance. Here is what to check before you sign.
The right make good contractor protects you from cost overruns and compliance problems, not just a tidy handover. Check the items below before you sign anything, especially if your building is older and might contain asbestos.
Licensing, especially for asbestos
If your building was constructed before the mid-1990s, ask your contractor directly whether an asbestos assessment is needed before any strip out work starts. Under Australian work health and safety rules, a licensed asbestos removalist is required for all friable asbestos and for more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos-containing material. Removing less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos does not require a licence, but the contractor should still know how to identify and handle it safely.
Full asbestos and make good guide
Fixed price vs time and materials
Ask for a fixed-price quote covering both strip out and reinstatement wherever possible. A time-and-materials quote can look cheaper upfront but leaves you exposed if the job runs long. If a fixed price is not possible because of unknowns behind walls or ceilings, ask what triggers a price variation and get that in writing.
Waste disposal and compliance
- Ask how waste is disposed of, and whether recycling is part of their process.
- Confirm they carry current public liability insurance.
- Ask for references from recent make good jobs of a similar size.
- Confirm they will coordinate directly with your landlord or building manager for access and approvals.
Get multiple quotes
Compare at least two or three quotes against the same scope document, not against each contractor's own interpretation of your lease. Send us your project details and we will connect you with providers covering your city.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed asbestos removalist for my make good?
If your building predates the mid-1990s and any friable asbestos or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos-containing material is present, yes, a licensed removalist is required under Australian WHS regulations.
Should I get a fixed price for my make good?
Wherever possible, yes. A fixed price protects your budget. If the contractor cannot commit to one because of unknowns, ask exactly what could trigger a variation before you proceed.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your make good, defit or strip out and we will pass your details to a provider covering your area.
Sources: Safe Work Australia, How to Safely Remove Asbestos, Code of Practice