Picture this: you are planning on building a new home or renovating/extending your current home.
3 of the biggest questions at the start of this process are:
- Where do I start?
- How do I find a builder?
- How do I know if I can trust them?
These are very worthwhile questions because along the journey of your building project, you will be investing your time, money and making many major decisions.
So where do you start?
Choosing a builder is a great first step. They can guide you from consulting with a draftsperson, to the necessary tests and approvals, all the way through to the construction and handover of your new space. Since this whole process relies on your choice in builder, it’s important to choose the right builder for you.
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when choosing your builder:
1. Do your research.
- Find out who the builders are that are available to you. You can use a search engine like Google, Facebook/other social media and/or word of mouth.
- Word of mouth can be powerful so consider asking them what the builder did well, what they didn’t and if there were circumstances that affected either.
- Look at the builder’s website. Look for things like contact details, where they operate, what services they offer, and credentials like their ABN, builder’s license and joined associations.
- Look at testimonials and reviews – you can find these on Facebook, Google or their website.
2. Is the builder local?
This isn’t everything, but can be very beneficial.
- You can meet with the builder and their team, in person, to get a feel of who you’ll be dealing with.
- They are more likely to use local suppliers so you can visit showrooms to make selections. Plus, it supports your local economy.
- It might mean they are a smaller builder meaning they take on less jobs per year which has many benefits: more time for you and your project, meaning better service and quality.
3. See if their ideals match yours.
This should not be underestimated.
- It’s important to look at their previous projects and photos of their jobs to see if the jobs they complete match what you are seeking e.g. have they done a bathroom or second storey renovation before?
- Look at what they say about themselves and if the things they say match your priorities e.g. constant communication, quality materials or, a seamless building experience.
- See how their system works and if this suits you e.g. what choices do you have, when is the contract signed, what is included in the contract, do they manage the whole process for you?
- If you want someone to customise your plans and your home, rather than using a standard home with basic choices, specifically look for a builder who advertising something like: Custom Home Builder/Specialist.
4. See their processes/systems.
Have a look at how the builder operates so that you know what to expect if you choose to use them.
- What is their process like from the very beginning to the end? Is it inclusive of a draftsman/concept stage through to selections and construction?
- Do they provide a reasonable idea of estimated timelines?
- Have they considered the approvals and planning required before building begins?
- Do they seem organised?
- Does this help you understand what is involved in the process of your build?
5. What happens before you sign the contract?
It is important that you have as much information as you can before locking in on your choice of builder.
- Ideally a builder will have several phone calls or meetings with you. Are they timely with their calls? Do they listen to your ideas? Do you like them/the way they do things?
- Ask lots of questions about whatever you can think of either about how they work or about what is included. It is better to ask the question now than worry later about something that has been missed.
- Ensure they have provided you with a detailed document that matches your plans. Does it include preliminary costs like soil tests, engineering, approvals? Specific details for your specific plans e.g. raked ceilings? Kitchen, electrical, plumbing costs? Allowances for your choices of selections like bathroom accessories or window coverings?
Building trust is a multi-faceted process so once you feel like you have covered each of these steps, and you feel comfortable with who your building company is and what they offer, it is a good sign they are the builder for you.