10 Tips on How to Choose a Builder....

Building your own home is an exciting adventure and a project that is a huge investment, and one you want to get right.

Choosing the right builder is essential to bring your dream home into a reality.

We’ve compiled a list of what to look for when choosing a builder

1. Check out builders’ past projects – Builders will have a portfolio of houses that they have built before. You will be able to see images and designs so that you can get an idea of their style and if they match your idea for your new home.

2. Is your builder registered and insured? – It is recommended to make sure that your builder is registered by asking the Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) or the Master Builders of Australia (MBA) for their list of members. To check if your builder is licenced and insured make sure to do a thorough search with your local fair trading office.

3. Do you understand what your builder is talking about? – Builders use a lot of jargon and industry terms that you might not understand. Make sure you understand what the builder is listing in the contract of work and what is included, is the driveway, insulation, light fittings, number and location of power points, and other items included? You do not want to agree to something that you did not understand, and it blows out your costs. If you do not understand something it is a good idea to look it up or just ask so it can be explained.

4. Get References – Once you have a few builders in mind it is advisable to check their references. Ask for previous clients and see if you can speak to them to understand what they liked and did not like about the build. And if they love the builder’s work, what did they like, and why?

5. Do your own checking – If you know what houses have been built by the builder you are interested in, there is nothing stopping you asking the owners what they think about the builder and the process. Asking for honest feedback is one that many people would be happy to share, you will instantly see if the previous clients rave about the builder or give you a negative review. This will also back up other testimonials given by the builders you are considering.

6. The relationship with your builder – If you wish to be involved with the building process, having a builder that you get on with and shares your vision of your new home is essential. How do they communicate with you, what about their staff and suppliers? Does your builder of choice give you a contact person for your project? Understanding the communication process and having more detail will make you feel like you both share the same vision for your new home.

7. Pick a builder that matches your style – Once you have a few builders to choose from, make sure that they align with your style and will give you the home that you have dreamt about. Does the builder specialise in one story acreage houses? Or do they only build traditional homes or modern double-storey houses? Analyse exactly what you want and see if your shortlisted builders will be able to deliver.

8. Costs – Once you have decided on the builder, the style of house and exactly what you want, you need to get quotes for the job. It is a good idea to see what is included in the build – sometimes cheaper is not always better. Many builders are cutting costs to win jobs and therefore not able to give you everything on your wish list. Paying a little bit more to have everything done at the build stage will ensure you will not have to get things fixed in the future.

9. Fixed-Price Contracts – It is a good idea to consider a fixed-price contract as this will ensure that you know what is needed financially. Fixed-priced contracts help with making sure that everyone knows what each part of the build will cost. There are a few things that are hard to know the costs exactly, for example, site works is a hard part of the build to give a cost on. During excavation, it can reveal the need for more engineering, and this will be listed as, “unknown costs”. In all fixed-price contracts, there is always a percentage put aside for unknown costs. If items that were on the contract to complete are not delivered/omitted then a reduction on the overall cost can be obtained, however, if more work is done and agreed to, more costs will need to be made to the builder.

10. Timeframe – You need to understand what the timeframe for your house build will be. Asking your preferred builders to give you a quote for when they can start and complete the work. Do they have jobs on that would interfere with your deadline? Having a deadline extended means that your costs will go up. You must live somewhere before you move into your new home, so if your house takes longer to build you will end up paying more rent or the mortgage before you finally move.

Creating a home that is customised for you and your family is very special and one that a great builder will help you achieve. We hope that this list gives you some great advice on choosing a builder.

Search for builders in Gympie now and start organising your dream home today. Take advantage of the $25,000 grant for new homes.

One Agency Gympie has land available at great prices, and also house and land packages.

Simply give us a call and we can help you find the right place to start building your forever home.

P: 07 5331 3045
E: kerynangle@oneagency.com.au