Choosing a builder for your new home can be a time-consuming task – but it’s time well-spent considering what’s at stake!
The ultimate end goal when searching for a builder is to find a team that can listen to your needs, create your vision and then build your dream home. Although this may sound relatively straightforward, your builder must be in complete sync with you to achieve the best outcome. This will make a world of difference to your building experience.
When searching for a builder, you may exhaust many options before landing on one that’s right for you – so it’s a process that you shouldn’t rush.
Keep reading to discover some of the important factors you should take into account before choosing a builder.
1. Create a list of home builders
Not all builders offer the same capabilities – from home extensions to design and build services, many companies have a speciality. That’s why the first step you should take is to make a list of builders that specialise in the service you require.
While making this list, you should also look out for other benefits a company may have, such as financing options, a commitment to building with eco-friendly materials or even the ability to build your home with a certain level of energy efficiency.
Identifying these factors from the get-go will save you both surprise and uncertainty down the track.
2. Check their folio
Once you’ve compiled a list of the builders who can provide the service that you’re after, it’s time to check their portfolio.
It’s likely that you already have some ideas about the style of home that you’re hoping to build, so it’s important to find a builder whose skills best align with your vision. If you’re looking to build a contemporary home, you wouldn’t go for a builder who specialises in heritage home restorations, and vice versa.
This part of the process is relatively straight forward, as most builders will have their past projects displayed on their websites. In the unlikely event that they’re not, builders are usually able to provide you with a catalogue of homes they’ve previously built.
You should aim to look through their past projects and try to find multiple examples of houses and features that you’d like to replicate. If you can’t find anything that catches your eye, you know they’re not the one for you.
3. Learn more about each builder
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to only a few, it’s time to start asking the tougher questions.
Firstly, find out if the builder is licensed. Unlicensed builders can cause a world of trouble down the track. To find out if they are registered, visit the Housing Industry Association or Master Builders Australia websites and search for the business name.
Secondly, find out if the company is insured and if your home comes with a warranty. At a minimum, you’ll need public liability and domestic building insurance, so make sure you understand what’s being provided and know your rights.
Some other questions you should consider asking are:
- How much customisation is allowed and what costs are involved with this?
- Is landscaping included?
- Will the contract include provisional sums (estimates) or fixed costs?
- What is the proposed schedule?
4. Read reviews
Nothing says more about a company than reviews from past clients. Most building companies will have reviews on Google and social media, which may reveal hidden insights about the company you’re investigating.
That said, you must always take online reviews with a grain of salt in case they are exaggerated or false. If ever in doubt, you could consider reaching out to the person to find out more.
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If you’re looking for an accomplished design and building team who are committed to crafting a home tailored to your exact vision, get in touch with Nicon Built.