FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST BUILDER TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME
April 2, 2019, 8:20 pm
Finding a new home builder isn’t hard but how do you choose the best new home builder to build your new dream home?
A simple web search for local builders will return an overwhelming number of potential candidates. With over 70,000 building and construction businesses listed in Australia you may get lost in a sea of websites, all promising great quality, great value and great service. Builders are skilled professionals and most reputable builders can back up these claims. So how do you find the new home builder that’s right for you; a builder who understands your dreams and expectations and can bring them all to life, on budget and on time?
Here’s five tips to help you choose the best builder for your new home project.
1. SEARCH FOR A BUILDER WHO UNDERSTANDS YOUR DREAM
You may not have a fully formed design for your new home and interior, but you probably have a dream. At the very least, you know what you like and what you don’t like, and you certainly know how you want to live your life. Whether you’re looking for beautiful entertaining areas and premium kitchen appliances to create masterful meals for friends and family or maybe you’re starting a family and just want spaces for the kids to grow and play; whatever your dream, look for a builder who takes the time to understand your unique style and lifestyle and can see your dream as clearly as you do. The best builders will not only see your dream but will expand your ideas with a wealth of design and construction experience and expertise.
2. SEARCH FOR A BUILDER WHO SHARES YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR QUALITY AND SERVICE
Your builder must be as committed to the project, and your dream, as you are. The proof is their quality of workmanship and the level of service they can provide.
The simplest way to test this is to look at their past work and speak to their customers.
Display homes are great but look for a builder who can point you in the direction of a number of completed projects, especially builds that are similar to yours or have specific design or technical features. The best builders have great relationships with their customers and they shouldn’t have any problems finding a past client who is willing to show you around their home or at least have a chat to you about their experience.
3. SEARCH FOR A BUILDER WHO CAN GET THE JOB DONE ON TIME AND ON BUDGET
This might take a little bit of investigation but most of the information will be available online or by contact email or phone call to the prospective builder.
Make sure the builders are suitably qualified and registered* and they have sufficient experience building the types of home you are planning. Testimonials and referrals can be found online or through social networks. Most importantly look for a builder who is transparent with their inclusions and exclusions. The best builders can offer a no surprises policy and can commit to maintaining regular dialogue before, during and after the project to ensure timelines, corrections and budgets are managed tightly.
4. SEARCH FOR A BUILDER WHO IS WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE PROJECT
You must have full access to the builder whose reputation the business was built on. They may not be the lead on your project, but you should be given absolute confidence that their work ethic and skill is delivered through every one of their employees and suppliers. Look for a builder who is committed to being present on site or contactable at every stage of the build. The best builders have processes to monitor timelines and budgets and offer regular dialogue and scheduled site meetings to make mutual, real-time decisions and adjustments when plans inevitably change.
5. SEARCH FOR A BUILDER WHO IS THERE LONG AFTER THE PROJECT IS OVER
Building contracts typically contain a defect liability period which is a set period of time after a construction project has been completed during which a contractor has the right to return to the site to remedy defects. The best builders stand behind their work; while a defects liability period in NSW cannot remove or limit rights to a statutory warranty, look for a builder who offers a quick response time if any defects are found and an extended liability period.
Like all good relationships, the best builders build long term relationships based on trust and understanding. There are plenty of great builders out there so search for a builder who understands your dreams and has the experience and expertise to turn your dream into your dream home.
*Foot note: It’s worth checking the respective state authority to ensure your builder is licensed under state legislation to undertake the scope of work proposed. In New South Wales, all licensed or certified builders and tradespeople are registered HERE plus a range of other information that may be helpful with selecting your builder is available HERE