How to Choose A Builder

Reliability
It is one thing to be slow and consistent, but another thing altogether to be unreliable and slow. Make sure you choose a builder who has a proven track record in completing the majority of projects on time. The last thing you want is a builder who you don't hear from for weeks, leaving you to chase him.

Efficiency
Make sure your builder isn't overextended and that he can produce and deliver what he says he can on budget and on time. A great way to find that out how efficient your builder is, is to ask for references so you can speak with customers he has built a home for previously.

Qualifications And Certifications
Ensure your builder holds all the relevant, up-to-date building licences and certifications, and ask to see them. The last thing you want is your dream home being brought to a halt because it is not up to council and building specifications.

Your Builder's Character
There's no doubt you'll want a close relationship with your builder during the building or renovation phase, so character and compatibility is a key consideration for everyone involved. Your builder will spend a lot of time with you on the phone and at your house, so it is important you like and respect each other so you can relate to them and vice versa.

Quality Of Work
Like all trades and services, some builders are very good while others are not so good. However, poor construction or inferior quality work may result in your home not being passed by council, which could result in added costs or even demolition of your dream home through no fault of your own. And they may be costs you will never recover.

Ask For A Quote
Your quote should list materials and their price as well as labour estimates. That way the builder can't suddenly change his or her mind and use inferior or lower-costing materials without you knowing about it. Putting together a quote can take days; so many builders have started charging for this service, however, we don't. Even if he or she is unavailable to do the work, it can provide a good "genuine"" estimate and benchmark to compare against when examining other builders' quotes.

Years Of Business
Ask the builder how long they have been in business. After all, would you build your new home with a builder who has been in business for just six months, or a builder who's been in business for six years?

Insurances And Warranties
Ask to see the builders' insurance and warranties before signing anything. Should a builder you're thinking of using ask you to get an owner-builder licence it could be a problem. It would suggest he lacks his own building licence or insurance. If you are unsure, do more extensive background checks.

Will The Builder Be On The Job Or Not?
If he isn't ask who will be and meet with them as well.

Start and Completion Date
Get an expected start and finish date for your project from your builder.

Shoddy or Poor Quality
Ask the builder what happens and who's responsible if the quality of work is inferior, not to your liking or not up to regulation.

What Is The Contract Process
Ensure you know what the building contract involves and what his and your responsibilities are. Example: Make sure the builder is responsible for keeping the site clean. The last thing you want is to clean up on move-in day, as this can be expensive.

Check Their Work
As your dream home comes to life, play an active part on calling in and seeing it. If you wanted new Italian tiles in your bathroom and they put second-hand ones in you'll be the first to know, and two sets of eyes are better than one. Also, by calling in once a week or so this also eliminates any miscommunication between yourself and your builder.

If you’d like to build your new home using a builder who has over 20 years’ experience and a team you can trust and rely on through every stage, contact Frank Newnham and the team at Newnham Constructions for more information.

Call us on 1300 874 167 or fill in form above or below