Building or renovating your own home is not something most people do all the time. Recruiting the correct builder for the type of home you are looking to build or renovate is vital, and it is not always an easy task. This blog will outline some steps to take and things to avoid whilst in the process of choosing the correct builder to suit your needs.
Doing your research to find the perfect builder for you is one of the obvious first steps when it comes to building or renovating. Whilst using the internet, yellow pages or local paper may be quick and easy to find a builder, it is a good idea to step outside of the box and do some more research for yourself.
When you have found a builder who you believe may be good for the job, interview them. Don’t just meet them, treat the meeting as if it is a job interview. Some of the issues to cover in the interview should include communication, quality, timing and cost. For example, as questions such as “Who is my main point of contact during construction? How long have individual contractors been working with you? What happens if the dates on the time line are not met? How are extra charges dealt with? What is the definition of complete? Will work continue after we move in? What costs are outside the standard contract.” By asking these questions, you will be able to gain a sense of whether the builder is someone you would like to work for you, and you will be able to cover vital pieces of information required for the build.
If you are extending or renovating your home, only speak to builders who have experience in extending or renovating, as opposed to builders that construct houses from scratch. If you are building a new home, then only speak to builders who have experience in this, not a builder that you would choose if renovating or extending. While some builders are great at renovating, they may not be as skilled at constructing a new house, and vice versa. Make sure you choose the correct builder as far as building or renovating goes.
Avoid assuming that the cheapest quote you receive from a builder is the right price. It is natural to be drawn to a quote that will save you money, however, if you notice that your quote is a lot cheaper than anything else you have seen, be careful before you select that builder. Selecting a builder that has given you a quote a lot cheaper than anyone else may lead to further issues. The builder may have taken shortcuts and charge for variations down the track.
It is easy for builders to give you the details of clients who they know have been satisfied with their services. As far as asking a builder for a reference goes, it can end up being a waste of time. They will only give details of clients they know will say the right thing. Instead of asking for references, ask the builder for contact details of current clients. A current client will be more likely to give you more useful and true information, as they are still in the process of building.
When you initially speak with potential builders you may employ to build, renovate or extend your home, ensure that you have clearly defined your needs. Some builders construct a broad range of homes, whilst others may specialise in a specific type of home. If you are clear about what you need, it will make selecting a builder a lot easier.
Remember that building a new home is a massive financial and emotional investment. Ensure that extra time and effort is put into selecting the perfect builder for your needs. Always thoroughly check the builder, their workmanship, references and credentials before selecting them. If this process is undertaken properly, there will be a less chance of any issues or misunderstandings during the build.
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