Choosing a builder
by rob@elementsofhome.com.au | Apr 2, 2023 | builders | 0 comments
Building a new home or undertaking a major renovation project is an exciting time, but it can also be a daunting task. Choosing the right architect, draftsperson or building designer is one thing, choosing the correct builder is critical to ensuring that your project runs smoothly, stays within budget, and meets your expectations.
Here are some tips for choosing the right residential builder for your project.
- Look for experience and expertise
Choosing a builder with a proven track record is critical. You want to work with someone who has experience building the type of home you want and has a good reputation in your area. Take some time to research potential builders by looking at their website, reading reviews from past clients, and asking for references. Look for a builder who has expertise in the type of construction you need, whether it’s a custom home, a renovation project, or works to a building within a heritage overlay
- Check for licenses and insurance
Make sure the builder you choose is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of accidents or damage during construction. You can check if a builder is registered here:
Find a practitioner | Victorian Building Authority (vba.vic.gov.au)
Warranty and liability insurance are checked during the building permit stage. So the nominated building surveyor will not issue a building permit unless all the correct insurances, warranties and registrations are in place. Your architect or draftsperson should help direct you in this process.
- Communication is key
Choose a builder who communicates well and is easy to work with. This is critical since you will be working with them throughout the entire construction process. You want a builder who listens to your needs and ideas, and can provide you with regular updates on the progress of the project. Often pricing is similar – it then comes down to a gut feeling. Who would you like to work with? Who do you connect with? Who do you have the best rapour with? Once you have spent time with the builder(s) in the lead up to signing a contract – we call this the ” Tender Stage” – and have visited their live sites, you will start to get a good feel as to which builder is the best fit for you.
- A clean site.
A clean site shows a builder who is organised and proud of their site. I have written a blog on this here: April 2023 – why a clean building site is important | Elements of Home
- Look for good quality workmanship and a team of happy contractors and sub-contractors.
Workmanship is critical to the success of your project. A good builder will use high-quality materials and will have a team of skilled tradespeople to ensure that the work is done to a high standard. Some builders have their own full time team, others bring in trades as they need them.
Spend some time on a busy site – watch how the builder interacts with their trades. Talk to the trades, you will start to get a sense of how they feel about the builder in charge.
- Consider their portfolio
Finally, ask to see the builder’s portfolio of past work. This will give you an idea of the type of work they do, their style, and their attention to detail. Look for a builder whose style and previous projects align with your vision for your home
Taking the time to research and choose the right builder will help ensure that your project is a success and that you end up with the home of your dreams.
Rob Harris is a UK Registered Architect since 2002 with the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), RIAS (Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland) and ARB (Architect Registration Board). In Australia registered with the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) since 2005
