How to Choose the Right Builder for your Home

There are remarkable advantages of building your own home in Brisbane. However, it could also pose some serious problems if not done properly. Building your own home will require a lot of planning, preparation, and patience. You also need to work with the right builder.

Finding the right builder for your home could be tricky, especially if you’re a first time builder and doesn’t know a lot about the building and construction industry in Brisbane. The following tips can help you find and choose the right builder for your home needs.

Determine your needs – The first step to finding a builder is to know what you need. Are you looking to build a three-storey contemporary home or a quaint craftsman cottage? Do you want a glass and steel home or the more traditional wood and concrete? How much is your budget? What is your target move-in date? Builders have different expertise and building styles. It is easier to find a builder once you are clear of your building needs.

Look beyond their display homes – Builders will be eager to show you their model homes. Be aware that these were built to impress. To determine the real quality of their work, ask for several past clients and homes built from as far back as they’ve started the business. A good builder will only be too happy to give you names of satisfied clients and beautiful and enduring homes for you to see.

Check licenses, warranties, and insurance – Builders have different licenses for every state they’re operating in. Make sure that your builder has the appropriate license for your area and your type of building. Know the level of building insurance they carry and details of what are covered. Professional Brisbane home builders will provide few years of warranty coverage as an assurance of their impeccable workmanship.

Examine the building proposal – Once you have few builders short-listed, request for a quotation. The proposal or quotation should indicate all details of the construction. A good professional builder will include the budget and payment scheme, detailed list of materials needed and corresponding prices and suppliers, building drawings and plans, estimated time of completion, and other services included. Is the price fixed? Who will handle building permit applications?

Other services included – Do you also need services other than building your home? Many Brisbane home builders include pre-construction and post-construction services like soil testing, backyard development, fencing, clearing and removal of building debris and cleaning the home. Are they complimentary add-ons or are you also being billed for these services.

Red flags when choosing a builder

Ø  Price quoted is too high or too low – Price is a consideration when deciding on a builder, but shouldn’t be a priority. Compare quoted prices and eliminate those that are not within the average range. Of course you want to save, but you wouldn’t want cheap subpar materials in your hastily built home for your family.

Ø  Builders can’t provide past clients or references – Unless you are their first client, a builder should be able to show you previously built homes. Beware of contractors who can’t give you the option to check on their past projects or talk to their previous clients.

Ø  Too many details missing in the contract – Are there too many estimated costs and ‘pending’ dates and details in the contract? Do not sign, ask for a detailed contract. Or better yet, find another more straightforward builder.

Ø  Builders asking huge deposit – A professional builder will agree to a payment scheme that will enable him to cover the expenses and costs according to the work progress. Stay away from builders who demand more than they are working on.

If you need help or guidance, there are always somebody who can help. Call us to know more about home building. Click here to get in touch with the best real estate agents who can help you find property investments or build your home in Brisbane.