Floating Floor Options

Graham From Parkdale

Upon deciding that we would like to install a floating floor over our slab to replace our old carpet, we found that the price varied from $30 to $100 per square metre. What are we paying for with ... continue reading

Building a Pergola

Amanda from Tooradin

I am looking at adding a pergola/entertainment area onto the back of my house. I know that there are two options with building materials including timber and steel, but am not sure which material is ... continue reading

Kitchen Face-lift

Gail From Balnarring

We have just moved into a fantastic 6 year old dream home in Balnarring. The kitchen is in good condition but we would like to upgrade it with todays colours and add our personal touch. Is there a ... continue reading

Hydronic Heating

Carley from Balnarring

We are in the process of building a new home and would like it to be as environmentally friendly and efficient as possible. We have heard about Hydronic Heating but do not know anything about it, ... continue reading

Show all Q & A

!!! Winners !!!

posted 2 hours, 56 minutes ago

And The Winners ... continue reading

Timber Floor Special

posted 1 week, 51 minutes ago

Don't miss these specials on Timber flooring... Mountain Timber products are dropping prices on all the following untill 31st May 2010. ... continue reading

Timber Flooring Sensation - Sale Now On!

posted 1 month, 1 week, 3 days, 17 hours, 35 minutes ago

Hurry in to Perfect Timber Floors for these huge ... continue reading

CBA Mortgage Innovations Manager in Store

posted 2 months, 1 week, 5 days, 2 hours, 51 minutes ago

Relax. I'll come to you... Home Loans at your convenience to Finance your ... continue reading

Show all News

Non-Firable Asbestos Removal Course (Class B)

Tuesday 9:00 am, 23rd March 2010

This WorkSafe recognised course is aimed at supervisors and others directly involved in the process of non-friable asbestos ... continue reading

Certficate III OHS - (Occupational Health & Safety)

Tuesday 8:30 am, 13th April 2010

Participants are required to undertake a range of assessment activities. ... continue reading

Master Builders - Green Living

Wednesday 9:00 am, 14th April 2010

An accredited category of Master Builders course for environmentally aware builders and building public to pursue sustainability options for their constructions. ... continue reading

Builder Registration Course - Cert IV in Building & Construction #2

Friday 9:00 am, 21st May 2010

Recognised by the Building Practitioners Board as the qualification towards registration as a ... continue reading

Show all Events

Show all Courses

10 tips on Finding a Builder

Building a house is a lifetime investment for most of us.

So you need to find a builder who is reliable and can deliver the goods he promises on time.

People & Plans

How do you do that?

1) Ask family and friends for recommendations of builders that they have used.

2) Create a list of builders that you would consider using.

3) Before hiring a builder be sure to inspect some of their completed work and at least one ongoing project.

4) Be sure of thecredentials of the builder and ask to see their membership to building groups such as HIA or MBA.

5) Make sure that they are licensed and as there are different grades of license make sure that they have the correct type.

6) Find out what other jobs they currently have on the go and that they cant spend the time to properly manage your job.

7) Do they have the appropriate insurance?

8) What is the time frame for the works? Request a works schedule so that you can follow the progress of the job.

9) Be clear on the overall cost and the stages at which the progress payments are required. Demand notification before any major 'extra's' work goes ahead.

10) Carefully read the contract. Easy to understand contracts are available from HIA stationary retailers.  

Don’t judge the builder by the fee charged, whether it is high or low. Look for the quality of his work and the materials used in his previous projects. Study and compare the different quotes that you receive as a less detailed quote may also result in a finished job of lesser quality. The builder must be willing to have all agreements in writing.

Finally, communication is the key! If you feel that the builder will not listen to your requests take your business elsewhere. Make sure they are going to build YOUR dream house, not THEIRS!

 

HIDC Exhibitor(s) who specialise in this area;

American Homes

Farm Houses Of Australia

Gilpip Homes

Rodian Homes

Technosteel Lightweight Steel House Frames and Roof Trusses

Waterfront Homes