Home Innovations Display Centre

11 Tips on Finding a Builder

Building a house is a lifetime investment. You can't afford for it to go horribly wrong. Use this guide to find a builder who is reliable and can deliver the goods he promises on time.

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 the credentials 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' work goes ahead.

10) Don't be afraid to ask questions, no matter how simple or silly they may seem. A good builder can give clear, informed and honest answers without adding to your confusion. 

11) Carefully read the contract. Make sure you are clear with everything written within it. Don't agree to or sign anything that you are not prepared to. 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.

Remember, always be clear to your builder with what you want done and when. Giving them a strict idea of your needs will ensure they won't become confused with your ideas and create something you did not want. If possible, create a scrapbook or a notebook filled with plans and notions that you wish to explore and give it to your potential builder to look at. This will enable them to picture your dream home and eliminate potential designs that you would not like.

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

Croft Wootton Constructions

Master Builders Association of Victoria

Metricon Homes Pty Ltd

O’Sheas Timber & Trusses