Choosing a Builder: 7 Things to Consider Before You Get Started
So you’ve decided to build a new home. This is an incredibly exciting process that will result in years of enjoyment for you and your family. But before you can start, you need to choose the right home builder for your project. This isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we created this guide – to help you narrow down your options and find the builder that’s a perfect match for you and your family. Let’s get started.
There are a few things you should consider when choosing a builder, we’ve narrowed it down to 7 key things to look for:
- Specific experience
- Track record
- Price point
- Personal connection
- Project process
- Communication channels
- Industry recognition
This guide will dive into each of these in detail to help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing your builder. Take your time and do your research to find the builder that’s right for you. And if you need any help, our team at Watara Homes is always happy to chat.
How to Find the Right Builder for Your New Home
Your Brisbane custom home will likely be one of the biggest investments you make in your life, so you’ll want to make sure it comes together exactly how you imagined it. In this article, we’ll discuss the common mistakes to avoid and our top tips for choosing from the many builders in your area.
1. Make Sure the Builder Has Specific Experience
When you’re choosing a builder to build the home of your dreams, you want a builder that specialises in certain types of projects; the types of projects that you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for a luxury custom home, it’s always best to find builders with experience with these projects.
Experience is important for a couple of reasons: obviously, you’d like the peace of mind that your project will result in a beautiful home; but you’ll also need a builder that can ensure your project will run smoothly. Building a custom home is by no means a quick project, but familiarity with projects like yours will mean it runs to schedule and with ease.
Do some research on builders in your area and see which ones stand out to you. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to move on to the next criterion.
2. Track Record
The next step is to consider the builder’s track record. Have they completed projects on time and on budget? Do their homes meet and exceed expectations? You can ask your builder for references and check out online reviews to get a sense of their reputation. Or perhaps you’ve heard about the builder from word of mouth? It’s always a good sign when previous clients share their positive experiences.
3. Does Their Price Point Work for You?
As you get further into your builder selection criteria, you’ll start to understand the cost of working with a particular builder.
Price is a major factor when considering the construction of a new house. You want to make sure that your budget is reasonable for the project and that the builder you select can provide the level of service you need to make your dream home a reality. Even though the price is a significant aspect it’s not always the best decision to choose a builder based on the cheapest quote. You need to understand the quote and compare what’s included and excluded as there may be substantial differences between them.
The key to finding the right builder for your new home starts with understanding what price point you are comfortable with. Read our guide on how to form a realistic budget for your project to learn more.
4. Factor Personal Connection Into Your Choice of Builder
In addition to finding an experienced builder with a good reputation, you also want to find someone you can connect with on a personal level. After all, you’ll be working closely with them throughout the build process. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable communicating with the builder and if they seem like someone you can trust.
Schedule a meeting with your potential builder to get a sense of their communication style and see if they’re someone you can see yourself working with for the duration of the project. Building a new home is a significant investment, so you want to make sure you have a good personal connection with your builder. Do they take the time to understand your vision for the project? Are they easy to communicate with? Trust your gut on this one – if you don’t feel comfortable with the builder, it’s probably not worth moving forward.
5. Project Process
Another thing to consider is the builders’ project process. How do they handle the construction of your home? Do they use quality materials and work with experienced tradespeople? Do they have a solid plan in place to ensure the build goes smoothly? Getting answers to these questions will give you a better understanding of what it’s like to work with the builder and how they operate.
You should also ask about the builder’s warranty and after-sales service. This is important in case you have any issues with your home after you move in.
6. Communication Channels
It’s important to find a builder who has open communication channels. This means they should be available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the build process. They should also keep you updated on the progress of the project so you know what’s going on at all times.
Be sure to ask your potential builders about their preferred communication channels (email, phone, in person, etc.) and make sure they’re aligned with your preferences. You should also find out how often they’ll be on-site during the build. It’s important to have a good working relationship with your builder, so communication is key. You should have regular check-ins throughout the build so you can stay up-to-date on the progress and address any concerns.
7. Industry Recognition
Last but not least, you want to ensure you’re working with a builder who is respected in the industry. This means they should have experience building quality houses and be well-known in the Brisbane area.
You can ask your potential builder for references, to walk through a current project or check out their website to see if they’ve won any awards or been featured in any publications. Industry recognition is a good indicator that you’re working with a reputable builder who produces quality work.
Choosing a builder is an important decision – you want to make sure you find someone who is experienced, has a good reputation and is respected in the industry. Be sure to ask your potential builder about all that is mentioned above.
Choosing the Right Builder is an Important Decision
We hope this guide has given you some things to think about as you start your search and armed you with the key tips for choosing a builder to support your journey. It’s an incredibly exciting process and we wish you all the best in finding the right fit for your home as you do your due diligence.
If you’re looking to renovate, extend or have a custom home built in Brisbane City or surrounds, we’d be honoured to make your shortlist. Feel free to get in touch with us today so we can understand more about your project and take you through the great work we’ve been doing for past and current clients.