Renovation Insight: How Do I Choose a Builder?
Three industry insiders reveal the secrets to selecting the right builder for your new build or renovation project
So you’ve decided to take the plunge and renovate – or construct – your dream home. Finding a builder you like and trust, and who understands your creative vision, can make all the difference to your experience of the construction process. We’ve asked three industry experts for advice on where to look and what to ask when selecting a builder for the job.
What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing a builder?
“Not doing their due diligence and checking things such as the quality of a builder’s work, how they run their business, and previous client reviews,” says Neil Turrell, director of Turrell Building Services. “Some clients don’t ask enough questions as they want to avoid looking like novices. This makes it easy for the builder to take advantage of them,” he says.
“Finding a builder you trust and get along with is so important on a renovation or new-home build,” says Melissa Woodcroft, project manager at Investwell Group Builders. “We often work with clients for up to 12 months prior to renovating or building, so it is definitely a long-term relationship. You should also make sure the builder and their team have great communication and are positive and friendly.”
“Not doing their due diligence and checking things such as the quality of a builder’s work, how they run their business, and previous client reviews,” says Neil Turrell, director of Turrell Building Services. “Some clients don’t ask enough questions as they want to avoid looking like novices. This makes it easy for the builder to take advantage of them,” he says.
“Finding a builder you trust and get along with is so important on a renovation or new-home build,” says Melissa Woodcroft, project manager at Investwell Group Builders. “We often work with clients for up to 12 months prior to renovating or building, so it is definitely a long-term relationship. You should also make sure the builder and their team have great communication and are positive and friendly.”
Where should you start looking for a builder?
Woodcroft recommends that you:
Woodcroft recommends that you:
- Seek referrals from architects and draftspeople who have previously built or renovated homes for friends or neighbours.
- Look for a good builder on websites such as Houzz, and read client reviews and testimonials.
- Review prospective builders’ websites. Look closely at their project gallery to see the level of finishes and attention to detail on each project.
What should you look for on a builder’s website?
“It’s not a prerequisite for a builder to have a website and many good builders work by word of mouth, but having a website is becoming more common,” says a spokesperson for the Housing Industry Association (HIA). “When you’re on a builder’s website, look closely at the quality of the homes they have built – from design and construction to the finishing touches.”
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“It’s not a prerequisite for a builder to have a website and many good builders work by word of mouth, but having a website is becoming more common,” says a spokesperson for the Housing Industry Association (HIA). “When you’re on a builder’s website, look closely at the quality of the homes they have built – from design and construction to the finishing touches.”
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At what stage in the building or renovating process should you approach prospective builders?
“For builders who just build, it’s best to engage them once you have gathered together all the relevant material they need to cost the job, including final plans for what you want, engineering details for any structural works, and scope of works,” says Turrell. The HIA spokesperson concurs, adding: “Having all this information, plus permits, helps the builder with forward planning and working out timelines”.
“However, a designer-builder should be engaged before the start of the design process,” says Turrell. “Coming in at the conceptual stage allows the designer-builder to tailor the design and bring up any potential issues before everything has been approved and permits have been issued,” adds the HIA spokeperson.
“For builders who just build, it’s best to engage them once you have gathered together all the relevant material they need to cost the job, including final plans for what you want, engineering details for any structural works, and scope of works,” says Turrell. The HIA spokesperson concurs, adding: “Having all this information, plus permits, helps the builder with forward planning and working out timelines”.
“However, a designer-builder should be engaged before the start of the design process,” says Turrell. “Coming in at the conceptual stage allows the designer-builder to tailor the design and bring up any potential issues before everything has been approved and permits have been issued,” adds the HIA spokeperson.
What questions should you ask?
Turrell suggests asking:
Turrell suggests asking:
- Is the builder licensed for the type of work you want carried out?
- Have they done this type of work before?
- Who do they have building contracts with? Or who have they had building contracts with?
- How many jobs do they have on the go, and how much attention can they give to your job?
- What is their background, ie where do they live? You don’t want your builder to live too far away in the event of a problem, such as a water leak.
- What materials do they use?
- Do they use in-house staff or sub-contractors (and do they use the same ones regularly)?
- Who is the main point of contact once the job starts?
Woodcroft suggests asking:
- What is their expected time frame to complete the project?
- What is their track record for meeting these time frames on previous jobs?
- Do they have clients willing to give a personal testimonial?
- What support staff do they have available prior to and during the project, such as an interior designer or project manager?
The HIA spokesperson suggests asking:
- Are they part of any recognised industry associations, such as the HIA?
- Have they won any industry awards?
- Do they have relevant insurance?
- Can you agree on a quote and prepare a timeline you’re both happy with?
What about any specialist skills?
You can save considerable time, money and hassle by choosing a builder who is experienced in the type of construction work you’re after. “This is particularly true with large renovation projects that involve house raising or second-storey additions where specialist skills are required,” says Woodcroft. “You wouldn’t want a one-man-band that does decks and pergolas doing a large-scale renovation or new build,” adds Turrell.
Specialist experience can also make a big difference to the smooth flow of a heritage project, says Woodcroft. “Having a builder who is familiar with character and heritage laws will mean that any items identified in the decision notice from the private certifier are met and the renovation is passed at the final inspection.”
Browse more inspiring home exteriors
You can save considerable time, money and hassle by choosing a builder who is experienced in the type of construction work you’re after. “This is particularly true with large renovation projects that involve house raising or second-storey additions where specialist skills are required,” says Woodcroft. “You wouldn’t want a one-man-band that does decks and pergolas doing a large-scale renovation or new build,” adds Turrell.
Specialist experience can also make a big difference to the smooth flow of a heritage project, says Woodcroft. “Having a builder who is familiar with character and heritage laws will mean that any items identified in the decision notice from the private certifier are met and the renovation is passed at the final inspection.”
Browse more inspiring home exteriors
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What was your experience choosing and working with a builder? We’d love to hear the professional and personal qualities you think are important. Comment below.
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Find a builder near you
What was your experience choosing and working with a builder? We’d love to hear the professional and personal qualities you think are important. Comment below.
More
Find a builder near you
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Anne Power