Are you ready to build a new property? Is it for investment or to occupy? Regardless of the purpose, how do you choose the right builder is critical to gaining longevity, low maintenance and a well-presented property.
How to choose the right builder
Your motive may differ from others. You may want to miminise some costs for an investment property or you may want superior workmanship to raise your family. There are hundreds of builders in Australia, but not all deliver the results you deserve. You need to understand your budget and motive before you choose the right builder. At Crest Property Investments we have affiliated with a number of builders Australia wide who we love and trust. When sourcing a house and land package or build on an existing plot of land, we spend time educating our buyers before we choose the right builder. If you plan to build a new house, here is a list of things to help you narrow your search. If in doubt we can recommend a builder that is right for you.
Create a list of objectives:
Before nominating a builder, you should create a list of objectives outlining what you want versus what you need. Better yet, create your list in priority order so you include what is most important. You may find the list of wants can cause you to over-budget, so be realistic and sensible. Some examples to add to your list are:
- A single-storey or double-story house
- Full turn-key or custom design
- French provincial or Hampton’s facade
- Open floor plan or closed living areas
- Fixture and fittings brands and sizes
Confirm the purpose of the house:
There are many different builders who specialise in different homes. Some may be for first home buyers while others may focus on high-end builds. The purpose behind your build is also important. This will further narrow your search on choosing the right builder. A builder focusing on first home buyers may not meet the expectations of a buyer looking for a luxury build.
Don’t listen to too many people:
Taking note from friends/family will often offer trusted advice as they want the best for you. However, many may be uneducated or inexperienced. Their advice may come from the right place, but it may not be the right advice. It is common for buyers to listen to too many people causing them more anxiety and stress. This can also have you become complacent and stop you from proceeding.
Review and Research:
To choose the right builder, ensure they are master builders. Ensure they have a full building license. Take note of their reviews and customer feedback, but most of all find out more about the builder’s experience. We aren’t saying younger building companies are incapable, but experience provides credibility. The more experience, the better their understanding for what you want. Some of the best builders may have in excess of 20 years.
Review a builder’s previous work:
No one builder is the same. Ask to see their building portfolio. Have they built double storey homes? What do they look like? Have they built homes similar to what you want? How many homes did they build last year? Do they include landscaping? Ask to see some photos too.
Does the builder have a warranty?
Master builders and licensed builders generally have 7 – 10 year structural warranties. This is an important conversation to have. A structural warranty does not cover minor defects or wear and tear. Understanding the warranty will provide comfort and assurance before proceeding. Don’t be shy to see their warranty offer in writing.
Employ a lawyer, solicitor or qualified conveyancer?
Once you have finally made a choice to use a particular builder, employ a qualified lawyer, solicitor or conveyancer to review the contract. The contract will be favourable to the builder, but you must learn the terms and conditions before signing. A qualified person can review the contract in detail ensuring you understand what you are getting yourself into. They may or may not charge for this service, but they will complete a thorough due diligence on your behalf. If certain content in unacceptable, they will inform you immediately. They will also write to the builder’s solicitor about the issue, looking to amend or remove it from the contract.
Visit the Display Home
The best way to get a tangible feel is to visit their Display Home. Many great builders have them, but many of them do not. Don’t judge a reputable builder on having one or not. If they do not have a Display Home, ask to see a complete or near complete house. In our personal opinion, viewing a complete or near complete home is more transparent. It’s more realistic to see the same home you want rather than the Display Home that has all the inclusions, which you may not afford. A Display Home does however demonstrate the builder’s capability as it showcases more inclusions and some of their best work. At Crest Property Investments, we always walk through a home with our buyers before purchasing. It creates more questions and provides more peace of mind. You can see the colour schemes and see the fixture and fittings. It provides a great opportunity to view the quality and value for money.
What to do next?
In conclusion, obtain qualified advice from a property adviser. To choose the right builder, a property adviser can help create your list of objectives, refine your search and present some opportunities to review. If you’d like to learn more about building a custom home, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to help with your property purchase.
Our YouTube channel and Market Insights also provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
Feb 2020
