ADVICE
To celebrate our newly “renovated” web site we would love to share some knowledge with you and are pleased to provide our clients and potential clients with some important information in “What to look for when choosing a builder”. Even if you decide to use someone else or hold off for a while, we hope you find the following information useful and by all means feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the information below or our services in general. Thanks for visiting.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BUILDER
Use a Licensed Builder
Make sure your builder is correctly licensed. Licensed builders are required by law to upgrade their knowledge throughout the year in order to retain their license. Check online with the Department of Fair Trading to ensure their license is current, fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Check for Insurance
Make sure your builder is correctly insured. Your builder needs Public Liability & Construction Insurance. For projects over $20,000, Home Builders Compensation Fund Insurance is required to protect you in the event your builder is unable to complete the project. Before you pay your deposit, you should receive your Home Building Compensation Fund Insurance certificate (otherwise known as Home Owners Warranty).
The Builder’s Reputation
Check the builders track record and completed work to make sure they are experienced. Also ask for testimonials from previous clients to ensure the quality and integrity of the builder is what you would expect at your house.
Communication
Always choose a builder you are comfortable with, trust and with whom you can communicate well with. They could be at your house for long periods, depending on your project, so you need to have a good relationship with them.
Compare Apples With Apples
Compare your quotes carefully. Make sure everything you have discussed is included in the quotation. Sometimes a cheaper quote can mean essential items are missing or may result in the use of lower quality materials or poor management of the project.
Value For Money
Be careful not to go for the cheapest quote simply because it is the cheapest. You may get what you pay for, with an unqualified and uninsured person completing your work for you with a substandard finish on the project.
Plans
If you are supplying drawings and plans, the plans should include site plans, floor plans, elevations and perspectives. The plans should also include the details of the materials to be used including flooring, roofing and windows. This way, the builder knows exactly what to quote on and quotes you receive will be consistent.
Contract
Make sure the contract you sign is a legally binding document that contains details about progress payments, the specifications of the job (including finishes, materials used, appliances and fixtures) and a me frame of the work. A builder may use a contract obtained from their industry association or have their own drawn up.
Payment Plan
Don’t choose a builder who is asking for more than 10% deposit and look at how they structure their progress payments. Always agree on the payment schedule with your builder prior to signing any contract.
