Building your dream home can be one of the most exciting journeys you ever go on. It might also be one of your largest investments. That’s why it’s vital that you entrust the building process to somebody capable and worthy of the job. Selecting the right builder could save you thousands of dollars and hours of heartache. 

Here are the essential questions you should be asking when it comes to choosing a builder to make sure that you get the right team for the job. 

Why you should be asking these questions

Asking the right questions should give you an insight into your builder’s approach, expertise and commitment. It might also provide an indication whether the price you’ve been quoted is likely to climb. 

Sadly, there are a number of rogue builders in the game, as well as over-leveraged companies unable to meet their commitments. Thoroughly researching your builder is the best way to protect yourself and your build. 

What kind of experience do you have?

One of the first questions to ask a builder at any pre construction meeting is what kind of experience they have. This will give you some idea of the size of their company, as well as showing you how long they’ve been working. Builders with lots of relevant experience are likely to have built strong connections in the construction industry, as well as weathered various downturns. 

Novus Homes have over 30 years of experience in construction, so we understand one size does not fit all. We are used to adapting to circumstances and tailoring our approach to make a project work. 

What is your reputation like?

Asking a builder what their reputation is like is a good question because it will provide some insight into what kind of working relationship you are likely to have. 

Different companies have very different approaches, and individuals have different temperaments. You need the right chemistry with your builder to make sure the building process runs smoothly. 

Are you involved in any ongoing disputes?

While being involved in an ongoing dispute doesn’t automatically indicate a builder is at fault, it is a red flag. It’s also a sign that they have an ongoing matter that might sap their time and attention away from your project. 

Have you ever been declared bankrupt?

Another red flag. When committing to a process that involves as much time and expense as building a home, you want to make sure that your builder can see the process through to completion. 

Can we see some of your work?

This is a great way to see if your vision aligns with the builder you’re meeting with. You could also ask them for client testimonials and details or any awards they might have won. Any experienced builder with satisfied customers will have many examples of their work to show you. 

Asking how many homes they’ve built in Western Australia will also speak volumes about their track record. 

Do you work in the same area I’m building? 

Local experience is a great asset for your builder to have. If they’ve built homes in your suburb, these will provide direct examples of their work. You might also have the opportunity to speak with neighbours or people who live close by about their experience of working with the builder. 

On a practical level, builders who work in the same area that you are building should also be familiar with local council regulations, and potentially have established relationships with local organisations. They should also have an understanding of local landscapes, soil and amenities that will assist them with your build. 

The legalities

While chemistry and connection will play a part in how you select a builder, there are also basic legalities that you can’t ignore, the most important one being working with a registered builder. 

Are you a licensed builder?

You must verify that your builder has a valid builder’s license for Western Australia. It’s illegal for a builder to operate in this state without a licence from Building and Energy WA. They also need to be registered with the Building Services Board. You can check any builder’s registration here. 

What types of insurances do you have?

One of the most important things to ask your builder is what insurances they have. By law, a builder must take out Home Indemnity Insurance in the name of the homeowner. This will protect you from loss if the builder dies, becomes insolvent or is unable to complete the work. 

You might also want to ask your builder whether they have Public Liability Insurance to cover any damage to third parties during the build, as well as Professional Indemnity Insurance and Workers’ Compensation, to indicate they take health and safety seriously. 

What kind of warranty do you provide?

A reputable builder should provide Homeowners Warranty Insurance to cover you against faulty or incomplete builds. Ask for proof of insurance for added peace of mind.

You should ask how long their warranty will cover you for in terms of structural issues, as well as non-structural ones. 

Pricing

When considering what to ask your builder, pricing is obviously a key concern. It’s also more complex than just requesting a quote. You will need to clarify exactly what’s included and what the pricing terms are. 

What’s included in my build?

Before you agree to sign a contract, make sure you know exactly what’s included in the build, and what is not. While there may be some standard inclusions, the best way to do this is to ask for a comprehensive inclusions list. This should list fixtures, fittings, finishes, landscaping and any potential upgrades. 

Every builder works differently and some will put together a very minimalist package, while others include premium appliances as a standard. Every builder should have a specifications list. If you’re in any doubt, it can also be worth asking what is not included, so that you have a complete picture. 

What contracts do you use - fixed price?

You should also clarify the type of contract that your builder is using, particularly as prices for labour and materials continue to fluctuate. 

A fixed-price contract, which is also known as a lump sum contract, means the builder commits to your build for a set price, regardless of any unforeseen issues, changes, or delays. Novus Homes believes this is the fairest way to price a build, and this is the type of building contract we use. 

Some builders prefer to work with a cost-plus contract, which charges the client for the actual cost of the build, plus an additional profit margin. There is also the option to agree to a guaranteed maximum price, which sets a ceiling price for the project. 

Each of these contracts has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important you understand what you are signing up to. 

Is there flexibility to change designs once I’ve signed the contract? 

While you may think you’ve pinned your perfect design down, you might be tempted to make little tweaks along the way. It’s important to clarify upfront if you are able to change features of your design during the process, and what the additional costs will be. 

Timings

The average build can take anything from 12 - 24 months. Obviously, the duration for your build will depend on its size and complexity, but it’s a good idea to ask your builder for a time estimate.  

How long will my build take?

A trustworthy builder should be able to give you a realistic schedule, as well as let you know how he expects the timeline to look. Be wary of anyone promising something that seems too good to be true on the time front; it usually is. 

What happens if the build takes longer than the contracted time?

You should ask your builder to stipulate a build time in your contract. But you also need to know what they intend to do should the project overrun. An experienced builder should have a contingency plan, and time factored in for delays. You may be entitled to penalties or compensation in the case of a project drastically overrunning. 

What else have you got on?

Another question to ask your builder is what else they’re working on. While a full workload will indicate they have a good reputation, you want to be sure they haven’t overcommitted to other projects, and that they will have the time they say they will to allocate to your build. 

The process

Once you’re satisfied with a builder’s approach and ideas, you should question them on the process itself and the people involved. 

Who will supervise the build? 

How hands on is the principal likely to be? You want to know who your point of contact is so that you can understand the accountability and who to approach if you have questions or need to make decisions. 

What kind of communication can I expect?

This feeds neatly into asking what kind of communication you can expect from your builder. It’s important to know how often the builder will provide updates about the build’s progress and using what method. Is there an online portal where progress can be posted? Does your builder offer regular meetings or will most of your communication come through text and email? 

Will they provide photos and details or allow site visits? You need to decide how much input and involvement you want to have and find a builder who can accommodate that. But be realistic; there’s a fine line between being hands on, and getting in the way. 

Do you have long established relationships with your trades?

Knowing that your builder has good relationships with his trades and subcontractors provides you with peace of mind. It shows that they trust whoever is working on your home, so that you can too. 

Strong relationships with trades also often leads to fewer delays and a better quality of work, as well as the ability to troubleshoot should any problems arise. 

What kind of aftercare can I expect?

Your building journey isn’t over when you get the keys. An established builder will provide the kind of aftercare, including communication and warranties, that allows you to feel at home in your new home. 

Experienced builders know that businesses grow on the back of word of mouth. Ensuring you feel happy and established in your new home once the build is complete is the best way to ensure a recommendation. 

How Novus Homes can help

In our 30 years of building experience, we’ve completed thousands of homes and we understand how important it is to get things right. 

We take pleasure in crafting and creating beautiful homes that often exceed our clients’ expectations. Our strong reputation for quality and reliability demonstrates we understand what our clients need and how to transform their dreams into reality smoothly and seamlessly. 

If you’d like to speak to us about a build you’re considering, our friendly team would be happy to speak with you.