Have you been getting quotes and narrowing down your options, but are still unsure how to pick the right builder? For the duration of your project, you’ll be trusting your home and renovations to the builder you choose. This is not a light decision and must be thoroughly considered.

How do you know if you’re choosing the right builder? You need to feel confident and secure in your decision when choosing a builder. You want to feel like you’re in safe hands with an experienced professional. But how do you know which builders are professional and what questions can you ask to find out?

Interviewing your builder

A key way to feel confident when meeting with your builder is to have a strategy. This means all the builders you’re meeting with will be held to the same standard and helps ease your mind knowing that you’re not falling for any salesman tricks. A few questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line are:

1.     What work do you specialise in?

A builder that has experience or specialises in the project you’re getting done will take pride in making sure the project is completed to perfection. In contrast, if the proposed builder specialises in decks and pergolas, but you’re looking to remodel your bathroom, you might not be happy with the result.

2.     Who is on your team and who will be doing the work on-site?

Hiring a builder who has an in-house team supporting them is valuable. If your builder only uses subcontractors, it could be a red flag. Subcontractors are not bad, but having a team that always works together is much more reliable.

3.     How many projects do you have running?

Knowing how many projects the builder is currently undertaking tells you how much time they’ll be able to devote to your project. If you need your project completed quickly, you may want to choose a builder who has less projects on the go. Alternatively, if the proposed builder has been in business for 10 years and only has 2 projects, this may also be a red flag.

4.     How will you be communicating with me and how often?

Communication is the cornerstone of every relationship. This isn’t different when it comes to builder-homeowner relationships. If your builder doesn’t have a solid plan and project management system to keep you in the loop, you may feel neglected or like your job is slipping through the cracks.

5.     How do you approach variations, ect?

Do you want the freedom to change, add, or subtract home selections throughout the building process? You don’t want to get stuck with builder induced variations or markups. Whatever the change, you need assurance that your builder’s variation process is painless and documented.