Choosing a Builder

Finding a builder is simple. Finding a builder you can trust and who fits within your personal budget and vision is a task that requires a little more careful selection. Hiring the right builder is essential to creating a positive building experience.

Many people trying to build or renovate their home have an extremely frustrating building experience, dealing with builders who demonstrate poor workmanship, don't turn up when promised, and ignore their concerns. To satisfy your needs, a builder with high levels of skill and knowledge, personal qualities of honesty, integrity and patience and an acceptance of your goals and budget is required.

So what criteria should you use to select an appropriate builder? A number of considerations include:

• Qualifications- it goes without saying that the builder should be a licensed building practitioner, which can be checked on a public registrar. Registered membership with organizations such as Master Builders also enhances credibility as a skilled and reliable professional.
• Price- make sure you are paying a fair price for the job, but don’t automatically select the cheapest option. Builders who charge significantly less will often cut corners to get the job done, reducing the quality of your home, or will rely on overly-expensive variations along the way.
• Guarantees- whether they offer any, what is covered by these, and what rights you will have to make necessary alterations.
• Personality- while skill is certainly the most important characteristic in a builder, you need to feel that communication is open and comfortable right from the outset to avoid complications later on.

It is advisable to get an independent opinion to reaffirm your choice.