When embarking on a construction project, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right builder. You need to ensure the company you pick is transparent, reliable, cost-effective and shares the same vision as you.
With so many options out there, the process of choosing a builder can seem overwhelming. It may be tempting to rush things along and make a decision based simply on the cheapest quote – but cutting corners in the selection process can end up costing you far more in the long run.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help you make the right decision – and begin the exciting journey of creating your dream home.
Do your research
Before you turn to the internet, consider whether friends, family or colleagues may be able to recommend a builder. When someone you know and trust has had a good experience with hiring a builder, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders and makes it much easier to approach your home improvement project with confidence.
If you do need to take your search online, make sure you research the builder’s values, track record and years of experience carefully. All good builders will have a quality website with this information plus examples of completed projects and any awards they’ve won. Customer testimonials can also help, although you may want to use an unbiased review website like Google. You could also check out the company’s social media pages to see what clients are saying about them. Don’t be afraid to message people who have left comments on social media to ask them about their experiences.
Each project is unique, so you may also want to prioritise a builder who has experience in the kind of work you are planning. Again, checking websites and social media can be very useful for finding out more about the type of projects the company has worked on, whether they have the licenses you need and what you can expect from the end result.
Arm yourself with the right questions
You’ve picked some builders to approach – now you want to make sure you have a comprehensive list of questions to ask during that initial phone call. First of all, you want to gauge whether the builder you’re thinking of using is transparent about the costs involved and the timeframe of the project. Be wary of anyone who is evasive, vague or promises a low-cost build in a very small amount of time – if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
It’s also important to enquire about how the company plans to keep you updated during the build. Is there an online client portal with information about the progress of the project and will there be regular site meetings?
Make sure you’re clear on what the contract involves and clarify when you will be required to sign (this should be at the point of gaining Building Rules Consent and no sooner). You’ll also want to find out if contracts are fixed price and what happens if things change during the build or an aspect was missed or forgotten.
Schedule a face-to-face meeting
Once you’ve narrowed down your search, set up a face-to-face meeting with your top contenders. Building a home is a lengthy project that means working with your builder for many months – so having a good rapport is essential. You’ll want to make sure the builder you choose is approachable and always on hand to update you or answer any questions about the build. If your builder is personable and answers queries quickly and confidently during your meeting, you’ll know you’ve found the right person for the task.
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To find out more about choosing the right builder for your project, get in touch with the team at Edina Building Group today.
