Building a home is a highly rewarding and lucrative investment. Also, for many potential homeowners, building a house is a lifelong dream. However, the personal and financial investment is significant, hence why you shouldn’t take things lightly. Having the right team is essential, and that starts with the builder. Choosing the right builder for your needs will save you time and frustration; allowing you to enjoy your new home more fully.
Even more, the construction process is a gruesome one, so having the right person in the driver’s seat is imperative. Don’t get discouraged by all this. Rather, double down on finding the perfect builder for your new home. To streamline it all, here are a few tips.
1. Research their reputation.
So, how do you know if a construction professional is serious and meets your expectations? Well, you might have to dig into their history for clues on their reputation. This is one area where word of mouth is king, mostly because you can see tangible truth right up front. How? Let’s say you live in Western Victoria, Australia, and you’re at a friend’s house. If you notice that their home has a unique design, go ahead and ask them who was in charge of the entire construction process, or who the builder was. This will get you started on your research and help you to determine what it is you want versus what you don’t want.
When researching builders, companies such as Dennis Family Homes are a good example of the type of contractors you need to be on the lookout for. They’re a 2018 winner of the Western Victoria Regional Housing Awards – amongst others
– and their company was built on the principle that everyone should be able to afford the home of their dreams. Regardless of the price range, they offer high-quality, sustainable designs. Besides being sustainable, their structures are also energy-efficient, offering a blend of modern and traditional principles.
Once you’re on board, they’ll present you with a design pattern, template and prototype to ensure you’re both on the right path. They’ll then proceed with the builder pattern, informing you every step of the way.
2. Understand their niche.
Not everyone has the same taste and preference. When it comes to building a home, different designs, layouts, and building materials come to play. And this is something many builders have figured out. So, while you may find some all-rounders, some builders tend to stick to a niche. While some work with sustainable and modern materials and designs, others are more skilled with traditional layouts. If you prefer a more minimalist approach to construction, there are builders more suited to that.
3. Know your budget.
Before looking for a builder, it’s vital to know exactly how much money you’re working with. Proper budgeting further helps with proper planning. Ask the builder to present a detailed budget that meets your project’s price and duration requirements. We also recommend that they also show a progress schedule for the work. Of course, the price will vary for entry-level builders from more professional high-end building contractors. It all depends on your budget.
4. Take your time.
One mistake most people make is approaching a builder with little to no idea of what they want. Don’t be that person. Your uncertainty will only result in a quote that is far higher than your budget. It’s just like heading to the market with no idea of what you want to buy – or without a price and quantity in mind. Generally, planning ahead is beneficial in all facets of life, so why act any different when building your new home?
5. Bank on one general contractor.
Keep in mind that you will be spending quite a bit of time with the builder you choose, so make sure you have one general contractor to manage the whole project. Sure, the general contractor will take a little commission here and there, but it’s well worth it. Trying to handle a myriad of services on your own is not as easy as it looks. So, let go of those few extra bucks and buy some peace of mind.