Finding an honest local builder
For every owner builder story where things turned out great, there seems to be ten where the whole experience turned into a complete mess on all fronts, financially, legally, and construction wise.
Horror stories abound, with some quite minor such as installing the wrong coloured tiles in the bathroom and having to fight to get them changed, or the more severe with houses crumbling at the foundation, leaky roofs, dodgy brickwork, hazardous electrical installations, and leaking septic tanks.
Causing financial nightmares for owner-builders also seems to be stock in trade for many disreputable local builders, with subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, etc.) putting liens on unfinished properties because they have yet to be paid by the builder you contracted. Unfortunately, more than a few owner-builders have found themselves in court and forced to pay for the work twice.
It’s not hard to see how a dream home can come crashing down around your ears if you rush into finding a builder and take the first one which comes along.
To help you get a quality roof over your head without all the stress, use the following tips to find an honest builder.
Verify the credentials of the builder?
State authorities handle the issuing of licensing for all the trades which require them. Ensuring you use a licensed builder will provide some protection against dodgy business dealings and that all completed works will be safe. Each state provides the means to check that builders are licensed via their websites, and it takes but a minute.
Check the builder is adequately insured?
Insurance is a safety net for you should things go wrong so always check that your builder has the following insurance policies: Public Liability Insurance, Home Warranties Insurance, and Contract Works Insurance.
Request referrals or to see examples of previous work?
Any builder who isn’t happy to give you details about previous clients, so you can check up on the type of quality they will provide should probably be avoided. The work they have completed in the past will also give a good indication as to whether they have the necessary skills and qualifications you need.
Get a comprehensive builders quote and get more than one?
For every honest builder out there, there will be three willing to pull a fast one and take advantage of your supposed lack of experience in the industry. Getting three quotes at a minimum will mean you have at least a ballpark figure about the true cost of your build.
Be as detailed as possible about your goals for the build, and ensure each builder is quoting on the same things; there’s no point to comparing apples to oranges.
If a quote seems a little on the low side compared to the others, then it’s a safe bet that you will be hit up with hidden costs at a time when you will have no option but to front up with the money. You may also be forced to delay the build indefinitely while you battle it out in court.
Never settle for a builder based on their quote alone. Most times, experience and a solid reputation are the only guarantees of quality work and well worth the few extra dollars.
Can you understand the building contract?
Don’t sign a building contract you can’t make head nor tails of or haven’t read at all. If parts of the contract are as clear as mud don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always take all the time you need to ensure you know what you are signing exactly.
Don’t be pressured into signing something until you are ready. Shady dealers desperate for work may try pressuring tactics such as imminent price hikes if you don’t sign right now.
Get started with a great local builder today?
Are you worried about who you can trust when it comes to builders who are local to your area? Tradebusters Connect knows who the reputable operators are and all it takes for you to find them is to visit our website at tradebustersconnect.com.au.
We’ve done our research to find the best reputable local builders in your area.
Other Useful Links:
Building Quantity Surveyors Sydney
Building Estimation Services Eastern Suburbs
House Builders in Hills District
New House Builders in Upper North Shore
New House Builder in Northern Beaches
Local Builders Eastern Suburbs
Local Builders Lower North Shore
Local Builders Northern Beaches