It is essential to ask your builder the right questions before signing a contract. Why? Because ensuring that the contract is accurate and reliable will save you plenty of money and heartache in the future.
The most reputable construction law firms can help you define the perfect contract, and whilst you’re in the process of doing so you should keep these imperative questions written down and ready to go:
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Do you have your construction licence?
Every Australian builder must have a registered builder’s licence, and they should be more than happy to show it to you upon your request – this is the ultimate fundamental!
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Can I see some of your past work?
Naturally, you don’t want to choose a disreputable or inexperienced company for your new build, as this can often lead to all kinds of pain (time, monetary, emotional etc.).
Instead, you want to ensure that you will be going with a highly respected company that will happily show you examples of their work. Whether this is something as basic as photos or they show you around a display home or one of their client’s open homes, there should be absolutely no reason for a potential builder not to show you their work.
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What material brands do you use when building?
This is essential as you don’t want to end up stuck with a home built on shoddy materials.
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Can I choose the finishing touches on the home?
A quality builder will be more than happy to help you choose the finishing touches on your home, but will also be happy to allow you to explore your creative options and only enlist their assistance if you need it!
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Are you a local building company?
Local builders are passionate about their area and want nothing more than to see a high quality outcome.
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Will the price fluctuate?
The price should never stray from a fixed-price contract – so ensure that it will be this kind of contract before you sign as you don’t want any cheeky cost surprises awaiting you around the corner.
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What is your insurance cover?
Each Australian state has their own insurance standards, so check with the builder what their insurance cover is. They should be happy to talk about it and, if not, they may not be properly covered (something which could cause you difficulties in the future).
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Are you currently working on a few projects?
If the builder is currently working on a few projects, it may just so happen that they are not able to provide you with the time of day. You want a builder who is going to be attentive to your requests, and not one who is going to leave you in the dark at every turn whilst shirking their work. So be sure to ask how many projects they are currently working on to ensure they have the time for you.
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When can you start & what is your timeframe like?
You want to be able to plan the aspects of your new home throughout the building process, and this includes knowing when the building will commence and how long it will take.
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Do you design a variety of home styles?
Your potential builder may only design a particular style of home that doesn’t fit your desire, so be sure to ask what kind of homes they build and whether they are right for you.
