You’ve decided that you want to build your first home. Building is a fun and exciting process. It allows you to be aspirational and creative, and your reward is a stunning home - created just for you. 

Partnering with the right builder will make all the difference to your building experience. Across Australia there are a vast number of builders to choose from. From small operators offering bespoke, custom-built architecturally designed homes, to larger residential construction companies who not only offer bespoke homes, but home and land packages and a variety of pre-designed plans for you to choose from. 

Understanding what option best fits your needs and your budget is important.  Custom-built homes can often be more expensive but will be unique to you and built to match your exact needs. Home and land packages can be a good option for first home buyers as they make the process simple and can offer a more cost-effective option if you’re on a tight budget.

Once you’ve considered what type of home you’re wanting to build, you can start having conversations with potential builders to see if they’re the right fit.
Here’s 10 questions to help you find your perfect builder:

1. Are you registered?

Master Builders Australia (MBA) is the body that represents 32,000 building professionals across Australia. Working with an MBA member can give you the confidence that your builder is backed by a national organisation.

2. How long have you been building for?

In building, experience counts. Experienced builders are able to anticipate issues before they arise and often have a better handle on costs involved than less experience builders.

3. What are your sustainability practices?

Building sustainably isn’t just about adding in solar panels, it’s important to discover things like - how do they dispose of construction waste and what elements do they include in their home designs to ensure its energy efficient and future-proofed for technology.

4. Can I see a finished home?

The proof is most definitely in the pudding when it comes to builders. Inspecting a builder’s workmanship and attention to detail in the finished product is always a good idea.

5. Have you won any awards for your work?

Many builders have been recognised for the homes they’ve built, giving you added confidence that you’re partnering with someone who delivers the highest quality standards in their homes. 

6. What warranties do you provide? 

Builders have varying warranties in place for the structure of the home, plus the inclusions in the home such as appliances, hot water systems and fixtures. So, it’s a good idea to understand what your builder warranty includes as it will vary by builder. 

7. Do you have insurance?

Builders should have public liability insurance which will protect you from claims for any damage made to other people’s property during the construction process.

8. What’s included in your price?

There’s a lot involved in the process of building a new home. It’s important to know exactly what the price on your contract includes. What are the standard inclusions? And more importantly what it doesn’t it include… 

9. What is excluded in your price?

Hidden costs such as driveways and landscaping can surprise you at the end of a project. Make sure you understand what isn’t covered in your building agreement so you plan your finances accordingly.

10. How long will construction take?

If you’re renting while you build, the answer to this question will help you plan your finances better. If you’re lucky enough to be staying with family during the build, a move-in date will prove you won’t be staying forever!