How to Decide What Home Builder Best Suits Your Needs

Building your first home can be an exciting yet daunting experience – especially when trying to find a builder that aligns with exactly what you want.

So, how do you know what to look for when you compare home builders in Brisbane?

Keep reading for the best tips and tricks on choosing a builder that is perfect for you.

The First Step: Know What You Want

Before looking for an experienced home builder to help you create a perfect home that meets all of your needs, you first need to have a good idea of what you want.

Your desired design and size are key factors when planning a project.

For example, if you have a large family and want a 5-bedroom house, then you should hire a builder who specialises in larger builds.

If you’re downsizing and planning to build a compact one-story house, it doesn’t make sense to hire a building company that mostly builds top of the range luxury houses.

Create a List of Home Builders

Every builder is different. Each one will have different specialties, from design styles to building methods and preferred architectural materials.

Some builders offer optional extras, including finance, for first-time buyers.

A good idea is to make a list of local builders to help you narrow down your options and pick one who suits you best (more about this below).

Decide what is important to you, for example, using eco-friendly building materials, type of aesthetics, etc.

Price and Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, choose a builder that is familiar with your preferred building location, as they will usually offer the most competitive rates.

When it comes to deciding on a builder, it’s important that you pick one that specialises in your type of project so that they fit with your budget.

For instance, you get specialist builders for new home buyers, medium-sized projects, upscale projects with high-end designs, as well as high budget luxury builders.

If your project is for a small, simple home, it doesn’t make sense to approach a builder who mostly builds large custom houses because their time and expertise won’t be worth the low margin.

Look At References

Arguably, there is no better way to find the best home builder than by looking at references, reviews and word-of-mouth.

It will be extremely beneficial to spend a few hours looking at online reviews or reaching out to the builder’s past or current clients.

Ask them for their honest opinion on their experience with the building process, how any issues were dealt with, the builder’s communication style, and other important things you should know.

A good builder won’t hesitate to give you their references or contact details of past clients.

Home Style and Preferences

When you’re planning on building a new home, you will likely have a specific style in mind – whether it’s modern, rustic, simplistic, traditional, or something else.

Most builders specialise in a certain style, and building in a way they are unfamiliar or inexperienced with can be rather challenging (and costly). It may end up in you getting a home that wasn’t quite what you envisioned.

From the start, you need to be clear about your style preference and your creative visions, so that you can find the right match.

Most builders will be able to show you a portfolio of their previous work, as well as an opportunity to view some display homes to truly get a feel of what you can expect when working with them.

Licences, Registrations and Insurance

It’s crucial that you ensure the builder you will be working with is properly qualified and legally permitted to work in construction.

Check that they have a valid building licence (not expired), are registered with the Housing Industry of Australia (HIA), and have sufficient, current insurance to give you complete peace of mind (look for Public Liability Insurance and Home Building Compensation (HBC).

If the builder refuses or is hesitant to show you their credentials, you should be wary of working with them.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect home builder for your dream home doesn’t have to be a difficult or stressful experience.

If you know what you want in terms of your preferred building style and your budget, as well as put in the effort to check up on the builder’s references and past customers – you will be well on your way to finding the perfect fit to suit your needs.