Finding a Builder - Nail Down Your Search
Finding a builder is a popular search term on Google, but it’s not very specific.
Punch that term into Google and you unleash an avalanche of marketing, designed to grap your attention, and more likely you’ll wonder away from what you were hoping to find.
To be more specific in your search to find the right kind of builder for your project, it helps to first define exactly what type of work or project you are planning.
For example, do you need a new kitchen? Or new bathroom? Do you need to make structural alterations to walls or build an extension with extra rooms and create more space, are you looking for a house & land package? Or do you just want someone to paint a room, fix the window and change the door?
This range of work covers handymen right though to project home builders – you wouldn’t ask a project builder to update your lounge room, and you wouldn’t ask a handyman to build you a home.
Defining the type of work can be a challenge too, if you are not familiar with building terminology, the different types of building work, and the various categories of builders and service people.
So here are some definitions of builders and the different kinds of work they do;
House & Land Project Builders - If you want to buy a house and land package, search Home-world, Stockland or something similar. You will find a range of ready-made house and land design packages and show homes to look at. Note, their new builds are usually located on the outskirts of metropolitan Sydney. Typically you won’t actually deal with the site builder and his team of trades, or the business owner either, but rather you will deal with the sales team and project manager or maybe site supervisor. There can be staff turnover too, so be prepared.
Knock Down Rebuild - If you want to do a knock down rebuild, you can choose a project builder, they can do that too. However, they may have limited areas and typically don’t build on sloping blocks or other ‘difficult’ sites, not without additional fee’s. For a more tailored and personal service, here you would also consider a local home builder or good major renovation/extension builder. They are flexible and experienced enough to cater to varying conditions. Local home builders can provide a more personal service too. You could save some time going straight to a local service.
Extension Builder/Renovation Builder - If you want to build an extension (ground or first floor), or do a major renovation or both, you wouldn’t ask a project builder or a handyman. You would look for a local home extension and renovation builder. They and their team often include many areas of home building services as part of their projects from demolition to painting and everything in between. Look for one in your area. When they are located close, they are more familiar with local suppliers and local trades who are closer at hand, plus any site issues during the build can be remedied more quickly. And as above, they can provide a more personal service, especially when they are the business owners. Caution! If you add the word ‘local’ to your search, make sure to check their contact details to confirm they actually are local. Many are not but say they are.
Kitchen Builder/Bathroom Builder - There are specialist kitchen builders & bathroom builders who can provide volume budget level services through to more high-end products and high-end price tags. Make sure if your specialist kitchen/bathroom installers are removing walls or any structures, that they are qualified and experienced to do that work. Check their qualifications/licence to make sure they know what they are doing to your house. To build a new kitchen or bathroom, you can also search for a local home and renovation builder who typically include these as part of their larger projects.
Handyman - Lastly if you want to freshen up a room or two and have a range of odd jobs around the house you would look for a handyman service, or maybe a retired builder, even better. They are typically unlicensed and if so, can only legally provide work to a maximum of $5000. So be mindful of that.
Note when a builder or tradespeople do work over $20,000 they must provide home warranty insurance prior, aka home building compensation fund HBCF.
There is more to know about your choice of builder and the qualifying process which I will cover in another post. However, you can contact us direct to find out more.
If you are thinking of building, talk to us at Built for Living and discover what services we provide. We are independent local home builders and renovation experts. Call us today. 0413 126 238
