Choosing the right builder for you

If you’ve made the decision to build your new home, you want to tailor it to suit your wants and lifestyle needs. This is where the right builder can help you achieve this, using their trusted expertise and large array of skills.

Here are seven things to consider when searching for the right home builder:

1. Define your wants and needs

First things first, prior to approaching a building firm you need to have in mind the basics of your home. What size, type, and price range will you go for? From here you can begin to delve into the more detailed aspects of home building, like what materials you want to use, the style and design

Other aspects to consider is whether you want to re-sell this home later? Or use it for investment purposes? If the answer is yes, you might want to design it differently so it caters for potential tenants or buyers in the future, rather than your individual preferences.

2. Do your research

It’s always good to narrow your search locally. Look for a builder in the area you plan to buy in, that way you can browse builder portfolios and look at past floor plans. It will also make it easier for both of you to meet regularly and check out the land/property together. Talk to the locals and explore houses that have been built in that area that appeal to you – word of mouth is an excellent way to learn more about local builders.

Talk to real estate agents, friends and family who can give you extra insight. From this you should be able to create a shortlist of potential builders that you can meet with and interview.

3. Do they have experience?

Experience counts when it comes to building your home. It is important that you consider this during your selection process and find out as much as you can about the builder’s portfolio, past homes and track record. You should ask as many questions as you can, and you will probably find that the builder will respect your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn as much as possible. After all, you want your home to be the best of quality to ensure its longevity, so don’t hesitate to ensure your builder knows their stuff when it comes to the standards of materials and products.

Try not to overlook a new building company or builder as they might have new insights and ideas from their past experience. A builder providing strong experience in the type of design you seek will give you overall comfortability.

4. Check references of past home buyers

Further to the previous two points, checking the references of past home buyers will give you some piece of mind that you are choosing the right builder for you. Word of mouth is always a good indication that your builder is reliable. Ask things like why did you choose this builder and would you recommend them?

Check out the builder’s social media channels. A lot of building companies have Facebook pages where they showcase their work and testimonials from previous customers.

5. Communication is key

It is important to create a relationship with your builder and design team, after all they are taking your dream home into their own hands. Good communication should form the basis of a good relationship so that you can feel comfortable expressing your ideas and speaking out when you are unsure about something – once your home is built, there is little you can do to rectify something if you don’t like it.

The ideal builder and/or team should listen to your goals so that they can make your vision a reality. They should understand what design and materials will best suit your lifestyle needs, and making the process feel stress-free should be their priority.

Good communication is a two-way street, so make sure you are voicing your opinion when it matters and are cooperating with the builder on any issues that should arise.

6. View model homes and past designs

It can be hard to figure out what you want in your custom made home. The more you are sure about what you want in terms of lifestyle and design, then the more your builder will be able to meet those goals. For inspiration, view as many model homes as possible and ask to see past designs. This will also help you choose the right builder. A builder whose portfolio consists of mainly traditional designs may not be the best fit if you are after something more modern and vice versa.

Check out our Pinterest page for some design inspo!

7. Stick to your budget

While it is recommended to not go for the cheapest option when it comes to building your home, make sure you stick within your budget. Find a balance whereby the quality of products and services is of a high standard, but you also have enough in your budget for all of the other expenses that come with home ownership. If you start by picking all of the most expensive materials for your home that you probably can’t afford, you may be left out of pocket down the track.

Find a builder that can deliver your dream custom home while also sticking to your budget.

If you are thinking about building, browse land for sale in Perth, or visit reiwa.houseandland for house and land packages.