Tips for finding the right builder
By Amanda Scali

Are you looking to build your dream home instead of buying an existing property? Building a home can be a fantastic option if you are looking for a forever home as you can customise and make it your own.
 
Building can have many advantages but can also have a lot of added stresses in terms of wait times, budget constraints, and temporary housing whilst you build.
 
One of the most critical items when building a home is finding the right builder that suits you, and your build.
 
Price and budget
 
There are specialist builders for first-time home buyers, mid-range project homes, top-end custom designs, and for the very high budget, there are luxury builders.
 
There is little point in approaching a first-home builder to build a custom home because their budget, repeat design and business model will most likely prevent them from being able to be competitive in a one-off build.
 
Personality
 
You are likely to spend a lot of time dealing with your builder over the time that they are building your house, so you want to work with someone who you can easily communicate with, is professional, and you trust to get the work done in a timely fashion.
 
Reputation and references
 
Do your research when looking to find a builder for your home; often, a reputable company with a good track record might be a little bit more expensive, but they will have a wealth of knowledge and previous work behind them.
 
Ask to see some of the work they have done before and references from previous customers. 
 
Financial stability
 
The market is competitive, and there is a lot of competition out there; many builders are cutting corners and doing things for cheaper, but it doesn't necessarily mean better, and a company that can't cover its own costs won’t stay in business for very long.
 
Ensure that the company that you are working with is financially stable to avoid any work stoppage headaches during the build.
 
Homestyle and timing
 
Builders, like any profession, have their speciality, and many builders are specialists in certain types of builds. This is a big consideration when picking a builder to work with.
 
Can they complete the task and the type of build that you need when you need it?
 
Location
 
It is probably worth picking a builder who lives and works in the area you are going to build in. It allows for a far more streamlined building process.
 
Most people don't like to say no to work, but leaning on a builder to go where they are uncomfortable can bring problems like extra costs and possible delays on site.