4 Tips to Choosing your Custom Builder

Choosing a custom builder is similar to the beginning of any personal relationship.  Choose well and you will have a partner that will listen, work with you, share your vision and ultimately reach your goals.  If you don’t choose the ‘right-fit’ from the beginning, you may regret your decision. 

Consider these 4 tips before choosing your custom builder:

1. Research

Creating a shortlist of custom builders is a good place to start.  Look for a builder that constructs in your future custom home’s area.  Choosing a builder with experience in the geographical conditions, town planning and overlays within your site’s location will assist in a successful building experience and outcome.

Research their website and social media platforms for portfolios, concept floor plans and other resources.  Speak to others that have built custom homes previously and learn from their experience to assist you in your expectations.  Furthermore, word-of-mouth and reviews are also a good indicator of client satisfaction.

2. Quality

To build a custom home is seen as a long-term residence, a dream home, a forever home, a home that will grow with you, your family and lifestyle.  Ensuring a builder’s quality of work and materials should be a priority before making your decision.  View display homes, speak with references and ask questions.  A solid foundation is key to your custom home’s longevity, so ask about the framing, engineering, base/slab method and other building materials.  Are they low in maintenance and will they withstand your site’s conditions be it coastal or rural?

In addition, if your custom builder offers an in-house custom home design service, speak with their Design Team and have them understand your land, lifestyle and vision before engaging.  You want a Design Team that will incorporate optimal orientation, views, passive design and sustainable living into your custom home whilst delivering your design brief.

3. Transparency

Transparency is key to any good working relationship.  Integrity and honesty also come under this banner.  From your first meeting you should feel confident in the communication you receive including realistic timelines, goals, estimates and achievable outcomes.  Many of the best builders will work alongside you with full transparency on costs to allow you to make informed decisions and inclusions.  They will tell you their suppliers, products and contractors.  Most quality custom home builders will use local reputable contractors rather than sourcing cheaper trades to cut costs.

4. Communication

Communication is another indicator to determine if a builder is the right-fit for you.  Is communication prompt and responsive?  Do you feel listened too and are they proactive with ideas and solutions?

There can be many stages to the process of designing and building a custom home which also includes external stakeholders.  Who will you be dealing with directly?  Are the Design Team available to liaise with you directly?  What are their methods of communication during construction?  Everyone has their own communicating style, ensuring yours and your potential builder are in sync will enhance your experience and smooth out any hiccups that can be encountered when planning and building a home.

You will know the fit is right in your gut when you have found your preferred custom builder.  They will be passionate about building and design.  If they are excited about your project, you know they care and will do their very best to deliver the most amazing home they can.  Hopefully these tips will set you on the right path to finding a custom builder who can build the home of your dreams.