4 ways to engage a Builder for first time home buyers
There are a number of established pathways first time home buyers can take to engage a builder to build their first home.
The four most common builder procurement options are:
Developer for off-the-plan Construction
Registered Builder for Design & Construction
Registered Architect for Design, and a Registered Builder for Construction
Draftsperson (or other design professional) for Floorplan and Specifications Design, and a Builder for Construction
Each of these options come with deferring risks and complexities.
Developer for off-the-Plan Construction
Working with a developer to build is the most common way people become involved in building a new house. This is because developers offer a great, low effort, turn key solutions for constructing a home. Developer packages usually come with a fixed prices for the house and the land.
This model can be the most cost effective way to build a home, but there is less flexibility for clients to input into design and quality of work.
Registered Builder for Design & Construction
Partnering with a builder for design and construction of your home is a very common arrangement. Usually you’ve already purchased the land and are now engaging a builder to construct on that land. This arrangement allows flexibility for the client in terms of the build team, design and construction process.
In most instances, the builder will have a set range of home designs for the client to choose from, or they may be able to create a design based on the client's brief.
The contract between the client and builder for this model will usually contain the building design, construction price and program and warranties to meet the intention of the design.
Registered Architect for Design, and a Registered Builder for Construction
This is where you engage an Architect to prepare designs and in most cases manage the construction of the design.
After design is complete, the Architect will help the client seek tenders from contractors, and will be the contractors main point of contact for the project. The client's Architectural team will run the builder procurement process, liaise directly with the appointed builder, inspect the site and monitor quality during construction.
Draftsperson for Floor Plan and Specifications Design, and a Builder for Construction
This model is very similar to engaging an Architect, although with this model the design is drafted to a schematic level that articulates the clients brief. This means documenting the floorplan, some elevations and details on the finishes and technical specifications. The draftspersons preliminary documents are then handed onto the Builder to develop detailed design and documentation that meets the brief and construct in accordance with the design.
The client's interior designer or draftsperson (design team) will review the design at nominated hold points, inspect the work and monitor quality during construction.
Tip: Before starting the complicated design process or contacting builders, consider which of the procurement options suits your projects circumstances and risk profile
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Written by Annelyse, Building Contract Enthusiast, Project Manager, and founder of Build Together Project Management.
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