What to do before choosing a builder for your New Home Build

You’ve started looking for builders to take on your new home build (exciting!).

You’ve saved a deposit, spoken to the bank, maybe even found land? You’re ready to get serious and find a builder to turn your new home building dreams into a reality.

But before you can start anything, there’s one crucial step to take - choosing the right builder…

Here are 3 things to think about about before choosing a builder:

#1 Set your Build Budget

First things first—nail down your Build Budget. This isn't your full Project Budget; it's what's left after accounting for additional expenses like utility connections, land clean-up, permit costs, design and consultant fees, and variations (always set aside at least 5% for those!).

Being crystal clear on your Build Budget before engaging with builders will set the right cost expectations. By staying consistent in your budget conversations, you’ll avoid wasting time on plans that are beyond what’s feasible. Trust me—I've seen it happen!

#2: Research the Different Types of Builder

Not all builders are the same. Although it may seem like all builders are ‘just builders’, there is actually a huge range of builder arrangements that you can choose between.

Each have have varying approaches to managing new home builds. Here’s a quick comparison:

While these are generalisations, it’s helpful to consider how each builder type impacts cost, design flexibility, and your level of involvement. Review your options and see what builder type aligns with your vision and is available in your area.

#3: Ask Each Builder these three Questions

When you're ready to start talking to builders, shortlist two or three candidates before moving forward with just one. It’s essential to get a feel for how they communicate and operate.

Here are three key questions to ask:

1. “[Something that’s important to you, e.g., communication, completion date, or design] is really important to me. Can you explain how you’ve managed this on previous builds?”

2. “My budget is [XYZ]. Can you share examples of previous builds you’ve completed within this budget range?

3. “What level of involvement will I have during the pre-construction and construction stages? Can you walk me through what I can expect?”

These questions will quickly help you figure out which builder is the best fit for your new home build.

By following these three steps, you’ll ensure that you're well-prepared, confident, and in control as you choose the right builder for your dream home. I hope this post helps you when it’s time to select a builder for your new home build!

Thanks for reading, and catch you in the next post 😊

Annelyse

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Written by Annelyse, Building Contract Enthusiast, Project Manager, and founder of Build Together Project Management. 

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