Assetbuild’s tips for choosing a builder

SINCE launching the business in 2010, the team at Assetbuild have made a name for themselves building homes of distinction tailored to the individual needs and wants of each client.

Directors Kevin and Antionetta Bishop are personally invested in every new project, which has supported the company’s growth and success.

“We meet with the client, understanding their goals and lifestyle needs, and then work with them to create a home that not just delivers on, but exceeds their expectations,” Mr Bishop said.

“Starting with a face-to-face meeting, our process is underpinned by open and honest communication throughout and this is the key to consistently achieving the best outcome for our clients.”

If you are looking to build a new home, Mr Bishop offers the following advice to ensure that you too are ecstatic with the entire building experience, from design and planning, product selections through to the construction of the home.

Direct communication

Find a builder you can work with directly; project builders have chains of command and you are moved from pre-start consultants to client liaisons, not the builder. The key decision makers should be you and the builder.

Designed for you

Work with a builder who can design to meet your every requirement rather than forcing you to use their standard designs that may not suit all your current needs.

You might as well get it right the first time.

Wide range of knowledge

Working with a builder who has vast experience and knowledge of various property developments will always pay off and you may even find that the application of that knowledge results in an increase in the yield of your property development.

For example, a house could be made 10 per cent bigger than the apparent maximum, subdivision yields could increase, and subdivisions could occur when builders and councils say it is not possible.

Flexibility and choice

Do not let the builder force you to use products from their own supply chain, work with a builder whose flexibility allows you to achieve more of what you desire.

A lot of builders are very rigid with their textures, style and construction techniques, and this may not be ideal for you.

Choose quality

A high price will not guarantee you a good, well-built home.

Look for a builder who can deliver quality at an affordable price.

Go and see the finished product and talk to the builder’s previous clients.

Stability

Too often builders are collapsing, leaving clients out of pocket and homeless.

Choose a builder that is financially stable and has been around the block a few times.

Timing

Time is money, whether you are renting or just dealing with the holding costs while your new home is built.

Choose a builder that can meet your expectations in both the planning/ administration and construction stages of the home.

Avoid hidden site works costs

Site works such as concrete pumps, crossover paving and footpath bonds are required on every build and will cost you money.

They should be factored into the build costs.

Only work with a builder who includes these in their base price.

Reduce your risk by minimising the amount of items the builder defines as provisional sum site works, as such items can rise and fall at the discretion of the builder even in a fixed price building contract.

Be aware of pricing differences

Small-to-medium builders have lower overheads, any price saving the big builders have in buying power are quickly eroded by their cost overheads and staff, generally resulting in them being more expensive.

Supervision

Only work with a builder that is willing to provide you with contact details of the supervisor and construction manager.

When this happens, issues are resolved more quickly and the message does not get diluted.