You’ve been building your Pinterest boards and lusting after dreamy homes on Instagram, now you’ve found your perfect block, and it’s time to start planning your project!
You’re at a crucial moment in the home building journey, it’s time to select the person that will bring your home dreams to life – your builder. Of the many decisions you will make along the building journey, selecting the right builder might be the most important decision of them all.
If you haven’t already started, now is the time to get your ideas down. Start building folders in Instagram of Pinterest (or both), and make sure to note down what you like about each image for clarity. We have put together our tips to getting started on the building journey here.
Once you are clear on the vision for your project, it’s time to start searching for your builder. Do your research on local builders, read reviews and testimonials, and ask your network for recommendations – friends, family, and colleagues. Make a shortlist of builders you would like to meet with and arm yourself with your inspiration and brief for the kind of project you are planning. List down some questions you would like your builder to answer and consider what is most important to you in the builder-client relationship so you know what you’re looking for.
Focus on clearly articulating your goals and needs, and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions around processes, timelines, and budgets. Beware of shiny sales pitches that leave you impressed but none the wiser about how the builder works. Ask questions about each builder’s processes – how do they work, what style do they build in, and who is part of their team?
Make sure you get a clear understanding of what the next steps are to proceed and what to expect at each stage. Ask to see examples of their previous work and speak to past clients where possible. Make sure your builder has established relationships with trades and check out their past work as well.
Although it’s tempting to make your decision based on the lowest cost estimates, resist the urge. Instead, go with your instinct, and choose the builder that seems the most trustworthy, knowledgeable and honest, and who you felt you could communicate openly with. Choose someone that listens to your ideas but doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, sometimes you will need to hear hard truths! The builder-client relationship is one of the most important aspects to a harmonious build process, so take the time to get it right.
We’d love to have a chat with you!