How to choose a builder
Choosing a
trusty New Zealand builder can be tricky and ideally you
should choose your builder just as carefully as you choose the options for your
dream home. It’s important to hire a reputable company, who while initially may
come at a higher investment, will ultimately build you a better quality home
and save you stress down the track.
How do you
select the person who is going to transform your new home dreams into your new
home reality? We have sought out the best advice from those in the know to
bring you a list of tips, tricks - and your legal rights and responsibilities.
1. Seek
them out
Ask
friends, family and colleagues if they have used any good (or bad) builders
they would recommend. Or even consult community groups and forums to see if
anyone is making recommendations on there.
2. Check
them out
Use these
same resources, as well as the building business’ website and social media
accounts, to see what type of feedback, testimonials and previous work they
have completed. Go and visit their company’s show homes, or the homes of
previous clients - the results are what count, and the best litmus test of a
builder’s expertise.
3. Test
them out
Once you
have whittled down a shortlist, approach them each for quotes. Compare the
estimates are for the same level of service, for example - building hours, the
number of staff they will have on site, the level of specifications and
building materials being used.
4. Question
them
Don’t be
shy to query the reasoning behind their quotes. Why is their price so much
lower or higher than others? What will you be getting for the extra cost (or
missing out on). Also, don’t forget to question their credentials.
5. Iron
those guarantees and contracts out
What will happen
is defects arise in the first year of completion? Ask your builder options for
their guarantees and negotiate for any terms which may apply to your project
over and above the norm.
6.
Understand the roles
Knowing
who's taking care of the building process can help things run smoothly and
ensure everyone understands their role in getting your home completed. If you
build with independents, you may put your builder or architect in charge, or
you may decide to manage the build yourself.
When
determining this, it's always good to consider how much time and experience is
needed to effectively manage the project, as if it's not done well, it can
negatively impact your timeline and budgets.
Comments
Post a Comment