How to choose the right builder for you: the essential questions that you need to be asking
Are you about to approach a potential builder to take on your new home build? Before you do, make sure you read on to discover the essential questions that you need to be asking to make sure you find the perfect partner.
But first of all, do you want to know one of the most common ways we are approached over at AMC (our custom design and build biz)? And also why this definitely isn’t the best way…
Are you ready?
The leading question is:
“Can you build for this ($$) price?”
Why this is the question that you definitely shouldn’t be asking your future builder:
Now, I completely understand that this does seem like a really logical question to ask a potential builder. You have an idea of what you’re hoping to build, you love the builder’s style and approach (from what you’ve seen) and you’ve worked out how much you feel comfortable spending. So it certainly makes sense for the next move to be: asking if they can build for your budgeted amount.
Right?
Well, not quite.
I’m going to break down why this isn’t the best approach and also how it could be setting you up for a world of disappointment.
Why ‘can you build for this price?’ creates confusion:
The trouble with starting your builder conversation around price alone is simple: expectations vary widely. Your idea of what should be included in the price may significantly differ from the builder’s interpretation.
Let’s just set the scene. When you ask the builder if they can build for this ($$) price?
You presumably have a rough idea of the following things:
What your block of land is like
Flat, sloping, rocky, loads of vegetation, size, access, services available etc
What you have in mind for the look of the home
Double storey, single storey, split level, pavilion style, traditional, modern, type of cladding, roof style, number and size of windows etc
What you have in mind for the floor plan
Double or single garage, alfresco size and style, number of living areas, mudroom vs laundry, office, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, wine storage, staircases, lofts etc
What you have in mind for the interior finishes of the home
Number of architectural details, ceiling heights, mouldings, style of ceiling, quality of finishes, type of flooring, amount of joinery, layout of kitchen etc etc
But, that’s quite A LOT of information isn’t it?
Now consider that the builder on the other hand…. knows none of this. So what exactly are you expecting them to base their answer on?
And if you do get an answer - at best it will be a very, very rough guess and at worst a sales tactic to pull you in…. eeek!!
How this can lead to a world of pain:
Imagine you were unfortunate enough to land a slightly dodgy builder and they happen to know that they have in fact built a home for the price you’re hoping for in the past (even if it’s one that’s VASTLY different to what you’re imagining) - they could simply say: “yes - we can build for that price 🙂” and then get you locked in to start designing.
But this would mean that you’re about to get started on one of the biggest financial investments of your life with a completely different set of ideas and expectations to the team you’re working with. Ultimately, you’re on a fast track to coming up with a design that you love, but that you simply can’t afford ☹️
So what questions should you be asking a potential builder?
Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered!
Instead of jumping straight into: “can you build for this price?” Here's a list of much better questions to ask, why they’re important, and how they’ll set you up for success.
You: This is a brief summary of my project - is this something that you would be interested in partnering on?
Why?: A straight up way to gauge how interested they are in your build. The builder should be thinking about: Is it the right location for me? Do we have capacity? Is this a style that I’m comfortable with?
You: Can you show me a project that you’ve previously completed for a similar price?
Why?: You can immediately see if they can in fact build something similar to what you’re after for your budget. It gives you a visual indication of what would be included for that price.
You: What is your process for design and build?
Why?: Is this a process that you feel comfortable with and are they able to explain their process clearly (if not, it means they might not have one… which is a red flag!!)
You: What is the average starting price point for one of your projects?
Why?: Are they routinely building for your price point? If most of their projects start well over what you’re hoping to spend, it’s a likely indication that they won’t be able to meet your needs in terms of budget.
You: Who else is on your team?
Why?: Are they partnering with a designer up front? This is the only way we recommend to custom design and build - you can read more about this approach here.
You: What is the next step from here if I do decide to move forward?
Why?: Leaves you with a clear path forward and again tests whether or not they have processes in place and how interested they are in your project.
Other things to ponder after you’ve had a chat:
How easy were they to get hold of?
Did they seem interested in your project?
Were they easy to talk to?
Did they appear to have a process that they were following?
Did they do what they said they were going to do? e.g. if they offered to send you some information did they?
All of that being said - a really good builder will actually ask you some of these questions to gather information and then offer up the answers to the others without you having to prompt. Great builders are screening for the ‘right’ project for their business as much as you’re screening for the ‘right’ builder. Ultimately you’re both looking for a great partnership.
We hope this helps you to feel more confident going into your search for the perfect building partner and making sure you get your custom build journey off to a great start!
Stay connected for more tips:
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Feeling slightly overwhelmed about tackling this entire process alone? Then check out our House Plan Toolkits - the ultimate shortcut to making your dream home a reality.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time,
Susie x