Hiring a Builder

Making updates and changes to your home are stressful enough without having your builder add to it! If you have never dealt with a builder before, you want to ensure that you have hired the best builder who can do the job right the first time.

Before you hire a builder, find out the following information by asking the builder and making the necessary checks.

Are they a licenced builder?
People often don’t know if their builder is licensed, or go with an unlicensed builder to save money. The results can be disastrous. The N.S.W. Department of Fair Trading has an area on their website where you can check a builder’s licence – www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

Does the builder have adequate insurance?
Make sure your builder has Home Warranty Insurance before you pay them anything. This covers you for financial loss, such in the circumstance the builder leaves without finishing the job. Again you should visit the Fair Trading website or call their office to understand required insurance details.

View some of the builder’s recently finished projects.
This will allow you to see if the builder’s workmanship is what you want for your home. Make sure you check out the quality of materials used, and try to speak to their past clients.

Does the builder work in your area?
The builder may not be interested in building where they have to travel a long way. If the builder does not want to travel they may hire sub-contractors that they are not familiar with, and these people may not be up to standard.

How long will the maintenance period last?
A builder should agree to perform building maintenance for a period of time after completion. This would vary according to the project.

Ask who is supervising the construction.
When a supervisor is onsite, higher quality work is performed. Look into this person’s track record including their past experiences and duration with their current employer.

What about their trade base?
A consistent and reliable base of tradespeople is essential for making certain the job will be of high quality and done efficiently.

What other projects is the builder involved with while working on your house?
You don’t want a builder that is spread too thinly over many projects. A builder who concentrates on your job will mean fewer mistakes and on time delivery.Other things you want to know are if builder has ever been declared bankrupt, or if they have any outstanding issues with the Building Professionals Board.

Building or renovating a home is a huge financial and emotional investment, so take the extra time to do a thorough check on any prospective builder, their workmanship, references and credentials.