Questions To Ask Your New Home Builder

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5 Star Builders offers custom designs for residential structures. As a company that has vast experience in this industry, we have the resources to tackle every job expertly. The aim is to delight our clients and make sure they get the home they envisioned.  

Once you sign an agreement with the builder, you put a stamp on their project proposal. In the case of a custom-built house, you must ask insightful questions and get answers that clarify even the smallest aspect of the project. We always recommend that clients ask some basic questions before choosing a new home builder. Here are some of them:

1. Are you a licensed and registered builder?

You must never hand over your house building project to an unlicensed builder in Sydney. You can refer to the Department of Commerce website and check the Building Commission section to determine whether the builder has a valid license.  You need to enter the builder’s registration number to access the information.

2. How many years have you been operating in this Industry?

The credibility of a builder determines the quality and related aspects of the construction of your dream project. A well-established builder will have many years of experience in the field and a sterling record in following correct building practices. Handing over your project to such a builder is like buying peace of mind knowing that the project is in safe hands.

3. Can you provide references from some of your past clients?

An experienced builder will always be willing to provide you with references to clients for whom they have handled projects and it is the test of their reputation. If they hesitate to give you references, drop their name from your shortlisted builders. Call a few references and gather information about the builder’s honesty in dealings, any problems faced concerning costs and timely completion.

4. Can we also look at some past examples of homes you have built?

You can visit some houses built to get an idea of the soundness of the structures, designs, house painting and craftsmanship.

5. Who will supervise the construction work?

You need to find out whether the Sydney home builder handles the project entirely or outsources/subcontracts some work. Make sure that they have a close tab on the work by way of supervision of every detail as the construction progresses. 

Generally, on-site supervisors look after day-to-day construction work. It is essential that they have an expert understanding of the building regulations and principles and closely supervise every aspect of the construction.

You must establish direct communication channels with the builder. Ask the builder whether you can visit the place and how often, to check the progress. Your intention is not to disrupt or create objection to the work, but to ensure that you feel happy about the project’s progress.

For any more information about our custom home construction and other services, feel free to contact 5 Star Builders at 02 9639 3673 to discuss details about your project. You can also send us a message via this Contact Us form.

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Tips To Negotiate With New Home Builders

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Master Builders Association
A family owned Australian business
Best business of 2021
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Home » New Home Builder

If you are considering building a new family home, there are a number of aspects you would negotiate on with your builder, in the initial stages of the project. In most instances, the primary point in the negotiations tends to be the actual contract as money is involved.

Some Tips

The negotiation process can be quite challenging and drawn out. Aside from this, you also need to ensure that you get a good deal. Your contract should include all the important clauses which cover your specific requirements in your new home construction. Here are some tips to negotiate with new home builders:

  • The very first thing you need to do is ensure that you get a detailed written estimate from your builder. This estimate should include every little cost involved in your project, such as the permits, labour, and material costs etc.
  • Depending on your preferences, you can opt to purchase the materials yourself; this can help reduce the overall cost of the project. Check whether your builder receives discounts from certain suppliers. If they do, it can prove to be more beneficial to get them to handle material procurement as well.
  • It’s a good idea to discuss with your builder whether there are any steps they can take to cut costs without impacting the quality of the materials or workmanship. Sometimes, changing the start date or extending the project completion date according to the builder’s convenience can help reduce the cost of your home build. This gives the builder the flexibility to work during a lean period and they are more open to providing discounts on labour
  • Certain builders would also reduce the cost estimate if you are willing to offer them some advertising space in the front yard of your new home.

As you can see, there are a number of different ways in which you can negotiate with your new home builder. Based on your specific requirements and on how open the builder is to negotiations, you can position your request for suggestions to help reduce the cost of the project for you.

Focus on quality

Most credible builders will be open to a certain amount of negotiations. However, it is important to make sure that any kind of cost-cutting that takes place is not at the expense of quality. After all, you want your home to be stable and solid and that all the features in the indoor and outdoor areas of your home should last for a number of years.

We at 5 Star Builders provide custom home design and build solutions. For more information feel free to call at 02 9639 3673 to discuss details about your project. You can also send us a message via this Contact Us form.