Choosing the right builder for your new home construction or renovation can be a daunting task as navigating what to prioritise can be overwhelming. To simplify this process, we have created a checklist of six crucial considerations to ensure a smooth start with your chosen builder.
It is important to know that not every builder is the same. A builder must be licensed and obtain that licence from the office of business and consumer affairs. There are different levels of licensing, and it is important for you to check if your builder has the right level of licensing for the work you want to undertake. In South Australia, you can check whether a builder is licensed by going to this website here. There may be restrictions with the type of work they can undertake, so it is important that you check this before you move ahead and sign a contract with the builder.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about builders. Before you select your builder it’s important to ensure they have all the necessary insurances in place. This ensures you are covered in case something goes wrong. Your builder should be able to supply you with a Certificate of Currency, which outlines the level of insurance, and what cover they have in place. In addition to this it is important to ensure that your builder takes out builders warranty insurance for your home to the value of your contract. If you are unsure on what builders warranty insurance is, here is an explainer. This insurance certificate must be provided before the build takes place and your name will be listed on this certificate of insurance as well. This level of insurance is extremely important to have as it covers your home in case the builder becomes insolvent. It’s important to understand that builders have a limit as to the number and value of contracts they can undertake within a given year. If they breached this cap, they would be unable to take out builders warranty insurance for your home.
If you’re building a custom home, then you should be looking for a custom home builder. A custom home builder is different to a volume builder, who may be building more than 50 homes a year. When you’re selecting a builder, look at the previous homes they have built and determine whether or not you feel your home is aligned with their skill set. A custom home builder is generally more flexible than a volume builder and works with you to build the home that is right for you. 
As part of your process to engage a builder, check all recent reviews online and if possible, chat with previous clients. Check whether your builder has won any reputable industry awards for the type of home and or renovation you are looking at doing. This will provide you assurance that you are in good hands. If you are renovating a character home, for example, it is important that the builder has experience as these types of builds require specialised knowledge. Perhaps you are planning on building a two-story home by the ocean? Has the builder built in these conditions before? If you’re including a stone feature to your home or fence, has your builder carried out this special feature before?
Membership in industry associations like Housing Industry Association (HIA) or Master Builders Association (MBA) serves as a clear marker of a builder’s professionalism and dedication to industry standards, bolstering their credibility. This affiliation not only grants access to continuous training and resources but also signals that the builder is well-informed about the latest industry developments. For potential clients, this association membership signifies a commitment to ethical practices and the delivery of high-quality work, instilling confidence in the builder’s capabilities.
Checking the warranties of the materials that will be used in the construction of your new home or renovation is essential for understanding both how the costing of your project was calculated and an indication of the long-term durability of your investment. Making a point to confirm this with your builder, not only ensures that your builder is working with materials that meet your quality standards but also prevents any substitution with cheaper alternatives. Open communication with your builder about the quality of materials enhances transparency, sets clear expectations, and promotes a more seamless construction process. Embark on your construction journey with confidence, armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your builder. 
As a family-owned business, we have earned a reputation as one of Adelaide’s leading builders for custom new homes, renovations, and extensions. Over the years, our work has been recognised with numerous awards across a variety of projects, from sleek modern builds to the restoration and extension of some of Adelaide’s most stunning character homes.