Just like business owners do reference checks before hiring employees, you should apply the same diligence when selecting your builder.
It`s one of the most important decisions you`ll ever make, and could mean the difference between:
- Completing your dream home on time and on budget
- Or enduring a frustrating, over-budget project riddled with delays and poor communication.
Unfortunately, not all builders operate with professionalism and integrity.
In fact, some fail to create job plans, neglect regular communication, skip quality control checks, and may even misprice jobs from the start.
Thats the bad news.
The good news, on the other hand, is there are reliable, experienced builders out there, and identifying them is easier than you think.
Here are Three Essential Qualities to Look for When Selecting a Builder
- A Clear Building Schedule
A key indicator of a professional builder is their ability to provide a detailed building schedule.
This schedule should outline the entire timeline for the project, ensuring both the builder and client are on the same page. It helps avoid cost overruns, delays, construction mistakes, and other issues that can arise during the process.
Builders who operate without a clear schedule often struggle with communication and attention to detail. They might not be able to provide a firm completion date simply because they haven`t properly planned for the project. This can leave you feeling uncertain about the progress and eventual outcome of your build. Worse still, when unexpected delays occur, these builders are likely to pass on extra costs to you or cut corners to save money. Either way, you lose.
Rule number one: Never sign a contract without reviewing the builder`s job schedule. Even if the technical details don`t make perfect sense to you, the fact that the builder has a plan in place demonstrates their commitment to completing the job on time. If the builder is unwilling to provide a schedule or claims they don`t need one, consider this a major red flag.
- A Strong Online Reputation
A builder`s reputation is another critical factor to consider. Research them online—read reviews and ask around in your community. If a building company has little to no online presence, this could be a sign that they have something to hide. In contrast, companies with a strong online footprint often prioritise customer service and are proud to showcase their previous work.
Look for up-to-date reviews, details on the company`s owners, contact information, and an active website. Social media pages and platforms like YouTube are excellent ways for builders to showcase their work, and those that do so transparently are typically more reliable.
- Prompt and Professional Communication
Poor communication is one of the biggest complaints people have when working with builders. It`s essential to test a builder`s responsiveness early in the process. Do they return your calls and emails promptly? Are they friendly, courteous, and professional in their interactions with you? Establishing clear expectations for communication from the beginning can save you from a lot of frustration later on.
The best building companies go beyond basic communication methods. Many offer online client portals where you can track the progress of your project, view updated photos, manage selections, and review all communication in one place. This transparency reduces the likelihood of mistakes and keeps everyone on the same page.
These tips may seem simple, but they can help you quickly assess a builder`s professionalism, expertise, and ability to keep you informed throughout your project. Remember…
Rushing the Process of Finding a Builder Can Lead to Costly Mistakes
What`s more, choosing the right builder is about more than just cost—it`s about ensuring the smooth, stress-free construction of your dream home.
So take your time and do your homework.
You can start by downloading this quick guide: 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
Grab it now, and sidestep the traps many homeowners step into.