Since we started building homes in the Adelaide Hills, we’ve seen dozens of builders come and go. Not only is this sad for these builders and their families. But it is also tragic for their clients who have experienced delays with their homes. And in some cases, they have lost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars and been left without a home.
Three Ps To Ensure Your Builder Is Safe, Secure, And Able To Deliver On Time And On Budget
Proof: Before you sign anything, be sure to ask your builder about their financial situation. And don’t feel bad about it. This is one of the largest investments you will make in your life. You’re about to hand over your life savings. You deserve to know that your builder has the wherewithal to deliver.
A quality builder will be happy to talk about their financial stability. They will be open, honest, and provide specific details. However, a builder that is under financial pressure is likely to avoid questions about money. If they refuse to answer or talk in vague generalities, you should be concerned.
Process: A financially stable builder doesn’t charge any more than a financially vulnerable builder, they just keep more of their profits. And that’s usually because they follow a proven process, especially with budgets, timelines, and quality workmanship.
Inaccurate budgeting leads to financial surprises and unnecessary overpayments that erode a builder’s margin. Delays not only cost the homeowner (in additional rent, mortgage repayments, and inconvenience), they cost the builder in overheads that eat into profits. And defects are not only annoying for the homeowner, but they are also costly for the builder to rectify, putting further pressure on their profits.
Ask your builder about their process, especially when it comes to budgets, timelines, and quality control. If they don’t have your entire build scheduled to the day and the dollar, you should be concerned.
Pricing: Too many builders calculate prices ‘on the back of their hand’. Then they give you a vague, verbal estimate rather than an accurate, fixed price in writing. This not only leads to nasty surprises for you, but it also often means the builder can’t be confident in their profit margins.
Never accept vague pricing from your builder. Get an accurate quote in writing. And be sure it includes specifics – details about the exact product, the installation method, and the timeline. Without specifics around pricing, neither you or your builder can be confident in the true cost (and profit).
Free Expert Advice To Help To Ensure Your House Is Delivered On Time And On Budget
Remember, this is your house and your money. If you’re feeling unsure about anything, ask questions. And if your builder can’t or won’t answer – especially when your questions are about budgets, timelines, and quality control – you should look elsewhere.
Whether you’re ready to build or still looking at your options (and trying to find a financially stable builder you can trust), we’d be glad to show you examples of homes we’ve built. We’ll explain everything about the pricing, scheduling, and workmanship that made each house successful for both our client and our company.
