Building your own home is exciting—it’s a chance to bring your dream space to life, right down to the taps and tiles. But before you start picking paint colours or designing the perfect open-plan kitchen, you need to choose the right builder. And with so many home builders out there, knowing where to start can be tricky.
Whether you’re building from scratch or exploring house and land packages, here are seven key things to think about before locking in your builder.
1. Check Their Experience with Similar Builds
Not all builders are created equal. Some focus on affordable volume builds, while others specialise in luxury or sustainable homes. If you’re after a custom design or specific layout, make sure your builder has experience with those types of projects.
Look through their past work, ask for examples, and make sure their style and quality align with what you want. If you’re interested in house and land packages in NSW or house and land packages QLD, check they’ve delivered successful builds in those regions.
2. Look at Their Track Record
Word of mouth counts for a lot. A builder with happy clients is always a good sign. Don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials, reviews, or references. You want to hear from people who’ve actually been through the process.
Online reviews and forums are also great for getting an honest take on how builders handle deadlines, budgets, and customer service. If they’re known for delivering quality on time (and without hidden extras), they’re worth considering.
3. Understand Their Pricing and Inclusions
When it comes to building costs, it’s not just about who offers the cheapest quote—it’s about understanding what you’re actually getting. Two quotes might look similar on the surface, but one might include things like landscaping, flooring, and lighting, while the other doesn’t.
Make sure the quote is detailed and transparent. Ask what’s included and what’s not. If you’re considering house and land packages in WA, this step is especially important, as packages can vary widely in what they offer.
4. See If You Actually Like Working with Them
This one’s big. You’ll be spending months talking to your builder—making decisions, asking questions, reviewing plans. It helps if you actually get along.
Book a face-to-face chat or phone call. Are they listening to your ideas? Do they seem flexible and transparent? Do they explain things clearly? If the mood’s off, it might be a red flag—even if everything looks great on paper.
5. Ask About Their Building Process
How does your builder manage the project from start to finish? Some builders will walk you through every step and check in regularly. Others might be less hands-on once construction kicks off.
Ask about timeframes, stages of the build, and how issues are handled if something unexpected comes up. If you’re building remotely (say, in a regional location), it’s even more important to know how they’ll keep you in the loop.
6. Make Sure Communication Is Easy
Regular updates make a big difference when building a house. Find out how your builder plans to communicate—email, phone, portal updates, or in-person site visits—and how often you can expect to hear from them.
You don’t want to be chasing updates or wondering what’s going on. A builder with solid communication habits will help you feel more in control and confident throughout the project.
7. Check for Industry Recognition and Awards
A builder with awards or industry recognition has usually gone the extra mile to stand out. It’s not everything—but it does show they’re respected and take pride in their work.
Membership in professional bodies (like the HIA or MBA) or features in home design publications can also give you peace of mind that you’re working with someone reputable.
Choosing A Home Builder? Take Your Time
Choosing a builder isn’t just a box to tick—it sets the tone for your entire home-building journey. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re going for a full custom design or browsing house and land packages, finding the right fit will make all the difference.