How to find a good builder

Your builder is the most important part of your project. Find someone you trust and make sure they're the right fit for the type of build you have planned.

Use this list to guide your search for a good builder.

• Ask around and get recommendations from people you trust, including your architect (if you're using one), tradesmen, building inspectors, etc.
• Ask for references and go and see other houses they've built.
• Think carefully and be clear about the kind of home you want to build so that you can choose a builder with relevant experience.
• Check their credentials and qualifications, including whether they're qualified to build the kind of project you are planning.
• Your builder should be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), which regulates home building.
• Enquire after prospective builders' admin and office backup because you need to be able to rely on follow-up in terms of procurement, payments, accounts, deliveries, etc. A builder whose super hands-on can'st take care of this, but these are important aspects that keep your project on track.
• Make a point of discussing workflow and time management to get a sense of how they work and communicate. Sequencing is key. Things must happen in a certain order. If someone's work runs over, everyone who comes after that will be impacted. This ends up costing you money.

Bottom line, you're looking for someone who keeps to plans, communicates well, and has good time management. You should also consider personal characteristics as you're going to have lots of contact over an extended period, so choose a person who is pleasant to deal with and has a friendly demeanour to make life easier.