Things You Need to Know Before Working with a Builder
Working collaboratively with a builder is essential to kicking your next project off with a bang! However, knowing how to best work with a builder or even finding the right one can be difficult.
Over our years in the industry, on both sides of the client-builder relationship, we've uncovered a few frequently asked questions that you should know the answers to before signing off on your next project.
Tim Yarrow, Yarrow Build.
“It’s important to know exactly where your money is going and that you feel you can trust your builder.”
How do I know when I need to engage a builder?
Every renovation journey is different; however, there are some general guidelines and indicators for finding the right time to engage a builder:
Regardless of the scale of the project, we recommend engaging a builder at the beginning of the process. Having them along for the journey from day one can help ease some of your stress and give them a more holistic overview of the project. This works particularly well when paired with your design professionals because as a team they can be on the same page and set realistic budgets, timelines and outcomes from the outset.
The traditional way of building involves designing a home with the designer or architect tendering it out to quote by multiple builders. This is fraught with danger and often leads to disappointment as the design (which the client is now emotionally invested in) is often significantly more expensive to build then expected and subsequently, design sacrifices need to be made to make the project viable.
This situation can be entirely avoided when the design and build team are working collaboratively from day one.
How do I find the right builder for my project?
The first step to finding the right builder is deciding on your non-negotiables.
This means identifying exactly what you need from your builder regarding:
- timelines;
- budget;
- communication;
- materials; and
- quality of finishes.
Having these details laid out and clearly defined will help you find a builder that's right for you.
It's also imperative to find a builder that aligns with your personal ethos and priorities. For instance, if you place importance on having a sustainable and eco-friendly home, you'll likely want a builder that aligns with this and follows sustainable building methods.
The next step is taking the time to meet and discuss your project with a variety of builders to understand how they work and to view their portfolios. It's also important to read testimonials from previous clients to provide a good understanding of their processes and relationships.
Gut feeling is everything! Trust it. You’ll be spending a large amount of your life with your build and design team so don’t overlook or underestimate the importance of actually getting along with and liking your team on the journey of the build. It's important that you feel comfortable talking to and asking your builder questions from the get-go and not afraid or worried you’ll be judged. As your main point of contact, they are there to help you and hold your hand through the overwhelm and unknowns. Make sure you vibe with their vibe!
will my builder also design my home?
How much influence your builder will have on the design of your home depends on what other contractors are involved in the process.
If you're already working with a designer or architect, your builder most likely won't be heavily involved in the design side, their role is execution of the craftsmanship. They can, however, often advise on the best method of construction for certain design ideas and give opinion on some materials used for the design.
If you are working solely with a builder, they will likely be more hands-on in assisting you in determining the best floor plan, materials and finishes for your project.
Unless you’ve engaged a design and building company, like Yarrow Build, it's unlikely that your builder will design your home (most builders don’t want to get involved in that area!)
But they can advise on any issues they see arising or best practices for materials. Be aware though, a builder is not a designer and will likely be recommending certain finishes and materials that they have worked with or been exposed to on past projects, meaning you’re not necessarily ending up with a custom designed home which works best for your specific needs.
Ultimately, the involvement level of the builder really depends on the client’s goals for the project (and available budget).
Yarrow Build ~ Architectural, Interior Design & Build. One Team. End to End.
Red flags to look out for
1. Vague Contracts
If a builder is attempting to have you sign a vague contract (or if there is no contract), they're not the builder for you!
Your building contract should clearly outline the project's scope, budget, timelines and agreed-upon practices. Your contract protects you and the builder in case something goes wrong. Master Builders Association provides the industry standard for contracts which your builder should be using. When a builder presents a client with this contract, they must also legally provide copies of their license details. We reckon everyone should be doing a background check on their builder. To found out more about the trades you engage, here’s a good place to start HERE
2. Bundled Budgets
If your builder provides a quote with prices bundled into packages or unclear line items, it could be because they're hiding fees. While your builder might not provide a line-by-line budget, it should have clear distinctions between each element of the build. For example, a kitchen renovation should provide a scope breakdown of each trade and what’s included rather than lump sum cost. Some of the costs involved in a kitchen would be joinery, electrical, plumbing painting, flooring. These should be clearly separated cost (either fixed or estimates) with any exclusions also noted e.g. appliance selection or specialised engineering contractors are common ones.
As an industry standard, builders will have either a Fixed Price contract or a Cost Plus contract. Cost Plus is generally used on projects where the scope of work is not entirely clear at time of quoting and/or the finishes selected have not been finalised or are of a custom bespoke nature. Cost Plus works by the builder passing on “trade price” of materials to the client with a mark up on top.
It's important to know exactly where your money is going and that you feel you can trust your builder.
3. No Fixed Timeline
Timelines can sometimes be challenging to manage during a build, particularly in these uncertain times, however it's up to your builder to project manager and provide you with a timeline from the outset and stick to it as much as possible. Plus, if there is a change in the timeline, they should notify you instantly and provide you with an update.
Above all else, the most important thing to look for in a builder is someone you can trust and communicate with clearly.
Our design and build model ensures you are across the project's budget, timeline and scope at every step.
“At Yarrow Build, we understand what clients need from us as the builder and how we can best work together. We know that clear and open communication from the very beginning is essential to a positive client/builder relationship. ”
We want you to be as involved in the project as you want to be; whether that's taking a back seat and enjoying the process or getting up in the nitty-gritty details with us, the choice is yours.
Have questions or want more info? Book a call and say hello; we'd love to hear from you!
