Choosing Your Building Team

Our top tips for choosing the best team for your new build or renovation project.

For any build or renovation, the first crucial step is to choose your team. Who you work with will make the biggest difference in terms of the finished result of your project. Building strong relationships with your trades is key and above all it pays to have mutual respect for one another.

Project Management

Choosing your team will firstly depend on the type, size and scope of the project you are undertaking.

For a new build: you will need to hire a qualified builder who will project manage the entire build
Renovation: you can again choose a builder, or a carpenter may be applicable however the project management would then be the owners/renovators responsibility.

Project management can be a big undertaking and includes:
- Problem solving
- Hiring and managing all trades
- Project and individual trade timeline

Who handles the project management usually depends on your:
- Money/budget
- Time
- Confidence
- Project size

Finding Your Building Team

The following applies to all trades, not just builders.

1. Research builders in your area: Start by researching builders in your area. Look for builders who have experience building the type of house you want.

2. Seek out personal or industry recommendations: this is your best bet for finding someone you can trust! We cannot stress this enough, personal recommendations are key and give you such valuable insight into what it’s actually like to work with someone. You can even post on local Facebook groups for local recommendations.

3. Check their credentials: Check the builder's credentials, such as their license, insurance, and certifications. Make sure they are licensed and insured to work in your area.

4. Look at their past work: Ask to see examples of their past work and talk to their previous clients. This will give you an idea of their style and the quality of their work.

5. Get references: Ask for references from the builder and contact them to get feedback on their experience with the builder

6. Get multiple quotes: Get quotes from multiple builders so that you can compare their pricing and services. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this could be a sign of poor quality work or hidden costs. You want to prioritse quality trades with expertise and experience.

7. Ask about the building process: Ask the builder about their building process, including the timeline, payment schedule, and communication. Make sure you are comfortable with their process before signing a contract.

8. Trust your instincts: Trust your instincts when choosing a builder. If something doesn't feel right or you have doubts about a builder, it's best to keep looking until you find a builder you feel confident about.

Overall, choosing the right builder for your house build requires research, due diligence, and careful consideration. By following these tips, you can find a builder who will help you turn your dream home into a reality.

Your Building Team

The potential trades you may need to look at sourcing or hiring for your project:
- Builder
- Carpenter
- Cabinet Maker / Joiner
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Tiler
- Stone Installer
- Landscaper