Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a renovation or building project. While it’s easy to get caught up in finishes, floorplans and the excitement of seeing your vision come to life, there are some important questions you should ask before you sign anything.
Our free guide, 10 Questions to Ask Your Builder Before Signing Anything, is designed to help homeowners make informed decisions and feel confident about who they are trusting with their project.
Here are the first two questions to ask.
1. Are you a registered building practitioner and fully insured?
This should be one of the first questions you ask any builder you’re considering.
In Victoria, builders undertaking domestic building work over $10,000 generally need to be registered with the Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC) – formerly known as the Victorian Building Association. Registration helps ensure the practitioner meets the required standards and is appropriately qualified to carry out the work.
But don’t simply take their word for it.
Ask for their BPC registration number and check that their details are current. You should also ask about their insurance and request the relevant certificates.
A professional, reputable builder should be comfortable providing this information.
What does a good response look like?
They should be able to confidently share their BPC registration details and provide evidence of their current insurance cover.
If a builder is hesitant, vague or unwilling to provide documentation, consider this a warning sign. You want to know that the person responsible for your project is properly registered, insured and accountable.
2. Do you have direct experience with this type of project?
Not every building project is the same — and not every builder has the same area of expertise.
A kitchen extension, bathroom renovation, heritage restoration and new build can each present very different challenges. The skills and experience required to work with an existing home can be very different from those involved in constructing a new property from the ground up.
For example, a builder who specialises primarily in new builds may not necessarily be the right fit for a complex Federation-era renovation. Likewise, a builder experienced in heritage restorations may not be the best choice for a completely new construction.
Ask to see relevant examples
Don’t be afraid to ask your builder:
“Have you completed projects similar to mine?”
A good builder should be able to show you specific, relevant examples of their previous work — ideally projects that are similar in type, age, scale and complexity to what you are planning.
Looking at previous projects can give you a much better understanding of their experience, workmanship and suitability for your particular renovation.
The right builder is about more than a good quote
Price is understandably an important part of choosing a builder, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration.
The right builder should have the appropriate registration and insurance, understand the type of project you’re undertaking, and be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
Taking the time to ask these questions before signing a contract can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potentially costly problems later.
And these are only the first two questions.
Want the full checklist?
Download CACCON’s free guide, “10 Questions to Ask Your Builder Before Signing Anything”, and take it with you when meeting potential builders.
Because when it comes to your home, asking the right questions before you sign can make all the difference.
