Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions in any building project. The right one makes the process smooth. The wrong one can cost you time, money and a lot of stress. Here’s what to check before you sign anything.
1. Check that they are registered
If you're building a new home, your builder must be registered with the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), and the new home must be enrolled with the NHBRC before building starts. Ask for the registration number and check it with the NHBRC.
2. Look at work they've actually done
Ask to see photos of recent projects, or better still, visit a finished job. A good builder will be happy to show you.
3. Speak to past clients
Ask for two or three references and phone them. Ask whether the job finished on time, whether the budget held and how any problems were handled.
4. Get a detailed written quote
A proper quote lists the work, the materials and the costs line by line. Be careful of a single lump-sum figure with no breakdown. It makes quotes hard to compare and makes it easy for extras to creep in.
5. Agree on a payment schedule
Payments should be linked to stages of the work. Never pay the full amount before the work is done.
6. Put it in writing
Make sure you have a written agreement that covers the scope of work, the price, the payment stages, the timeline and what happens if something changes.
7. Ask who will be on site
Find out who manages the site day to day and who you call if there's a problem. On a well-run job you'll always know who is responsible.
8. Ask about plans and approvals
Many projects need building plans approved by the municipality. Ask whether the builder can help with this, and don't let work start on something that needs approval before it has it.
9. Check how they handle safety
A builder who takes safety seriously usually runs an organised site in general. Ask how they look after their team and your property.
10. Trust your gut
If a quote seems too good to be true, or the builder is hard to reach before the job even starts, take note. Good communication at the start usually tells you how the rest of the job will go.
Planning a project in Newcastle, Mbombela or the surrounding areas? We’re happy to come out, look at the site and give you a detailed quote. Get in touch.