CHOOSING YOUR BUILDER, 4 STEPS
The Four Steps:
1. VISIT BUILDER WEBSITES
2. CHECK REFERENCES
3. MAKE CONTACT
4. SIGN A CONTRACT
VISIT BUILDER WEBSITES
Values, Culture, Quality, Passion
This is a quick first check. The intent, when visiting a builder’s website, is to find clues to their values, culture, quality of work, and passion. Perhaps you are looking for a builder who wants to build healthy homes, or a builder who values transparency. The language used on a website is a good first clue - however, you will want to make sure they ‘walk the walk’...
CHECK REFERENCES
Ask around town, Visit building sites.
You’ve reviewed websites. Now find feedback from their clients, and from architects.
Here are some questions to consider asking builders clientele and architects:
How transparent was the builder throughout the build?
How was the quality of workmanship?
How did the final cost compare to the initial estimate (note - increases may have been due to client design changes)
How well did the builder communicate?
Did they provide helpful design insight to possible changes for efficiency or cost savings?
Were they generally reliable?
MAKE CONTACT
Phone/Email, Coffee
Once you’ve found a pool of good possible candidates, it’s time to make contact. We recommend having 3-5 builders in mind.
Here are some questions to consider asking the builders:
Are they available to build your house with your intended start date and completion timing?
Are they familiar with your style of design? Perhaps you have a unique design or specified uncommon materials.
Do they have the skills to price the job?
What type of contract do they usually operate under?
SIGN A CONTRACT
A written contract protects you and sets out both parties’ rights and obligations. Verbal and handshake agreements are also legally enforceable, however, there is too much room for uncertainty about what has been agreed.
Most contractors will have their own form of contract which they will adjust to your project’s specifications. Master Builders provide a good contract template to contractors.
Your contract should include the following:
Confirming the price of the build (lump sum or hourly rates)
Explain the roles for all parties
Confirm subcontractors
State the start and finish dates
Plan the payment schedule
Define the acceptable quality of work
Confirm which party will pay for any council fees
Explain the defects and liability period and process
Explain the procedure for disputes
It is recommended that you get a lawyer to look over the document before you sign it.
The following links delve into this topic a little more;
https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/why-contracts-are-valuable/