Selecting Builders

Discussion in 'Development' started by Oshawott, 14th Aug, 2015.

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  1. Oshawott

    Oshawott Well-Known Member

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    I have gotten quotes back from builders regarding a project that i am about to embark on. Am about to meet the shortlisted builders face to face to discuss more details and ask questions.

    Just so i don't miss something important, what are the most important things to ask during the interview stage?

    Also, do you usually still push for further reduction in quoted price or are the tender quotes usually their best already?

    thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.
     
  2. Shahin_Afarin

    Shahin_Afarin Residential and Commercial Broker Business Member

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    You really need to ensure that everything is included in the building contract. You want to limit the number of variations that the builder will need to do.

    Ensure these things are catered for:

    1. Landscaping
    2. Retaining walls/fencing
    3. Sarking
    4. Number of power points per room have been clearly noted
    5. Site clearance
    6. Utility connection to the house (gas and electricity)
    7. Excavation
    8. All tapware, appliances, vanities, toilets showers have model numbers and not just "from builders range" or better yet ask for an allowance for these items
    9. External lightening
    10. OSD and Stormwater

    There heaps more but these are a few.
     
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  3. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Also ask to see a finished product.
     
  4. Perthguy

    Perthguy Well-Known Member

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    I didn't ask. I researched completed homes that were on the market and went and inspected myself.
     
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  5. Oshawott

    Oshawott Well-Known Member

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    one of the greatest fears when building i think is the builder suddenly going bankrupt, as such would it be appropriate to ask the health of the company (profitabilty etc.....)
     
  6. LifesGood

    LifesGood Well-Known Member

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    Hi @Oshawott I have over 10 yrs experience in building in WA so feel free to PM me if you have any specific queries with the quotes/builders you're looking at.
     
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  7. MTR

    MTR Well-Known Member

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    Insurance in place to cover this, however won't cover holding costs if they go bust.
    Perhaps do a search on the company and credit rating, not full proof
     
    Last edited: 15th Aug, 2015
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  8. MTR

    MTR Well-Known Member

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    Push for best price or ask for extras, air con etc, if market is slowing down builders will be hungry for your business, no harm in trying
     
  9. 380

    380 Well-Known Member

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    Try and omitt word "Allowance" wherever it is possible.

    Ensure, things are worded in plain English.

    And ask for track record of previous jobs.
     
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  10. Oshawott

    Oshawott Well-Known Member

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    thanks for the offer. at the moment nothing specific to ask yet. just making a list just in case i forget during the meeting.
     
  11. Oshawott

    Oshawott Well-Known Member

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    even if insurance covers your costs, i heard that a lot of builders are hesitant to pick up a half finished job due to but not limited to quality warranty and profit margins.- is this correct?
     
  12. Oshawott

    Oshawott Well-Known Member

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    got 6 quotes back and pricing is a bit all over...with the most competitive being appro 10% less than the middle ones and up to 20% from the priciest.
     
  13. MTR

    MTR Well-Known Member

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    Check your specifications, to compare apples with apples

    Some of the larger spec builders look like good value but with my last project my smaller builder was far better value
     
  14. MTR

    MTR Well-Known Member

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    Your right, I would hate to be in this situation because it's going to hurt.
    I was worried with my last builder, small operator, not paying his trades on time, all worked out, that was my Spearwood project, 3 villas

    Larger builders like Ventura is possibly less risk?

    Good on you for getting 6 quotes, I never did this

    Mtr
     
  15. Chomp

    Chomp Well-Known Member

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    I had a list somewhere but I cant find it now, so roughly I would be asking;

    1. This is the type of contract I want to use.
    2. What is your construction period from possession of site
    3. If not completed I want a liquidated damages clause xx per week
    4. How many other jobs have you got on
    5. Who will be my supervisor (how many is he looking after)
    6. Have a long list of inclusions / exclusions you need to make sure they are all covered
    7. Your drawings & Spec are yours so you are comparing fairly
    8. Can you give me references from clients
    9. Check existing work they have completed