It always fascinates me when I ask a potential client how they’re going to decide who to build with. Most can’t answer the question. They haven’t thought about it, and yet it is one of the biggest decisions required in a process that will put literally hundreds of choices to you – each requiring another decision.
People compare things to cars. “It’s a Holden, not a Mercedes mate.” This says so much and is instantly understood. And some people love cars – they get really excited about them. Most go to showrooms and test drive before they buy. They can see and feel the product. But a home is different. It’s so much more significant. You can’t wander into the car company’s assembly line and get to know the workers there, and certainly not over a period of months and months. And you may pick some options, but you don’t get to design the car. In fact, it’s hard to think of any arena more significant and emotive than the design, planning and building of your very own dream home. It can be so rewarding, and yet so fraught with frustration and danger.
We’ve all heard the horror stories. Shonky builders, terrible quality, poor communication, price increases, time delays, VCAT hearings, and the list goes on. A bad building experience can lead to failed marriages. I talk to people that had their builder go broke and feel their pain and devastation. Being ‘in’ the industry, I can’t help but think ‘how did you decide to go with them? Didn’t you know about their reputation?’ It usually amounts to a gut decision. I liked the sales guy, or the designer was great to deal with…
Volume builders build many great homes, and yet, given their size, invariably build bad ones as well. These make the press. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know which one you’re going to get. It typically comes down to the Site Manager – or, in other words, the luck of the draw.
To be fair, it is a tough question. There’s a lot at stake and so how does one find the information they need to decide? In my view, it’s about more than the brand and price, it comes down to the people you’re engaging with and whether they’re a good fit. But in any case, you need to decide what’s important to you and then ask!
I needed a garage built in a small community. I went to the only timber yard in the area and asked them who was the best builder in town. I put the same question to a local electrician and plumber, and the same name kept coming up. It was a small community and so everyone knew who the best builder was. Easy.
In a bigger market, it’s tougher. You may like the display home, but does that speak to the process? Can they repeat it? Will the same people that built the display, build your home?
Evaluating a builder brings a lot more into the equation than just price and timeframes, and too often people don’t know what questions they should be asking. I think that’s why most people just go with their gut decision, but it’s worth taking the time to evaluate your priorities and getting to know your builder before committing to such a significant journey. In the end, a wise decision early on can pay big dividends.
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