Critical Stages in the Building Industry

So, what are these critical stages? I know most people don’t have a great understanding of building and renovating, which makes us very cautious and anxious about the idea of embarking on a building project. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be so frightening, and a little knowledge about the process and what to expect along the way will give you the confidence you need to comfortably get through it. This is what Builder Finders can help you with.

There are four important stages that every successful building project follows; Idea Stage, Design Stage, Quote Stage, and Build Stage.

Idea Stage

You’ll realize soon enough that any building project requires a lot of decisions. Before you can make those decisions, you need to be clear about what you want to achieve.

What might surprise you is that the major decision you need to make isn’t the number of rooms you want, or how many square meters your house should be, or even your finishes. The major decision you need to make is about the type of lifestyle you want to create. Once you’re clear on that, this will guide all of your other decisions.

The Idea Stage is about getting clear on what you want, starting with your ideal lifestyle, then working back from there. You’ll figure out what’s important to you in a home, whether you want to extend, renovate or build, and the best way to figure out the right budget and timeframe for you. Essentially, the Idea Stage gives you the foundation you need to move on to creating a design.

Design Stage

Your drawings are one of the most important elements in getting accurate quotes from builders and keeping your costs under control through the build. To get these drawings, you’ll need to find a designer.

It’s better if you will learn or know more about the merits of architects, building designers, drafts people and design & construct companies, including which is right for you, and how to choose a good one. It is also good for you to know how your design can influence costs, and how your designer should take these preferences into consideration to provide a concept design, which you can use to get preliminary quotes from builders.

Quote Stage

Once you have a set of final Sketch Plans it is a good idea to get them quoted as soon as possible. There is no point completing final working drawings and getting your project approved if it is going to be over budget and need redesigning. The sooner you understand the likely costs of your project, the better.

Along with your concept drawings, or Sketch Plans, the other essential piece of documentation you’ll need for quoting is an Inclusions Schedule, which details your preferred finishes and fittings, including their prices. This is not optional! Without an Inclusions Schedule, the builders quoting your project will have no guide as to what you want to put in your new home, which means they’re likely to be quoting different items, leading to very different quotes.

Once you have your paperwork sorted, it’s ideal to get an estimate from three builders.

Build Stage

When all quotes have been received from your selected builders you will be able to assess and compare them. You will then probably want to interview a shortlist of builders to help you choose the final builder for your project.

With your builder selected, the drawings approved, and a contract signed, you are ready to start building. The building contract will set out the building process and when you will need to make payments to the builder. However, I feel the key to a smooth build is having a good relationship with your builder.

The good news is that there is no cost to use Builder Finders. We are paid by the builder you have selected.

Building is an exciting time. It can also be a time of great anxiety if you choose the wrong builder. Did you know Builder Finders does not accept every builder. Many builders who apply to join the Builder Finders panel don’t make it. There is a 62 step vetting process for builders to join the panel. In addition, the Builder Finders team conducts comprehensive due diligence through reference checks, ASIC searches and CreditorWatch reports to ensure they are not insolvent. You may not be aware that in the last financial year just over 500 builders went bust. Worse still, right now there are builders in financial difficulty that are cutting corners to stay afloat. Fact is, a lot of builders will tell you what you want to hear. Engaging with one of these builders will invariably mean subpar construction of your home. No one wants that.

With Builder Finders, you are in safe hands.

Why risk it? The Builder Finders team have done all the background searches for you. We take pride in knowing our clients are dealing with some of Australia’s leading and award winning builders. We understand the services of a builder broker may be a new concept for you. It would be our pleasure to refer customers that have used our services in the past.