Signing a building contract is one of the biggest commitments you’ll ever make. Before you sign you need to make sure you are 100% happy with your choice. Not all builders are equal and there are some important questions you should ask them to ensure they are the right fit for you and save you from potential heartache.
1. Are you a registered builder and are you insured?
If you only ask one question, make sure it’s this. They are the absolute basic requirements and will give you financial and emotional peace of mind. DO NOT proceed to sign the contract until you have confirmed these details.
2. Who supervises construction, and will I have direct contact with my site supervisor?
It’s essential that you are kept up to date throughout the construction process. The best builders are excellent communicators, making sure you know what’s occurring on site and when. Don’t be afraid to ask for the contact details of your Site Supervisor. Knowing who will supervise the construction of your home (and having direct access to them) will ensure that any concerns you have throughout the build process can be quickly and easily addressed. Our Site Supervisors have a high level of experience in site management as well as local knowledge of the areas we build in.
3. Are you financially stable?
The homebuilding market is competitive and unfortunately it is not uncommon for builders to declare bankruptcy leaving homes unfinished. Financial stability is crucial and is often overlooked when choosing a builder. Backed by over three and a half decades of experience and parent company, Ross Squire Homes, you can rest easy your home is in safe and secure hands.
4. What warranty period do you offer?
Be sure to confirm the warranty periods offered by your builder. Affordable Country Homes offers a 6-year structural warranty and a 6-month maintenance period.
We will also provide you with a homeowner’s manual outlining all product warranty information, so you are completely aware of what’s covered. In the unlikely event that you need to request maintenance, your Site Supervisor will prioritise and manage the items in the best possible way.
5. Do you have a consistent and reliable trade base?
Having a consistent and reliable trade base, especially in regional areas, ensure that the construction of your home will not only run smoothly but also to schedule. Many of the trades used by Affordable Country Homes have been operating in the areas we build in for many years – some for over 30 years!
6. Have you built in my location before?
Building a home outside of the Perth metro area can present a completely different set of conditions and challenges. Ensuring your builder has had experience building in your area means they will have encountered many of these already and understand any additional requirements that need to be considered.
7. What is the estimated time frame for completion?
You want to move into your home as quickly as possible. Having an estimated time frame for completion means you will be able to arrange your move in advance. Your Affordable Country Homes Consultant will be able to outline the process for you and give you estimated timeframes well in advance. As an added bonus – our homes have been designed to easily move through the system and once on site, constructed quickly.
8. Can we see examples of your previous projects?
Walking through past projects allows you to compare the level of quality and attention to detail of a builder. Your Affordable Country Homes Consultant will happily walk you through examples of our build quality and answer any additional questions you have.
9. What kind of contracts do you utilise and exactly what is included in my contract?
Be careful of ‘cost plus’ contracts as they carry no limit on what you could end up paying and can drag out construction. Affordable Country Homes use ‘fixed price’ contracts created by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) – an independent Australian body that ensures both the customer and builder are protected.
10. When can you give me a definitive price to build my home?
Receiving the total cost of construction early in the process is vital for a seamless experience. Your finance approval and evaluation of options relies on this magic number. Confirm when this will happen before you get too far into the process. Affordable Country Homes will provide you with this information early on to ensure each stage flows smoothly.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact an Affordable Country Homes Consultant by simply calling 9278 3444 or click here to get in touch.