10 Questions to Ask When Engaging a Builder

Finding a reputable builder that suits your design style, communication preferences and overall needs is extremely important. Working with a builder that aligns with you will help keep the process smooth and stress free!  

At Panorama Portarlington, we understand that choosing a builder can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why we’ve put together our top ten questions to ask before you engage a builder.

1.     Are you registered?

Ask your builder for their registered business name and check their registration at the Victorian Building Authority for builders and plumbers. This is the best way you can ensure that you’re engaging a reliable builder that meets Victorian compliance standards.

2.     Can you provide a comprehensive quote?

It’s important to fully understand exactly what’s covered in the builder’s quote (and what isn’t). Some quotes may only give a base rate and not include the costs of various materials and finishes. We also recommend asking for a quote from at least three different builders, so you can effectively compare different options and ultimately make the best decision for you.

3.     Do you have references?

Any good builder will be able to provide you with past customers as references for their previous work. Here are some questions to ask the references:

• Was your home completed within the advised timeframe?

• Were you able to regularly communicate with the builder?

• Did the price change from your initial quote?

• Were you happy with the quality of the work?

4.     What are people saying online?

This is more of a question for Google than it is for the builder, however it’s important to look up online reviews to see what people are saying about their experience and satisfaction with your prospective builders.

5.     What style do you specialise in?

This one might seem obvious; builders tend to specialise in certain home styles, so make sure to take a look at their portfolio and determine if their homes match your taste. 

6.     Do you offer design flexibility?

If you’re choosing from a builder’s existing floorplans, check with them how flexible the designs are. For example, you might want to swap out a bedroom for a home office, or reverse the kitchen layout – will your builder accommodate these changes? And if so, how much extra do they charge?

7.     What location do you build in?

Many builders are accustomed to building in particular areas. This means they’re familiar with the terrain, conditions and any other factors that could impact your future home. Panorama Portarlington is located in a coastal environment, which may influence your home’s style, materials used and other building components. Engaging a builder that has experience with coastal locations will help ensure that your future home complements the surrounding environment and will be able to withstand coastal conditions.

8.     How involved can I be?

Depending on your personal preference, you may want to oversee every stage of the build from beginning to end, or you might want to take a back seat and leave it in the builder’s hands. Check with your builder what their communication style is like, and whether they like to work closely with their customers or if they prefer to work autonomously. 

9.     What’s the building timeframe?

Ask your builder how long it will take for your home to be ready. Our covenants require you to commence construction of a home within 36 months of the settlement date and complete construction within 54 months of the settlement date.

10.  Does it meet the Panorama Design Guidelines?

Panorama Portarlington has some Design Guidelines in place to ensure that our community looks beautiful and feels welcoming well into the future. It’s a good idea to check with your builder that your home design meets these guidelines.

Now that you know exactly what questions to ask, the next step is to start shopping around for builders. Check out some of our Panorama Pals and local Bellarine builders: Pivot and GJ Gardner.