As the client, you need to remember that the builder can only work with the information that you provide them. Realise that the builder ‘does not know what he does not know’ and assumptions are one of the biggest causes of disagreement. It is your responsibility to convey as much information as you can to them about your needs and desires.
You will achieve the best outcome if you do not hold back and are fully transparent with your builder. I know that some information may be sensitive, but if you want the best outcome, you need to find a builder whom you can trust with that information.
Information that would be valuable to the builder might be:
The true project budget
Needs and functionality of the home — a good builder can help you formulate this
Intended or critical start and completion dates
Level of communication you expect
Particular outcomes that are non-negotiable
Expectation on quality — define what quality means to you as distinctly as possible because everybody has a different interpretation of quality
