5 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Builder

04 July 2019

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3 min read

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Whether you’re starting the exciting journey of building a new home, adding an extension onto an existing one or renovating, there are certain things you should know before you make the commitment of hiring a builder...

Whether you’re starting the exciting journey of building a new home, adding an extension onto an existing one or renovating, there are certain things you should know before you make the commitment of hiring a builder. With all homes, it’s important to trust that you’ve made the right decision in going with a certain tradesperson. These questions will help you have confidence in your chosen contractor and ensure that you get the results you deserve from your investment.

1. Does Your Builder Have the Right Certifications    

Before you begin considering whether you should hire a tradesperson for your building task, you should always do your research to assess whether they are backed by New Zealand building certifications. These credentials provide evidence for their proven ability to take on home building jobs and assure consumers that they can be trusted to complete jobs to a high standard.

Organisations like the New Zealand Certified Builders Association grant memberships to builders that have a track record of success in the work they do. Builders that are certified are often covered by guarantees, providing reassurance that your investment is protected and that you can rely on their services.

2. Can Your Builder Provide References? How Long Have They Been Around?

Experience is key in residential construction. It takes a strong combination of skills and knowledge to build a home and this can be something that unseasoned carpenters lack. Experienced builders with great references provide the necessary reassurance that they’ll be able to deliver what has been promised and work with you for the best outcome. Make sure you do your due diligence and check out the online resources available for reference checking.

3. Will Your Builder Cater to Your Unique Needs?

Generally, no two homes are alike and if you are consulting a builder for custom requirements, you’ll need to know that they’re happy to handle all of your requests. This is something that needs to be discussed before and in your contract so that all parties remain happy with the service. Take the planning stages to make sure you’re all on the same page. Remember, if in doubt, talk it out. Communication is key during this time and if you’re uncertain about anything, it’s best to discuss it before work begins.

4. Can You Agree on Timelines?

Timing should be one of your main focus points as you begin your home’s construction. Ask your builder about deadlines and completion dates and get it in writing. You want to know that everything’s running according to plan and sticking with what your agreement was. While nothing is ever really certain and things don’t always go the way you’d think, a solid contract and agreement will help things run smoothly. The last thing you want is for delays to leave you periodically homeless or draining your bank account.

5. Is Pricing Understood by Everyone?

Pricing plays a key role in the early stages of residential construction as you need to agree on rates before the process has started. Both of you (the homeowner and the contractor) need to outline rights and responsibilities. This will ensure liability is understood by everyone and support you in the worst case scenario.