Choosing a Mackay builder is a lot easier if you follow a few simple steps. Because there is so much at stake – your home is often the biggest asset you will ever purchase – you need to have confidence in which Mackay builder you choose. That means doing a bit of research and comparing apples with apples. We suggest breaking down your selection criteria into three key areas:
The people – how comfortable do you think you will be working with the team?
The product – check out other homes they have built and what they have to offer.
The reputation – talk to others who have used them and would they do it again?
Before you start, however, a quick word on local builders. The reason we talk about Mackay builders is not just to cover builders who are operating in Mackay but builders who are based in Mackay. We have seen, especially during boom times, builders from down south come up to Mackay and sell up a storm. However, when they discover what it takes to build a house in Mackay, including things like cyclone ratings and the high cost of labour during a boom, they soon find themselves losing money on every job. That can leave local families with a half-built house and having their home compromised. That’s why we suggest focusing on local builders who know the local area.
Reputation
The best way to have confidence in your decision is to choose a Mackay builder with a solid reputation. The advantage of using a local builder with a good reputation is having someone who is reliable, trustworthy and who knows what they are doing. A good builder will make building a home a pleasurable experience. Not doing your research could lead to an experience you’ll want to forget (and you’ve probably heard a few horror stories).
Product
If you already have a block of land and completed drawings for your own home design, it is a simple matter of choosing a builder you trust or getting quotes from two or three reputable builders. If you are working with your own home design, getting quotes from different builders is comparing apples with apples. But if you want to use a builder’s design (which will save a considerable amount of money), it can be difficult to compare quotes. What it really comes down to is which home design you want. Builders often have a range of home designs you can build but these designs are subject to copyright so you can’t take Builder A’s design to Builder B to get a quote. You will find, however, that most builders are quoting fairly similar prices so if you go with a design you want and a builder you trust, you are probably getting a good value. Beware the quote that sounds too good to be true - often it isn’t.
People
The people you work with and the relationship you build with them is critical to having a good build. You will spend a lot of time communicating with a good builder and you want to feel comfortable asking questions, raising issues, and making decisions through the process. It’s important to form a “team” around the project and, like any good team, you have to be able to relate with the builder and their “internal team” and trust that they will make every effort to get the best possible outcome for you. One of the great outcomes from an Esprit Constructions build is the long-term friendships that come from each and every project.
The Mackay builder you choose may also depend on where and what you want to build. Some builders specialise in a particular area. For instance, if you want to build in the Pioneer Valley, it would make sense to use a builder who knows the area well and builds a lot of homes there. Some builders have particular expertise in a style of home – like pole homes, timber homes, large homes, or first homes. Some like to deal exclusively with custom-designed homes while others concentrate on set plans and house and land packages.
Other things you should look for in a builder are:
References – ask the builder for references and check with past customers. You’ll soon get an idea of what the builder is like to deal with. Also, look for past clients the builder doesn’t give you.
Quality – check out other work they have done for a guide. Display homes are good but look for other examples of their work too.
Efficiency – do they have a record of building on time or do they guarantee completion dates. Long build time can mean extra expense as you can be paying two mortgages at once or a mortgage and rent for an extended period.
Character – do you feel at ease with the builder and does he/she seem trustworthy. It’s an important step and you need to feel comfortable with the people you will be dealing with.
Licensing – a builder must be licensed by the Queensland Building Services Authority. Look up their licence number on the BSA website for any information you should know about.
Insurances – will your home be covered by insurance. You need to be sure your new home will reach completion and be built free of defects.
Reputation – do friends and/or relatives have any experience with the builder.
