How do I find a great builder for my home?
The best ways to find a builder are by asking friends, neighbours, architects or real estate agents for recommendations, or observing the work sites of nearby projects.
‘A drive around your local area looking for building sites that are neat, have nice signage, and a tidy nature strip out front is a good start. It’s not a sure sign of a good builder, but if they care enough about their site’s presentation, then surely that’s a good indication of how they manage their business,’ says Rhys Vleugel, director of Basis Builders.
You can also ask to speak to some of the builder’s previous clients for a direct testimonial.
‘If a builder is unable to get you to walk through a past project or speak to a past client, then that is not a great sign!’ says James Gooley, director of Visioneer Builders.
The next step is interviewing multiple builders to ensure your values and expectations for the project align. For example, if you’re hoping to have the entire project wrapped up by Christmas, mention this upfront!
James also recommends asking whether the builder has completed projects of similar scale and complexity before and whether there will be a full-time site manager or one managing multiple projects at once.
Monique Woodward from Wowowa on site with Basis Builders. Photo – Amelia Stanwix
The home renovation of BuildHer Collective member Maddie Witter, constructed by Calibre Built Developments. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli
BuildHer Collective member Maddie Witter designed the floor plan of her home renovation after completing a BuildHer Collective course. She then worked collaboratively with Calibre Built Developments to bring it to life. Photo – Eve Wilson for The Design Files. Styling – Annie Portelli
The renovated home of Jess Dempsey. Photo – Eve Wilson. Interior design + styling – Cassandra Walker. Photo styling – Annie Portelli
Jess Dempsey’s Armadale home. Axa Sink 50 Undercounter Glaze Basin, Sussex Scala Bath/Shower Mixer in Brushed Gunmetal, Sussex Scala Curved Wall Outlet in Brushed Gunmetal. All products by Reece. Photo – Eve Wilson. Interior design + styling – Cassandra Walker. Photo styling – Annie Portelli
Jess Dempsey’s Armadale home. Kado Lussi Freestanding Cast Solid Surface Bath, Axa Sink 50 Undercounter Glaze Basin, Sussex Scala Bath/Shower Mixer in Brushed Gunmetal, Sussex Scala Curved Wall Outlet in Brushed Gunmetal, Milli Pure Shower Head in Brushed Gunmetal, Milli Pure Horizontal Shower Arm in Brushed Gunmetal and Geberit Sigma 50 Dual Flush Button in Gunmetal. All products by Reece. Photo – Eve Wilson. Interior design + styling – Cassandra Walker. Photo styling – Annie Portelli
Edgars Creek House by Breathe Architecture. Builder – Never Stop Group. Photo – Joel Noon
Birch Tree House by Susi Leeton Architects. Builder – Visioneer Builders. Photo – Felix Mooneeram
Monique Woodward from Wowowa working alongside Basis Builders on a residential site. Photo – Amelia Stanwix
Birch Tree House by Susi Leeton Architects. Builder – Visioneer Builders. Photo – Nicole England
Balnarring Beach House by B.E Architecture. Builder – Basis Builders. Interior design – Anouche Design. Photo – Tatjana Plitt
