At Moorhouse Builders we pride ourselves on our professional approach as we feel it reflects the values and skill set we bring to all our projects. We understand that there are many factors that influence your choice of builder and that we will not always be the successful bidder.

Based on our experience in the industry, we suggest some points below that you might consider when choosing a builder – the single most important decision you will make when building or renovating.

1.     Are they reliable and well presented?

Organisation is a critical quality in your builder. Make sure that the builder presents professionally, and that they themselves return your calls or emails promptly. This shows they care about doing your job and that they will also be organised and attentive throughout your work.

2.     Are they going to give you a comprehensive quote?

Compiling a thorough quote can take days so preparing this indicates the builder values your job. With a fully detailed and fixed quote, You won’t be surprised with extras down the track, unless you change your mind. Once the quote is done and given to you, a good builder will appreciate a chance to go over it with you (especially if you are getting multiple quotes) to explain any differences for you, ensure you are getting the same quality in every quote and comparing ‘apples with apples’.

3.     Do they have referees and a folio of past work?

Photos of past work and recommendations from clients (or offers to see the work in person) all give you an idea of the quality of results you can expect, and whether they specialise in your type of work. Builders who have many clients happy to recommend them likely also have good people skills.

4. Are they are registered builder with qualifications and insurance?

Make sure your builder is licensed and ask to see their builder’s registration. Ensure they have comprehensive insurance, especially home warranty insurance. Good builders will also be members of industry associations such as the HIA.

5. Are they of good character?

You will have a close relationship with your builder during the renovation or building period so compatibility is a key consideration. You should end up feeling as if you can trust your builder, that you can ask them open and frank questions and that they will always respect you and your home.

6.     Do they give time and attention to understanding your needs?

A good builder will ask you questions about your plans to ensure they can give you a comprehensive quote and understand your hopes for your home. A good builder will be interested in you and in what you want from the project and the process, including living arrangements, preferred communication and expectations of the results.

7.     Will they be involved all aspects of your project?

Given you have made your decision based on the builder you have met, it is important to know how much day-to-day time and attention they will be giving to your project. Smaller and boutique builders are generally part of every aspect of your work, however if the builder is larger company you may also be dealing with separate site mangers, project managers or office staff.

8.     Other things to ask.

Once you have selected a builder you trust and thoroughly understand are a happy with your quote, there are several other things you should ask prior to signing a contract. These include making sure the contract is a HIA/Master Builders approved one, finding out start and finish times for your work, and discussing what would happen if any of your work is defective.

9.     More information.

We are well known within the community as providing honest and truthful advice. We are more than happy to help you with any queries you may have about your upcoming work, including at the design stage, or to help you compare quotes to ensure you are getting what you pay for. Please feel free to contact us anytime.