Things to consider before choosing and contracting with a builder

The idea of building your own home probably is keeping you up at night worrying right? But the stuff of dreams can become a total nightmare when your homebuilder can’t execute on their promises. What’s more, a lack of customization might leave you wanting more or feeling deceived.

Some builder’s make every attempt to woo you with low base prices, too good to be true promotions, and even very slick “As Displayed” upgrades. But, before you sign any contract, make sure you ask these crucial questions. Outlining your expectations ahead of time can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

How much can I customise?

A lot of builders out there (not us). Won’t allow you to change their standard plans. Whether it be an internal wall, change the footprint or even look at developing a whole new plan with you. After all, one of the appeals of building versus buying existing is getting exactly what you want. We realise our greatest competition is existing home market and therefore are sensitive to ensuring we get the balance right for you on budget and ideally what you’re trying to achieve for your family’s lifestyle

These builders keep costs in line by offering a set number of floorplans and finishes, allowing for very limited or no cosmetic tweaks along the way. Be very clear early what you want to change and if the builder will allow it or will they penalise you harshly in the hip pocket

Is your Display home upgraded (and what comes standard)

At zeal its easy. Our display homes are our homes under construction! And as for the majority of our homes it’s what you see is what you get. That is, EVERYTHING IS STANDARD. If it’s not then it’s made very clear that we are presenting some snazzy upgrades which you can choose in your home if you wish and this is how much they cost to do so…..

It’s easy to fall in love with that perfectly-staged display home which is jam packed with all the bells and whistles that’s not included in the builders “Base Price” home figure.

Don’t fall victim until you get a clear answer of which features in the model home have been upgraded. Some builders want to show off what they can do for you but if they aren’t clear on what those are then you can fall into the trap of believing its included when it very well isn’t. Just be certain what you’re buying before you sign anything. Be provided with a succinct list of inclusions and be sure to physically inspect them for yourself. They might not even be shown in the home and are at a colour and design centre for instance…..

ASK FOR REFERENCES

The proof and measure of a builder is in their client testimonials. Ask them for a few people that have built similar properties to yours planned Check out their social media presence, their online integrity and go view a website called product review dot com.

This will give you a deeper insight into how their clients are treated. With fresh memories, past clients can give you a better idea of how well the builder stuck to timelines, any frustrations, and even a list of dos and don’ts with a builder. Building isn’t a perfect science and things do go wrong. It’s how its handled that’s more important….

Fail it doesn’t too often but we have a General Manager to handle your needs and concerns and as the business owner I am hands on and my door is open should you require anything of a pressing or major concern. That’s a local builder backing up what he says and does.

What’s the builders guarantees? – We have confidence built in!

Do they have a guaranteed start date? We do – its within 7 days of council approval and bank commencement letter?

Do they have a guaranteed build time? We do – its fixed in our contract with you

What are their pillars of service – see ours here :

  • We have tailored an inclusive and comprehensive workflow management software program to include you in building your home. We provide up to date info via our own Whats app chat and include 5 guided tours of your home at Stages – slab, frame, electrical, tiling and an independent handover inspection at Practical completion
  • We provide ongoing warranty period inspections. 1 after handover and another at 11 months mark which reviews any immediate settling in items and which finalises any minor defects. This gives you greater peace of mind that your home is being cared for and with the greatest of attention
  • You have a dedicated client management rep during the build of your home so we can provide exceptional customer service and handle any queries you may have along the way
  • Over 25 years’ experience. Our builder has been in the industry and we continue to deliver the security and affordability that an experienced builder can.
  • 25 year limited structural warranty on the frame. Its built to last and last and we guarantee it.
  • Our supervisors only manage up to 10 sites at any time and thus ensuring an incredible level of detail and project management which delivers you an outstanding home and experience

These are the promises your builder makes to you and you can hold them to. Our level of commitment to you is industry leading in fact. That’s peace of mind.

HOW DO THEY HANDLE COMPLICATIONS?

Our business structure is 100% client focused. Our Whats App for instance (a walkie talkie app) allows us to be continually and efficiently be communicating with you to keep you abreast of the progress of your home at whatever stage its currently at.

Every Friday for instance you hear from a team member in our business that informs you of what’s happening and impending in the future. This level of communication and being informally consistently makes our clients happier and better informed.

Thus, decreasing the chances of dissatisfaction and handling anything that may go wrong to be attended to swiftly and sensitively. All along, with a record of what has transpired in real time. This function and commitment adds massive value for our clients and as a result our Zeal Clients we believe are much happier along the way……

What’s your Warranties?

We have a 12 months maintenance warranty period in play. Backed up by the Statutory home owners warranty set by the industry.

We don’t have well marketed, limited liability Warranty period’s that’s been drafted by a bevy of Lawyers which really doesn’t add too much value to a single owner at the end of the day

Our homes are covered for a period of 6 years 6 months from the date (whichever is earlier):

  • the premium is paid
  • a contract is entered, or
  • work is commenced

A premium is paid by the builder to the QBCC for the insurable value of the home

The term ‘insurable value’ is the amount which represents the reasonable cost of having the work carried out by a licensed contractor on the basis that all materials are to be supplied by the contractor – if the work is carried out on this basis.

In layman’s terms – we cover your home in full for the building, defects liability and structural integrity period in accordance with the QBCC Home Warranty scheme law

What if we decide to cancel?

If your builder falls short, or your situation changes, make sure you have a way out.

At Zeal Homes for instance we fully refund any monies not expended by us at your approval for whatever reason you’re not happy.

In most cases, you’ll put down a deposit to start, which may or may not be refundable. Make sure your builder has a cancelation policy you’re comfortable with, so you can feel good about getting started.

So in summary, Making the decision to build your own home is huge to say the least and you will be putting your heart and soul into it. The building process can either be completely frustrating or totally gratifying, and most of the experience will come down to the builder you choose. Do your homework and compare builders on what they say and more importantly what they say they will do. Understand the process and how long and what steps to expect moving ahead…..