Engaging a Builder Will Save You Time, Money and… Your Sanity.
Building a new home or completing a renovation project can be a complex and overwhelming task. There are many decisions to be made, and a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard. This is where a professional builder can be a valuable asset.
Engaging a builder comes with many benefits, including:
Professional expertise
This might be the number one overlooked benefit of having an experienced and qualified builder run your home renovation or build project. An experienced builder has the training, knowledge, and hands-on-experience to manage construction projects efficiently and effectively. They can provide valuable input and provide preliminary feasibility on design decisions such as removing walls, adding in windows or skylights, or adding an upper floor addition to your existing home. Experienced builders should also have a preferred group of trades in which they are confident in the quality of workmanship. This ensures all aspects of your project are completed to a high standard. For example, excellent quality construction is lost if the finishing touches such as painting or tiles is done to poor standards. Often times you will find builders proposing low cost quotes are utilising trades who are under quoting for their time and experience (to be competitive), resulting in poor quality rushed jobs.
More importantly, an experienced builder is the ability to spot potential problems before they arise and recommend solutions to overcome any obstacles encountered during the build project. Furthermore, experienced builders are able to efficiently re-organise trades, product installs, and material deliveries to minimise delay in the project timeline.
Quality assurance
Builders must be up to date with the National Building Code of Australia and possess a general understanding of council regulations. The last thing you want to do is build a non-compliant structure - that would be quite the costly headache! Experienced builders will also have an in-depth understanding on the building approval process, including which service providers to engage at what time to ensure the building project is inspected and approved by council in a timely fashion. Additionally, experienced quality builders (with a keen eye for detail) are able to spot defects in work performed across a plethora of trades, which may go unnoticed by clients who choose to DIY or under take owner builder role to save money. By engaging a builder, you are given a peace of mind that your project is being completed safely and to the highest quality.
Time savings
This is a two-fold point. Builders can save your personal time; while also saving time on the project (compared to DIY / owner-builder). Builders can manage the construction process and handle all the details, freeing up your time to focus on other things such as work or family. Builders will take care of coordinating subcontractors, sourcing materials, and ensuring that the project is progressing as planned. Experienced builders have a close relationship with their suppliers and trades and know the product lead times like the back of their hand. For example, in the Gold Coast, QLD, there is a 6-week wait on windows and the highly-sought after early morning concrete trucks need to be locked in 3 - 4 weeks in advance. These insights are extremely valuable in ensuring the project runs on time and sticking to budget.
Cost savings
Builders can help you stay on budget by managing the construction process and sourcing materials at competitive prices. They have established relationships with suppliers and can often get discounts on materials that may not be available to you as an individual. Furthermore, trades are doing favours for each other on a daily basis. By engaging a builder, your project may benefit from one of these IOU’s, particularly in the event there is a complication or set-back in the project.
Accountability
Builders are responsible for the quality of their work (for up to 6.5 years in QLD), and will typically provide a warranty or guarantee to back it up. In Queensland, this is the QBCC Home Warrenty premium that should be included in your builders quote. The Home Warrenty is only available with a fully executed building contract under a licenced builder. This gives you peace of mind that any issues that arise after completion of the project will be taken care of promptly.
Sanity savings
Engaging a builder can reduce the stress and uncertainty that can come with managing a construction project on your own. They will communicate with you throughout the project, keeping you informed of progress and any issues that arise. This can help you feel more confident that the project is moving forward as planned. When looking to start with new home build or renovation, ensure that the builder you choose has good interpersonal skills. If you feel the builder is not speaking your language, consider reaching out to another builder with good customer service reviews. It is important to feel heard, and understand the process when embarking on a collaborative project. It’s your blank canvas - you choose the craftsman best suited to work with you.
In conclusion, engaging a builder can be a smart investment for anyone looking to build or renovate a home. With their professional expertise, quality assurance, time and cost savings, accountability, and peace of mind (and saving your sanity), a builder can help ensure that your project is completed to the highest standard, on time, and within budget.
Canvas Constructions Co is ready to collaborate with you on your next home build or renovation project. Chat with us or Contact Us to discuss your project or organise an onsite consultation.
