5 essential tips for getting along with your builder
Because building and renovating is not something we do very often it can often feel overwhelming. One of the most beneficial things you can do is to see the project through the builder’s eyes. By doing so, you’ll realise that you both share the same common goal of a high quality project delivered on time and on budget. These tips will help get you on a level playing field with your builder so that you are more likely to enjoy a smooth build.
Provide quality documentation. The most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth build is to have thorough documentation. Your documentation should include the drawings (plans) as well as an Inclusions Specification. The Inclusions Specification clarifies dozens of requirements that are generally either missing from the plans or not dealt with in enough detail, like the built in robe fit out, kitchen appliances, bathroom fittings and tiling requirements. Yes, they are probably represented on the plan but how do you know that your expectations in terms of quality of fittings are going to be met. All of these items are also the most likely to create additional costs in the form of cost variations if they are not dealt with correctly. You can complete your own Inclusions Specification online; have a look at the ProSpex tool on buildingquote.com.au.
Trust the builder’s trades. Your builder has probably been through a lengthy trial and error process to recruit trades that he can rely on and that will complete their role to his standards. Good builders rely heavily on the quality and the reliability of their group of regular trades because it is these trades that execute the work for which the builder becomes known. So even though you may know a painter or electrician, don’t be surprised if the builder stands firm on his preference to use his regular trade group. If your builder does agree to use one of your preferred trades, you must accept that you are taking more responsibility for their involvement in the project including the quality of their work and their reliability. Think about the position this puts you in before making that commitment.
Make timely decisions. This is one of the biggest frustrations for builders; the project being delayed because the client is slow at finalising selections for fittings and finishes. You shouldn’t be expected to make important decisions with unreasonably short notice; however you do have a responsibility to not excessively or consistently delay progress. The builder is just as motivated to get your project finished as quickly as you are and the longer it takes the more his profit is affected. A good way to keep ahead of these decisions is to use your Inclusions Specification as a guide to what you’ll need to select. Ideally your builder will be able to guide you as to the order that items need to be selected. For example, it might surprise you that the toilet suite is one of the first things you will need to select, even though it doesn’t get installed until later in the process. This is because each toilet will have different set out locations for the plumbing connections that need to be known at the beginning of your project when the drainage is installed.
Understand your drawings. By the time you start building you will have looked at several iterations of drawings for your project, however it is important that you have a clear understanding of what the plans actually say. This means you need to be familiar with the notation on the drawings and what the actual drawings represent. Unless you have engaged an architect to administer the building contract and inspect the works, you will generally be the one the builder will contact with any questions that arise. You are not expected to be an expert in all things building, but you will be better off if you understand the drawings sufficiently enough so that you can respond to any queries the builder may have during the build. It may also be a good idea to check with your designer if they are able to give you assistance with such matters from time to time if you need clarification of the issue or a second opinion of the desired outcome.
Be realistic, be patient. Try to be realistic about the building process. There are a lot of trades and suppliers involved in the program of the build, and from time to time things won’t go to plan. There will be days when there is nobody on site and progress will be slow. It might be that the required trades have been delayed at another project or that the required materials have not been delivered (another good reason to make timely decisions). At times like these remember that good trades are worth waiting for. However if the delay becomes excessively long you have every right to voice your concerns with the builder and discuss options to keep things moving along.
Adam Hobill
Principal Designer
Author – Nail it! Take control of your building project & save thousands
