Here are some of the factors that you should consider when hiring a builder to construct your home.
Portfolio and experience
It is extremely crucial that you hire a builder who has prior experience in building homes in general, and in your area in particular. For instance, if you are building on a sloping block, then it is important that you get a builder who has prior experience building on sloping blocks.
Be sure to ask for the builder's design portfolio to specifically have an idea of how they have dealt with different kinds of building environments. You want to work with a builder who has innovative designs and a track record of timely construction.
Cost of construction
Cost is an important factor when hiring a builder; however, never make your judgment solely on the builder's cost. During the consultation stage, ask the driver to provide you with of the cost involved upfront. Avoid builders who provide partial costs as it is likely that they will bombard you with unpleasant surprises along the way.
Be sure to go through every detail of the design sketch with the builder and ask them to give a detailed listing of the cost involved in each and every element of the construction work. Ideally, it is better to start off with a comprehensive quote with no surprises along the way than blindly settle for the builder with the cheapest quote.
Contracts
Once you have gone through the broader detail with the builder, it is time to get the contracts in place. Be sure to seek professional help to ensure that your interests are adequately protected. Look out for any price escalation clauses on the contract. If there are such clauses, the clearly seek to know about the instances in which they can be invoked.
These are some of the dirty tricks that naughty builders play to get more money from their clients. Yes, engaging the services of a lawyer will mean extra cost to you; however, this will be money well spent. You are better off spending money on legal fees beforehand to ensure that you have a water tight contract than spend much money later on battling a builder in court.
Finally, never rush
This may sound straightforward, but some people over look it. Whatever kind of house you want, chances are you want the builder to be through as soon as possible. However, if you rush into hiring a contractor, you will be more likely to end up with the wrong builder.
Take your time to asses all the builders in your disposal before pressing ahead. Make no mistake; nothing will give you the peace of mind like knowing that you have contracted the right builder for your home construction job.
