How Do You Choose the Right Builder for Your Project?

Choosing a builder is not simply about finding the lowest quote. The builder needs to be right for the project. A straightforward project home, a custom family home and a multi-unit development can require very different capabilities, systems and experience. Price matters, but so does the builder’s experience, capacity, proposed program, specification and ability to deliver the type of project you are planning.

Start with the project, not the builder

Before approaching builders, make sure you consider the following:

  • budget
  • site challenges / access issues
  • design
  • specification / inclusions
  • preferred construction method
  • expected timeframe
  • level of flexibility you want to have during construction

The clearer these things are, the easier it becomes to assess whether a builder is genuinely suited to the job.

Build Insight WA's view:builder selection works better when the project requirements are defined first, rather than choosing a builder and then trying to make the project fit.

Project builder or custom builder?

Neither is automatically better. They are different models. A project builder may suit someone looking for a more standardised process, established designs and defined selection pathways. A custom builder may be better suited to a highly individual design, complex site or project requiring greater flexibility.

The right answer depends on the project. The important question is:

Does this builder suit what you are trying to achieve?

Check that the builder has relevant experience

A builder may have an excellent reputation and still not be the right fit for a particular project.

Consider whether they have experience with:

  • similar project types
  • comparable budgets
  • similar site conditions
  • the proposed construction method
  • the level of design complexity involved

Relevant experience can tell you more than the number of years a business has existed.

What does the quote actually include?

Comparing builders purely by quoted prices can be misleading.

Before deciding one quote is cheaper, compare:

  • specifications
  • allowances
  • exclusions - noted and not mentioned
  • site costs
  • external works
  • proposed products and finishes
  • assumptions

One builder may have a higher total price because more has actually been included. Another may appear cheaper because more remains uncertain. Make the proposals comparable before judging the price. This is easier said than done - even for people who have built before or have experience in the industry.

Ask about capacity

A builder can be technically capable of delivering your home but still be carrying more work than their current resources comfortably support.

Ask questions about:

  • current workload
  • indemnity insurance limit
  • expected time to start on site
  • expected time to construct
  • type and amount of supervision
  • trade availability
  • how delays are managed

The answer is not necessarily about finding the builder with the fewest projects. Knowing what questions to ask, and how to interpret and fact-check the responses is crucial.

What about references and previous projects?

Previous clients and completed projects can provide useful context. When reviewing past work, look for projects that are actually comparable with yours.

Ask questions about:

  • communication
  • variations
  • problem solving
  • program
  • handover
  • how issues were handled

The most important information you can get from previous clients is not just what went wrong, because hurdles are often encountered at some stage during building projects, but how the builder dealt with them.

Cheapest does not always mean best value

Price absolutely matters. But the cheapest proposal can become expensive if:

  • allowances are unrealistic
  • important items are excluded
  • the specification is lower
  • the program is unrealistic
  • variations accumulate

Likewise, the most expensive proposal is not automatically the best. The objective is to understand why the prices differ.

How Build Insight WA approaches builder selection

Build Insight WA works from the client's side, and uses a matrix criteria that differs depending on the priorities of each client, and the challenges each project faces. Builder selection can involve assessing proposals across:

  • price
  • scope
  • specification
  • allowances
  • exclusions
  • experience
  • capability
  • capacity
  • program
  • project fit

The aim is not to pick a builder based on one number. It is to give the client detailed, useful information to make an informed decision.

If you are preparing to choose a builder for a Perth project and want an independent perspective before committing, get in touch with Zac.