DESIGN

1 Will the builder inspect your block before purchase to ensure it's suitable for the kind of house you want to build?

2 The square metre area of a home can be measured in different ways. Some builders include decks, eaves, patios or cobbled areas. Is it just porch and floor slab area?

3 Does the builder provide a comprehensive design consultation service, including a professional colour consultant and other specialists as required?

4 Will the builder provide modern visual design aids and access to professional designers to help ensure you achieve the ideal plan for your needs?

5 Will the builder help you ascertain whether there are specific requirements or restrictions regarding your home's location on your land, and if there are any protective covenants?

6 Will the builder ensure that your house plan will meet all council standards relating to yard sizes, height to boundary measurements, service courts, boundary setbacks and site coverage?

7 Will the builder advise you whether your land has specific requirements such as - an engineer-designed foundation, special reinforcing or treatment due to high winds zone or proximity to the coast, anti-termite treatments, or storm/foul water disposal systems?

8 Are colour selections conducted locally?

9 Are changes to standard plans accepted without resistance and large penalties?

KNOWING WHAT'S INCLUDED

10 Is the quote comprehensive in it's inclusions and is it easy to understand?

11 Has the builder explained what is not included?

12 Are the standard foundation design costs covered? Some builders often treat even simple excavations and earthworks as extras.

BUILDERS CHECKLIST

13 Has provision been made for any soil tests that may be required?

14 If the builder's contract or quote includes any provisional sums, do you understand what they do and don't cover? Is the quote a fixed cost?

15 Is full drainage included? Is it a minimal provisional sum which can increase considerably?

CREDIBILITY

16 Can your builder enable you to view any homes currently being constructed, or any completed homes where you can check the quality of workmanship of actual customer homes?

17 Is the builder trade certified and affiliated to a recognised industry body such as HIA/MBA?

18 Can the builder provide written testimonials from past clients?

19 Does the builder offer compensation if they are over construction time (liquidation damages) and is it a fixed quick build time?

CONFIDENCE

20 Does the builder have a dedicated construction co-ordinator who will personally manage all sub-trades on your site, keep you informed of progress and answer any questions you may have?

21 Does the builder have a structured business with the systems and back-up to manage the construction of your home in an orderly, professional manner?

22 Does the builder have the support of a large national and international franchise network?

23 Can you speak directly to the actual registered builder who is ultimately responsible for your new home construction?

GUARANTEES

24 Does the builder acquire Home Owners Warranty insurance from a large reputable insurer?

25 If they are not covered by the Home Owners Warranty you may be liable for Loss of deposit? Non completion? Defects?

26 Does the builder have minimum $5,000,000 public liability and construction insurance adequate for your home?

ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION

27 Has the builder made an allowance for a concrete pump in their quote or made you aware that you could be up for additional costs (depending on your site conditions)

28 Is Insulation included to walls and ceilings with sisalation paper to the external walls?

29 Is a 3 Coat paint system included?

30 Is Insulation Blanket to metal roofing included?

31 Are no rust PVC downpipes included?

32 Are eaves as standard?

33 Are vitreous china toilets and vanity basins included?

34 Are garage door motors included as standard with remotes?

35 Are plan-specific overhead cupboards in kitchen included?

36 Are Acrylic baths included?

37 Are dura edging joinery cabinets included?

38 Is a BASIX complying gas hot service include as standard?

39 Is recirculated rangehood included?

40 5 Stage Onsite Check- Is the client invited on site at five major stages of construction?

41 Are quality windows included, providing a better energy rating?

42 Does the termite treatment used come with a warranty?

43 Is trenching and conduit for service connections included?

44 Are steel lintels with bricks over garage and windows included where practical (No high maintenance timber in-fills)?

45 Are steel lintels with bricks over garage and windows included (No high maintenance timber in-fills)?