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 the section, and it 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 section 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 Does this insurer cover: 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 Is the supply of concrete pumping included?

28 Is R4 and R2 insulation included?

29 Is a 3 Coat paint system included?

30 Is sarking to metal roofing included?

31 Are Colorbond downpipes included?

32 Are eaves as standard?

33 Are close coupled toilets and china basins included?

34 Is obscure/safety glass to ensuite and bathroom included?

35 Are plan-specific overhead cupboards in kitchen included?

36 Are dura edging joinery cabinets included?

37 Are pressed steel baths included?

38 Is a gas (electric in some areas) boosted solar HWS with two solar panels included?

39 Is rangehood ducted to natural air, not recirculated?

40 Are bulkheads to overhead cupboards included?

41 5 Stage Onsite Check- Is the client invited on site at five major stages of construction?

42 Are quality Dowell windows included, providing a higher energy rating?

43 Is non-toxic, low maintenance termite treatment included?

44 Is trenching and conduit for service connections included?

45 Is the ceiling plaster leveled and fixed onto metal battens, reducing the risk of warping and cracking?

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