What Most People Wish They’d Known Before Choosing a Builder

May 29

Building a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional investments most people will ever make.

And yet, when things go wrong, it’s rarely because someone chose the wrong design — it’s almost always because they chose the wrong builder.

After speaking with countless homeowners (and stepping in when projects have already gone sideways), there are a few things people tell us again and again:

“I wish I’d known this before I signed.”

If you’re even thinking about building — whether that’s next year or five years away — this article could save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

1. A Cheap Build Often Becomes the Most Expensive One

The lowest quote is rarely the lowest final cost.

Many people only realise this once construction is already underway, when “unexpected” variations start appearing:

Items that were assumed to be included… aren’t
Provisional sums blow out
Corners are quietly cut to keep costs down

A good builder won’t compete on being the cheapest. They compete on being accurate, transparent, and realistic.

What to look for instead:
A quote that clearly explains what is and is not included, realistic allowances, and someone who’s happy to walk you through the numbers — not rush you to sign.

2. Not All Builders Are Set Up for the Same Type of Project

This surprises a lot of people.

Some builders are excellent at:

Repetitive house-and-land packages
Fast, volume builds

Others specialise in:

Custom homes
Coastal environments
Complex sites
Higher-spec finishes

Problems arise when someone hires a builder outside their strength zone.

Ask the builder you’re considering:
“Do you have experience completing projects like mine? Can you give me any references of clients you’ve done work for in the past that I can talk to?”

3. Communication Matters More Than You Think

Most disputes don’t start with bad workmanship — they start with misaligned expectations.

You should know:

Who your main point of contact is
How often you’ll receive updates
How decisions and changes are handled
How problems are communicated (not avoided)

If it already feels hard to get clear answers before you build, it won’t improve once construction starts.

Green flag:
A builder who explains things clearly, answers questions without defensiveness, and documents conversations properly.

4. “Turnkey” Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think It Does

Many people assume a turnkey build means everything is included.

In reality, it often excludes:

Landscaping
Driveways
Window furnishings
Upgrades

None of this is wrong — but it must be clearly understood upfront.

Tip:
Ask your builder to walk you through the home as if you’re moving in tomorrow. What’s finished? What isn’t?

5. Experience With Your Site Matters More Than Experience in General

A builder with 20 years’ experience isn’t always the best fit if they’ve never worked on:

A coastal section
Sloping land
Tight access sites
Areas with specific council requirements

Local knowledge can save months in delays and thousands in rework.

Ask:
“What challenges do you anticipate on my site?”

6. You’re Choosing a Long-Term Working Relationship — Not Just a Contractor

A build isn’t a one-off transaction. You’ll be working together for months (sometimes years).

Trust your instincts:

Do they listen?
Do they explain, not confuse?
Do they respect your budget and your standards?

A good builder doesn’t just build houses — they guide people through the process.

If you’re early in your building journey, the best thing you can do is gather information, ask questions, and choose people who value transparency as much as craftsmanship.