Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Dec 03, 2022 10:33 am Hi Renovators, We are about to embark on a huge project, 2nd storey addition, a downstairs remodel, and an expansive deck. We had our preferred builder all lined up and ready to go, but then he had some issues and couldn't get us the home owners warranty insurance, so now at the peak season we are having trouble finding a builder in Sydney, well all the best ones are busy. We found one guy, but we want to be careful as this is our life's savings going into it, we have been waiting for 5 yrs to do this and are a bit nervous about it all. The builder in question has been in business since the 80s, he has one blemish but, paid out one insurance claim since they introduced the insurance, I doubt that insurance was around in the 80s, think it was introduced in 1997, do you think this is a bad thing to have one claim? I would think a claim under this insurance is more than just a defect because if it was a defect they could just go back and fix it, but this was an actual claim that appears on the public register portal on service nsw. His reviews are good on Houzz, Facebook, and Google reviews, but I don't know if they are fake or real. Is there a way to find out more details about that one insurance claim, will HIA or fair trading give me that info? I did a search here and there is no info for this builder. We have a meeting with him next week at the site, what kind of things should we be asking him? He said he works with a cost-plus contract. Would love any advice please, we are newbie renovators. Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 2Dec 03, 2022 10:43 am Get your own design, engineering, Cost estimates Then get 3 builders to quote. Tell them to sharpen their quoting pencils Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 3Dec 03, 2022 10:47 am StructuralBIMGuy Get your own design, engineering, Cost estimates Then get 3 builders to quote. Tell them to sharpen their quoting pencils Thank you we have down all the drawings, engineering, basic, etc. our project is up on the CDC portal, all docs are loaded up, just need the insurance and a builder! I think we might need to be more patient and get some more quotes like you said. Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 4Dec 03, 2022 11:05 am We don't have a single CDC portal here in WA The Plans are lodged with local Councils after the builder is selected. Permit is issued when insurance is provided. Preliminary estimates, data/ proofs, proprietary knowledge or intellectual property is not lodged anywhere but shared with clients only as this greatly assists them in the builder selection process This is the best way to counter Builder unforeseen $tiker $hock after you have paid a deposit and are locked in What's the point in lodging CDC when you haven't (nor can you locate) a builder... you are wasting money... just curious? Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 5Dec 03, 2022 12:10 pm StructuralBIMGuy We don't have a single CDC portal here in WA The Plans are lodged with local Councils after the builder is selected. Permit is issued when insurance is provided. Preliminary estimates, data/ proofs, proprietary knowledge or intellectual property is not lodged anywhere but shared with clients only as this greatly assists them in the builder selection process This is the best way to counter Builder unforeseen $tiker $hock after you have paid a deposit and are locked in What's the point in lodging CDC when you haven't (nor can you locate) a builder... you are wasting money... just curious? Thank you, we had a builder for our job, but he backed out when it was already on the planning portal as he couldn't get the HIA insurance, we already paid our certifier too, so now I have contacted about 20 builders trying to find someone else to do the job, which is very difficult now. Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 6Dec 03, 2022 12:38 pm That explains why you have paid for design, CDC with no builder Insurance company has analysed your build and builder as too risky If you have contacted 20 other builders without success I would say there is a problem with Your Drawings, budget, build ,etc (and Fake 3d Renderings humour) Avoid going back to the drawing board with one builder with a previously failed Track record on a cost plus contract .... imo, you are asking for trouble Cheers Chris Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 7Dec 03, 2022 12:52 pm StructuralBIMGuy If you have contacted 20 other builders without success I would say there is a problem with Your Drawings, budget, build ,etc (and Fake 3d Renderings humour) Avoid going back to the drawing board with one builder with a previously failed Track record on a cost plus contract .... imo, you are asking for trouble Cheers Chris Thank you, some haven't had a chance to email back yet as only sent the majority of emails sent during week, and others have said booked out until end of 23, they haven't seen any plans as yet. Will take your advice on board but about the cost plus, we'd rather know the costs upfront with a small variation kitty for extras or unknowns. Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 8Dec 03, 2022 1:05 pm Everyone (atm) Is busy so wait a while. Some builders prey on desperate clients, so avoid them.... While atm above stands for at the moment don't give the builder the impression its stands for Automatic Teller Machine (humour) Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 9Dec 03, 2022 1:32 pm StructuralBIMGuy Everyone (atm) Is busy so wait a while. Some builders prey on desperate clients, so avoid them.... While atm above stands for at the moment don't give the builder the impression its stands for Automatic Teller Machine (humour) Thanks again, good advice Re: Checking a builders credentials before engaging them? 10Dec 14, 2022 4:07 pm LS OS Hi Renovators, We are about to embark on a huge project, 2nd storey addition, a downstairs remodel, and an expansive deck. We had our preferred builder all lined up and ready to go, but then he had some issues and couldn't get us the home owners warranty insurance, so now at the peak season we are having trouble finding a builder in Sydney, well all the best ones are busy. We found one guy, but we want to be careful as this is our life's savings going into it, we have been waiting for 5 yrs to do this and are a bit nervous about it all. The builder in question has been in business since the 80s, he has one blemish but, paid out one insurance claim since they introduced the insurance, I doubt that insurance was around in the 80s, think it was introduced in 1997, do you think this is a bad thing to have one claim? I would think a claim under this insurance is more than just a defect because if it was a defect they could just go back and fix it, but this was an actual claim that appears on the public register portal on service nsw. His reviews are good on Houzz, Facebook, and Google reviews, but I don't know if they are fake or real. Is there a way to find out more details about that one insurance claim, will HIA or fair trading give me that info? I did a search here and there is no info for this builder. We have a meeting with him next week at the site, what kind of things should we be asking him? He said he works with a cost-plus contract. Would love any advice please, we are newbie renovators. Hi Lauren I hope you don't mind me adding my 2cents. Firstly please dont sign a cost plus contract. It is just too risky for you. Prices have stabilised enough now for quality builders to offer you a lump sum contract. I really think you need that protection. Secondly, yes I would be a bit concerned about a claim on his insurance. That is not a good sign. But if you really want to go with him, ask to speak to some of his past clients. Quality builders should have a long list of happy past clients who are willing to vouch for them. If you need any more advice I am always available for a chat or you can PM me Cheers Simeon Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. I haven’t. But have a Lowe Design home. Not only did I find Matt Lowe patronising and a bully, but the home is NOT TO CODE. I have water coming through the bricks… 1 15717 Hi everyone. 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