Hi Everybody
I am going to build my first dream house.But I am scared.
Should I go with a small private builder or should I go with a big builder like Porter Davis?(Paying the same cost to both).
Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 20, 2009 1:52 pm Hi Everybody I am going to build my first dream house.But I am scared. Should I go with a small private builder or should I go with a big builder like Porter Davis?(Paying the same cost to both). Re: good builder???? 2Jul 20, 2009 2:22 pm You will most likely have to pay more money if you go with a small private builder. With regards to the large volume builders, there are people who have had a good experience and some who have not. There doesn't seem to be any builder that is perfect. The best thing is to find the plan that suits your block and price range. Make sure you do your homework and be thorough with your colour choice and upgrades. Once you have decided on a builder, do a search of this forum for more information and tips on that particular builder. Good luck with your build. Blog: http://bluemistkids.blogspot.com "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, and professionals built the Titanic." Re: good builder???? 3Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm I would recommend a private builder. We looked into the larger builders and they kept trying to get more and more $$$ out of us. Plus we had quite a few problems with out CSO it was just a too bigger head ache. Private builders may be a little bit more expensive but you get to design your own home, you deal with the BUILDER directly not a trained puppet and you know they are going to do a better job as they rely on their reputation. Also if they are more expensive its not by a huge amount. I would rather pay extra knowing I'm getting a good job done. Also alot of the larger builders only build one way. Eg slab with a limited amount of fall, brick and charge a fortune if you wish to make changes to the plans. We are building with a small local builder and he has been great. He understands that we are first time builders and is willing to explain how things work and he knows how they work. Unlike the larger builders who you are just dealing with the CSO and I lost count on how many times they said "i'm not sure how and why that is I will have to get someone to call you back" (Like they ever did). PRIVATE BUILDER FOR SURE Re: good builder???? 4Jul 20, 2009 2:46 pm maybe we've been lucky but we've been real happy with the so called "large" builder... we're 8 weeks into the build and its basically up to lockup stage now, any issues have been communicated well - do your homework and of course see what others say about who is good for your area (not sure where you are located) Re: good builder???? 5Jul 20, 2009 3:11 pm Focus06 I would recommend a private builder. We looked into the larger builders and they kept trying to get more and more $$$ out of us. Plus we had quite a few problems with out CSO it was just a too bigger head ache. Private builders may be a little bit more expensive but you get to design your own home, you deal with the BUILDER directly not a trained puppet and you know they are going to do a better job as they rely on their reputation. Also if they are more expensive its not by a huge amount. I would rather pay extra knowing I'm getting a good job done. Also alot of the larger builders only build one way. Eg slab with a limited amount of fall, brick and charge a fortune if you wish to make changes to the plans. We are building with a small local builder and he has been great. He understands that we are first time builders and is willing to explain how things work and he knows how they work. Unlike the larger builders who you are just dealing with the CSO and I lost count on how many times they said "i'm not sure how and why that is I will have to get someone to call you back" (Like they ever did). PRIVATE BUILDER FOR SURE Thanks for your reply. But is there any way that I can check his reputation. I am going to build in Point Cook... B&K Builders. Re: good builder???? 6Jul 20, 2009 3:13 pm sangrurian Hi Everybody I am going to build my first dream house.But I am scared. Should I go with a small private builder or should I go with a big builder like Porter Davis?(Paying the same cost to both). Is there any way to check about his reputation. I am goin gto build in Point Cook. Re: good builder???? 7Jul 20, 2009 4:17 pm sangrurian sangrurian Hi Everybody I am going to build my first dream house.But I am scared. Should I go with a small private builder or should I go with a big builder like Porter Davis?(Paying the same cost to both). Is there any way to check about his reputation. I am goin gto build in Point Cook. We were lucky we got refered to our builder and they let us have a look through their house. And their personal opinion was very good. Try googling the builder and see what happens. Also ask him if he is building any houses atm and have a drive by. Also he may be able to speak with the owner of the house he is building for and might be able to get you in to have a look. If he wants your business he will find a way for you to see his work. Re: good builder???? 8Jul 20, 2009 6:37 pm sangrurian Is there any way to check about his reputation. I am goin gto build in Point Cook. Ask for references from the builder but if you ask around enough you can often track down people who used a builder. Especially in Point Cook where there are lots of building going on. For what its worth, we're starting on the frame stage and M3tricon in the West has been relatively good until now - still a long way to go but at least it compares well to other stories on this forum Trying this building gig one more time. Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. 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