Curious Question

Amber27 · Oct 22, 2007 10:28 am

Hi There Guys/Girls

Just a curious question I have for all of you who care to answer and give your reasons etc.

Would you trust a new builder just starting out?someone who is wanting to make an impression and impress...what are the ''fors and againsts" in this? I mean afterall every builder out there has once in their life been ''new" so in my opinion deserves a chance to prove themselves, Right?
The reason I ask is that my brother was originally wanting and planning to build with Porter Davis however after their refusal to build on his land he is considering other options. A friend of his has a brother who is just about to start out on his own as a builder so my brother is seriously considering possibly going with him.
What do you all think?

Oh and just before some of you warn on the legal side of things about things being "Above board" dont worry as my brother is very switched on in that department being a Lawyer himself

I look forward to your input.

Amber · Oct 22, 2007 10:33 am

Can't comment from personal experience but one of our neighbours built with a startup builder ... their house was built in 8 weeks!! from all accounts our neighbour is very happy with the result and particularly with the time (or lack of) it took to get in.

It's a gamble I guess as with most things. Trust his instincts I say!!

commodorenut · Oct 22, 2007 10:52 am

As long as he has had decent experience working with builders previously, then I'd have no probs either.

vanderlay · Oct 22, 2007 10:58 am

It's a hard one - as you said, when starting up he will most likely be going all out to impress and craete a good reputation. On the other hand, you dont want the home to be subject to "teething problems" as he works out systems and "tries out" tradies he may not have worked with before.

louie · Oct 22, 2007 11:52 am

vanderlay

It's a hard one - as you said, when starting up he will most likely be going all out to impress and craete a good reputation. On the other hand, you dont want the home to be subject to "teething problems" as he works out systems and "tries out" tradies he may not have worked with before.

A builder just starting out has served an apprenticeship of 4 year and probably has a few more years experience as a builder working for someone else. He is going to have contacts unless he is new to the area/state. Find out what his prior experience is and where he did his training. Its who you know that counts.

Amber27 · Oct 22, 2007 12:00 pm

Thankyou so much for all of your advice/input
You have all made very valid points.

Thankyou once again

brittany · Oct 22, 2007 12:14 pm

Lack of experience also means maybe he hasn't learnt how to cut corners to save costs yet.. ? Personally I'd prefer the experience as the unknown always pops up when building. That is assuming a lack of experience which may not be the case....

Bud977 · Oct 22, 2007 1:18 pm

I'd say that, as long as he's keen and puts in the effort, it will come out fine.

Look at owner builders. They have NO experience, yet their care and eagerness gets them over the line with a great home.

Building isn't rocket science, is it?

mattwalker · Oct 22, 2007 1:19 pm

Bud977

Building isn't rocket science, is it?

Depends on who you ask :twisted:

vanderlay · Oct 22, 2007 1:23 pm

Bud977

Building isn't rocket science, is it?

No....but some of the tradies that worked on our place would struggle to match wits with a four year old!!