Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Nov 22, 2010 7:23 pm We're doing a custom build and therefore hiring an independant builder. So far we've had quotes that differ by a couple of hundred thousand. We obviously want to save money where we can, but not at the cost of safety/reliability etc. Now it may be that the lower end builders are just as good, and obviously we'll be inspecting often and checking what we can, but I understand that a private building certifier comes along and does inspections at several points, and if something was to go wrong, it's on their head first of all, and then the builder. So does that mean if you have an unreliable builder but a good certifier then you'll be ok? Not of course that you'd try to get a builder who is taking short cuts, I'd hope we don't, but you get what I mean hopefully. In which case it would be worth getting the best certifier possible, at whatever cost - right? And how can you tell the expertise of a certifier? Re: Does a good building certifier cancel out a bad builder? 2Nov 22, 2010 7:38 pm I would recommend you get a good builder rather than rely on the integrity of your inspections. Usually the building inspector is hired by your builder so I believe you don't always get an unbiased opinion. If the inspector goes too hard on the builder he can kiss future work good-bye so will only do the basics required. If you hire your own building surveyor/inspector they will be reporting directly to you, but your builder may have a dispute with their recommendations which may hold up the build. I would ensure you select a quality builder first and foremost and hopefully the workmanship will be good and problems kept to a minimum. Re: Does a good building certifier cancel out a bad builder? 3Nov 23, 2010 12:53 pm IMO the certifier is not going to do anything for you. You want a private inspector. Certifier checks major stuff against standards, whilst the inspector will do the quality checks you're probably after. I don't think many people have much, if any interaction with their certifier. Hi All, We signed a prelim agreement last year (May 2022) and paid deposit to a builder. However, we didn't go ahead with them and never signed a contract. We ended going… 0 2313 Thanks for the response! However, it's have been sorted. But for others benefit here is what we had to do. Unfortunately, it's not straightforward. BCC washed their hands… 3 7213 Hi, I contracted a Builder to do a Garage to Bedroom + ensuite conversion (Class 1a), the Builder engaged the Certifier and Engineer and received BDA from the Certifier… 0 5034 |