Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 26, 2013 11:18 pm Hi, we are trying to decide between 3 builders, so we plan on compiling a list of questions to send to each. Plans from all 3 builders are really close to what we want. So far we have the following questions: 1. How many homes per supervisor? 2. Will we have direct access to the building supervisor (mobile phone number?) 3. How do you deal with a supervisor leaving half way through a build? When was the last time this happened? 4. Construction time (from slab down to completion?) Will you put it in writing? 5. After hand-over maintenance / support duration? What would you add? Was there anything you wish you asked your builder before signing? Thanks! Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 3Jun 27, 2013 7:25 am communication with the office as well as the SS is important ask about the dirt do they take away excess or are you charged for it cost of variations Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 4Jun 27, 2013 7:49 am Do their quotes include things like temporary fencing/scaffolding etc? What is the financial position of the company? What would happen if a fault were found outside the 3 month warranty period? Eg it didn't rain during that time, and a leak was found first time it rained? Can you bring your own independent building inspector? When can you visit the site? Who is responsible for damage to the kerb or footpath? Is the contract a standard HIA contract? Has the builder added any clauses? Can the builder make variations? If things cost less than quoted for, will you get a refund? Thats about all I can think of for the moment. Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 5Jun 27, 2013 9:40 am Thanks for the responses, all very helpful. Regarding your second last one StGeorgeBuild "Can the builder make variations?" - is this about the builder making changes and potentially charging you for them? Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 6Jun 27, 2013 9:14 pm Alex in Vertu Regarding your second last one StGeorgeBuild "Can the builder make variations?" - is this about the builder making changes and potentially charging you for them? Its to determine if there is any clause in your contract that if the something costs the builder more than they thought, can they charge you? Or is it really a fixed price contract? Eg builder thought it would cost $5000 for x. However x actually costs $7000. Will they honour the $5000 price and suck it up, or make you sign a variation for you to pay the gap? Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 7Jun 27, 2013 9:29 pm I second communication. If you have to call them, leave messages and then have to call them again, forget it. Make sure you can get in touch with everyone involved with your build quickly and easily if required. Maybe ask about keeping left over materials? If you want left over bricks or anything for planters, bbq areas etc. I'd get it in writing that those things will be left for you in a tidy corner of the block. Definitely try to talk to other people who have built with them. Search each builder on this site and see what people's experience has been. Hope that's helpful Blog http://tobuildahomeimprobable.blogspot.com.au/ Settlement Apr Council Jul Contracts Dec Earthworks Dec Frames Jan Trusses Feb Roof Feb Windows Mar Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 8Jun 28, 2013 9:04 am lmille32 I second communication. Yep ... I'm not sure how you'd do it, but there must be some way to test how they respond to a customer who's got a problem (eg. they've visited the build & found the splashback's the wrong colour). Re: Builder screening questionnaire? 9Jun 28, 2013 6:19 pm Thanks again everyone. I sent 15 questions off to our 3 potential builders yesterday afternoon based on this thread. So far 2 detailed responses (one within 2 hours) and the other acknowledging the email. I did include a request for references as well, but I didn't get to your comment lmille32 about left over materials. I reckon its another one worth asking about. Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 20354 Yes, I have. But, I haven't paid yet. They know they did not do proper jobs and I sent the email re: final payment, I cannot pay. They said, we will do 2nd PCI. Since… 2 5486 |