10 things to ask your builder to save you money

Building a new house is an exciting experience, regardless of where you are in life. It's important to approach this with caution though, as hidden costs can have a significant impact on your budget and build timeline—something we all want to avoid.

By taking the time to research common and hidden costs associated with building a new home, you can avoid those nasty surprises down the line. This will help prevent unwanted stress, future repairs due to poor workmanship and avoid any confusion in your contract.

With over two decades of experience, the team at Plantation Homes is here to help you navigate these hidden costs and ensure you’re aware of everything you need to know when building a new home.

With some careful planning and preparation, you can avoid a lot of worry and make the most out of this exciting journey. Start by considering the following questions.

The top questions to ask before starting a new home build

1. Ask about your builder’s experience.

How many homes they have built over how many years? It’s simple enough to say they’re the best, but where’s their proof?

2. What’s included in the base price?

It’s common to gravitate towards the cheaper option but have you considered what’s included in the base price? To ensure that you're getting the best deal, keep an eye out for "provisional" sums in your quote and make sure you understand the overall package price. That way, you can rest easy knowing that you're getting everything you want and need in your new home, without any surprises later on.

3. Is the display home a representation of the build quality?

Achieving consistent quality can be challenging for builders who take on more work than they can handle. Make sure you’ve made an informed decision by considering online reviews or joining social media groups where you can ask plenty of questions.

4. What extras are included (and what are not)?

Don’t fall into the trap of assuming you know what’s included and what isn’t. You’d be surprised by how many interior designers are paid commissions for upgrades. Ask your builder who they team up with and what’s included in each category. Every builder is different, so it’s important you’re comparing apples to apples.

5. What are the floor plan options?

How much choice do you have when it comes to your floor plan? Injecting your own personality into your floor plan is what makes a house a home. Don’t get stuck committing to a standard floor plan you’re not happy with.

6. Will you have to pay for changes?

Before you commit to anything or sign on the dotted line, check if it’s easy enough to make changes and if it’ll cost you more than you’ve budgeted before.

7. Do you know what is included in the contract?

Don’t ever sign a contract before you’re 100% sure you know what’s included and what you’re paying for. Take time to read the fine print and ask any questions. Be wary of builders who try to rush you to sign.

8. Does your builder offer a great customer experience?

Does your builder actually care about your build? Does the team offer genuine customer service and listen to you? The best way to find out is to look up customer reviews and testimonials.

9. Do they offer aftercare?

When you're building a house, it's important to consider all the details, including the quality control program. Sometimes this can be overlooked but it's crucial to ensure everything meets the highest standards, so you’re not faced with hiring an independent building inspector at your own expense.

10. Are they financially viable?

Are they able to finish building your home no matter what happens?

How to find a good builder in South East Queensland

Finding a good builder in can feel like a big task—there are so many to choose from! Be sure to look for builders who are licensed and insured, and who have a proven track record of quality workmanship in the industry. Better yet, check if they’ve won any awards or accolades.

Here at Plantation Homes, we have helped thousands of South East Queenslanders to bring their building dreams to life. We take your decision to build with us seriously, offering a timely and efficient building process without compromising on our superior quality and craftsmanship.