Building Advice
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You’ve got your land and you’re ready to look for a home to go on it. The Department of Consumer Protection offers two golden rules in this situation; don’t sign anything with a builder until you’ve read the fine print and confirm everything important in writing and keep a copy.
Display homes – select the builders that build homes within your price range and take a wander through their display homes. Look beyond the beautiful furnishings and keep a close eye on the quality of the finish and workmanship. Check on the builder's previous projects. Feedback from former clients will tell you what it was like dealing with the builder and the quality of workmanship.
Clarify exactly what they include in the contract. For example is landscaping included in the cost, paths and driveways, fencing, garden taps, flyscreens and floor tiling? For a comprehensive list of possible add-ons, go the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection website detailed at the end of this section and the ‘building your new home checklist’. Finally, check the builder's licence with the relevant licensing authority to ensure that there are no claims against the builder.
Design – make sure the home design you choose suits the block of land and that you’ve checked and okayed all reports and changes to plans and specifications before building begins. Changes along the way will cost you money. Stay informed during the building process.
Quotes – to get the best price, start with at least three written quotes. Ensuring the builder is a member of relevant professional organisations like the Master Builders' Association or Housing Industry Association will mean they comply with industry standards and practices.
Contract – by all means use a standard contract from government and industry bodies but make sure you run it by your solicitor to ensure it meets your needs.
Progress payments – often you will be required to pay your builder a deposit and then progress payments along the way. There are loans specially tailored for making progress payments.
The Department of Consumer and Employment Protection offers a comprehensive checklist to building your new home. You can find it at www.commerce.wa.gov.au and follow the home building link under Consumer Protection.
To find a tradesman or advice on building and renovating , go to the HIA website at www.hia.com.au.
In WA check you builder's licence at WA Builders Registration Board www.builders.wa.gov.au.