Construction
How To Choose A Builder
Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make financially and emotionally. The builder you choose will shape everything from your construction experience to the final quality of your home. With so many builders in the industry, how do you confidently choose the right one for you?
VISIT DISPLAY HOMES
A display home village is one of the best places to begin your builder research. Walking through a display home lets you assess build quality, explore a variety of layouts and designs, understand standard inclusions versus upgrades, and get a true sense of each builder’s style.
It’s also a great opportunity to gather inspiration, pick up brochures and other marketing materials, and speak with a sales consultant about the vision you have for your future home.
Most display home villages will have a good variety of homes available for you to walk through, so make a day out of it and take your time exploring them all. In Wollert, not far from Arramont, you can find a great selection of display villages that feature many of Melbourne’s top builders!
KNOW YOUR BUDGET
Not every builder works at every price point. Some specialise in budget-friendly homes for first home buyers or premium and custom designs for those building their forever home.
Before you get attached to a particular builder or floor plan, be clear on your budget. Look for builders whose base prices and standard inclusions align with what you can afford. This will save you time and ensure you don’t stray too far from your original budget.
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
Take the time to read Google reviews, browse forums, and explore social media to gain an honest understanding of other people’s building experiences. Speaking with those who have already been through the process can offer valuable insight into what you can expect.
Look for feedback from homeowners who have completed each stage of the journey; from the initial consultation and design selection, through construction and handover, and even after living in their homes for some time. Their experiences will give you a well-rounded view of a builder’s service quality, communication, and
It’s also worth checking whether the builder has received any awards or industry recognition. Awards can be a strong indicator of build quality, innovation, customer satisfaction, and design excellence. Organisations such as Master Builders provide a reliable reference point to see if a builder has been formally acknowledged for their work.
MEET WITH A NEW HOME SALES CONSULTANT
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, book a meeting with each builder’s home sales consultant. This is your chance to ask detailed questions about plans and inclusions, understand standard versus upgrade items, clarify site costs and potential variations, and get transparency around timelines and processes.
This is also the time to chat through any promotions that they may have that will add value to your build, whether it be free upgrades or a discount on site costs.
LOOK OVER QUOTES AND CONTRACTS CAREFULLY
Request detailed quotes and review each builder’s contract thoroughly so you understand exactly what is and isn’t included. Compare the scope of work, materials, timelines, and warranty terms across all quotes to help identify which builder aligns best with your needs and expectations.
Pay special attention to exclusions, payment schedules, and any clauses relating to variations, delays, or additional costs. These details can significantly influence your final decision, as they often reveal how transparent, flexible, and reliable each builder will be throughout the project.
BUILD THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU
Finding the right builder takes time but it’s worth every step. By visiting display homes, researching thoroughly, comparing quotes, and meeting with sales consultants, you’ll put yourself in the best position to choose a builder who fits your style, your budget, and your future home goals.
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