Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Builder Before Starting a Custom Home Project

Key Takeaways

• Asking comprehensive questions upfront ensures transparency and sets clear expectations.
• Prioritise builders with strong credentials, references, and a proven track record.
• Communication and flexibility are vital for a smooth custom home-building experience.

Introduction

Building a custom home is an exciting venture, especially in Brisbane, where unique architectural styles and personalised designs are highly sought after. However, to ensure your project runs smoothly, it’s crucial to ask your builder the right questions before signing any contracts. These questions help clarify expectations, avoid costly surprises, and ensure your vision is aligned with the builder’s process.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

Choosing a builder is one of the most critical decisions in your custom home journey. Asking targeted questions helps you:

• Avoid unexpected costs by understanding exactly what is included in your contract.
• Ensure you stay on track with timelines and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Gain confidence in your builder’s experience, credentials, and work quality.
• Establish clear communication channels to prevent miscommunication.

By investing time in due diligence before starting, you can prevent headaches later on.

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Builder

1. What’s Included in the Contract?

Understanding what’s covered in your builder’s contract is essential to avoid surprises later on. Ask for detailed specifications about inclusions like:

• Materials and finishes
• Structural warranties
• Site preparation costs
• Landscaping and driveways

Ensure you also clarify what is not included so you can budget accordingly.

2. Can You Provide References or Past Projects?

Request examples of completed projects or client testimonials to gauge the builder’s expertise and reliability. Visit previous builds if possible, and ask past clients about their experience regarding:

• Build quality
• Communication and transparency
• Adherence to deadlines

A reputable builder should have a portfolio showcasing their craftsmanship.

3. What Is the Estimated Timeline?

Clarify how long each phase will take—from design approvals to construction completion—and discuss potential factors that could cause delays, such as:

• Weather conditions
• Supply chain disruptions
• Permit approvals
• Design modifications

Having a realistic timeline helps manage expectations.

4. How Do You Handle Budget Changes?

Budget overruns can be a major concern. Ask about their process for managing budget adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in materials. Find out:

• How change requests are handled
• If additional costs require written approval
• Whether contingency funds are included in the budget

This ensures you maintain control over costs throughout the build.

5. What Are Your Credentials and Licences?

Ensuring your builder is licensed and insured in Queensland is crucial. This guarantees compliance with local building regulations and protects you from potential legal issues. To verify a builder’s credentials, follow these steps:

Check the Builder’s Licence Number

1. Locate the builder’s licence number on their website or official documents.
2. Visit the QBCC licence search page.
3. Input the licence number and confirm details such as company name and licence status.

Below is a real-life example from Abode Construction, showcasing a builder’s QBCC licence details.

 Below is an actual screenshot of the QBCC search tool with Abode Construction’s details prefilled.

Use the QBCC Online Search Tool

1. Go to the QBCC website and enter the builder’s licence number or company name in the search bar.
2. This will display official registration details, confirming whether the builder is licensed and in good standing.

Check for Insurance and Industry Memberships

1. Verify that the builder has public liability insurance and home warranty insurance to cover potential issues.
2. Look for membership in Master Builders Queensland or similar professional associations.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your builder meets industry standards and operates legally.

6. Can I Make Changes During Construction?

Discuss flexibility for making modifications during construction and how such changes might impact costs or timelines. Some builders charge variation fees for mid-project adjustments. Ask:

• What changes are possible after construction begins?
• Are there cut-off points for modifications?
• How do changes affect the timeline and budget?

7. How Do You Ensure Quality Control?

Inquire about their quality assurance processes, including:

• Site inspections
• Use of independent building surveyors
• Compliance with the National Construction Code
• Material sourcing and supplier reliability

A quality-focused builder will have strict measures in place to uphold high standards.

8. Are Permits and Approvals Included?

Confirm whether obtaining permits is part of their service or if you’ll need to handle this separately. A reliable builder should manage:

• Council approvals
• Engineering certifications
• Energy efficiency compliance
• Development application submissions

If not included, factor these into your timeline and budget.

9. What Happens If There Are Delays?

Ask about contingency plans for delays caused by weather, supply chain issues, or other unforeseen events. Find out:

• How delays are communicated to clients
• Whether there are penalties for excessive delays
• What proactive measures are taken to mitigate risks

10. How Will We Communicate Throughout the Project?

Clear communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings. Discuss whether updates will be provided via:

• Regular site meetings
• Emails and phone calls
• Project management software

Establishing a communication schedule ensures you stay informed throughout the process.

Additional Questions to Consider

Beyond the top 10, you may also want to ask:

• What type of warranty do you provide on workmanship and materials?
• How do you handle disputes or disagreements?
• Can you assist with interior design and selections?
• How do you manage subcontractors?

Conclusion

Building a custom home in Brisbane is a rewarding experience, but success depends on choosing the right builder. The right partner should provide transparency, expertise, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality home that aligns with your vision. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the key questions to ask, from design flexibility to budget management, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

At Abode Construction, we understand these concerns and are committed to delivering solutions that check every box. With a focus on craftsmanship, clear communication, and a personalised approach, we guide homeowners through every stage—from concept to completion—ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

For more expert insights, explore our blog section for in-depth guides like Custom Home Design & Construction or Advantages of Custom Home Builds. Ready to turn your vision into reality? Simply fill out our contact form today.

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