Question 1

What should I look for when choosing a builder to work with?

Accepted Answer

Charm, good looks, a winning smile...

Only joking!

When looking for a builder, it's definitely worth considering more than the bottom figure on the quote they present.

You are going to be working with your builder for a long and likely quite stressful time, so you need to find someone you connect with and trust, someone who communicates clearly and doesn't mind explaining when you ask them lots of questions.

Check out some of our guides and tips under the Resources section for more helpful advice.

Question 2

What factors influence the budget required for a new build?

Accepted Answer

Naturally there are many factors that affect the bottom line when it comes to building a new home - some more in your control than others:

Material Choices: The quality of the materials you choose and the level of customisation required will impact not just your budget but the end result. This is a good thing to talk through early so you don’t have to make compromises down the line.
Labor Costs: Naturally the more detail and customisation required, the greater the skilled labour cost to deliver. 
Design Changes: It’s very typical to want some design changes along the way once the build has begun and you start to see the way things will look in real life. However, it’s worth noting that alterations to the original plan during construction can add costs, so it’s good to get into as much detail up front as you can.
Site Conditions: Where you are building will impact costs too. Factors such as poor soil quality or the need for additional grading can impact the budget.

Question 3

What does a building contract typically cover?

Accepted Answer

Building contracts typically include:

Scope of Work: Detailed description of the work to be performed.
Timeline: Estimated start and completion dates.
Cost Breakdown: Detailed budget including materials, labour, and any other costs.
Payment Schedule: Milestones for payments throughout the project.
Warranties: Information on warranties for workmanship and materials.
Terms and conditions: The finer details to keep all parties safe and equitable throughout.

Question 4

How do I go about choosing fixtures and fittings?

Accepted Answer

Choosing fixtures and fittings is an exciting part of the process. However, it can feel very overwhelming as there are a lot of decisions to made. Some people choose to engage the help of an expert in interiors. Regardless of what you decide, you should consider:

Style: Choose items that match the overall design and theme of your home.
Functionality: Ensure fixtures and fittings meet your daily needs and lifestyle.
Quality: Opt for durable and reliable brands.
Budget: Aim to keep your selections within your budget! HarmonyBuild is always happy to help suggest options to balance quality as well as budget.

FAQs

What should I look for when choosing a builder to work with?

What factors influence the budget required for a new build?

What does a building contract typically cover?

How do I go about choosing fixtures and fittings?

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