We’re calling it peeps; decision-making is a must-have skill. After all, you decided what clothes to wear today (nice outfit BTW), and what to eat for breakfast this morning. Ooooo and you totally decided to read this blog *brownie points aaaa comin’ your way*
When it comes to deciding who is going to help bring you out of renting and into homeownership, we’d like to think this decision comes down to picking the builder who’s going to do it in a way that makes everything super easy and stress-free. TBH nooooo one needs extra stress in their life. Adulting is hard enough!
Sooo, who will get the final rose?
If you’re thinking; where on earth do I even start?! Have no fear, the FHOC crew have your back!
Many cheese boards and brainstorming sessions later, the FHOC crew created a handy list of the top 5 things to look out for when choosing a builder. Read and behold!
- Look for Quality & Experience
You want an experienced builder who isn’t going to bore you through the process with red tape and a bazillion phone calls and emails (#leavemealone). The builder you pick has to have your back – and that means having your best interests at the forefront of everything they do. When that happens, you’ll loooove the homebuilding process – after all, it can be super fun, creative and satisfying to see something you worked for take shape! We’re vibing all of the positive feels.
Chat with your friends who might’ve already built their first home, and see what their experience was like. A quick Google and social media stalk will tell you A LOT about any builder. Have a cheeky scroll through their Facebook/Instagram posts and get a ‘vibe’ from them.
- Communication is key
Ask ALL THE QUESTIONS, and do this by engaging your builder with an obligation-free meeting. Think of it as your first date – if you immediately feel uncomfortable or that something isn’t quite right, trust your gut – something probably isn’t quite right. DM the builder on social media and they should be able to organise a meeting for you – quick & easy.
Pssst…if it takes more than a day to hear from them, that’s probably going to give you a strong indication of how the builder operates. Go for someone who is fast, efficient, and actually cares about you.
- Displays
It’s time to get behind the wheel and visit some display homes! You’ll never know what you like (or don’t like) in a home until you get out and see a few. Trust us, there’s some things the internet just can’t do justice – and standing in a display home will show you that.
Jump on the friendly Google, find some display homes, check out their open times, create an itinerary and make an afternoon of it. Spend some time in the displays, take photos of what you like, and get an idea of the home you want to build.
If you’re the creative type, why not create a mood board?
- Finance Finance!
We recon a builder with a finance team on board is totes a builder worth talking to! It’s an extra service sooooo worth having.
It’s no wonder sooooo many people worship their resident finance experts – they’ve helped them get into their first home, dealt with the banks on their behalf, and given A-grade advice.
You know your own money better than anyone, and ensuring the builder you select has its own trustworthy team of finance experts on hand makes things just that little bit easier. Not only do you avoid the step of having to find your own, but you’ll keep everyone you’re dealing with under one roof. Simple!
Psssst, even if you have bad credit, finding a finance team who can help you out is super duper important.
- Relationships with developers
Think of your builder as your gateway into a beautiful new housing estate; one dotted in gorgeous parks, a heap of cosy cafes, and a bunch of handy amenities all within arms reach (retail therapy, anyone?) Enlisting the services of a well-connected builder can work wonders for your living prospects (especially if you’re super keen on a chill lifestyle in one of Perth’s hottest new developments).
Add so there you have it, the top 5 things you need to pick a builder! Whoever you award the coveted ‘final rose’ too; make sure to take your time. Anyone who rushes you into a decision is not worth having around!
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