Have you been dealing with a project builder and you are feeling frustrated with the lack of progress, not to mention the changes to the pricing that they promised wouldn’t happen?
Building a home is an exciting journey, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare when progress stalls and communication breaks down if you
have chosen the wrong builder.
Many people are enticed by volume builders who offer seemingly lower prices, only to find themselves dealing with unexpected delays, rising costs and frustration along the way.
In this article we will explore the common challenges faced by homeowners working with large builders and highlight the benefits of choosing a professional builder who prioritises honest and accurate pricing from the outset, helping you choose the right builder.
The promise of lower prices
A deceptive attraction that volume builders often lure prospective homeowners with is the promise of lower prices. However, these enticing offers often come with hidden costs and compromises. Many homeowners find themselves caught in a situation where the initial price they were quoted increases significantly, often after a contract is signed, leaving them feeling frustrated, deceived and often stuck with no way out.
When reading an online forum of home owners recently, I was not surprised to read of a family who had to pay an extra $125,000.00 during their build. This was due to the very low provisional sums that the builder had in their contract. These low amounts were included to make their contract price appear cheap and enticing. Unfortunately, the builder’s provisional sums were for non-negotiable items within the home and related to items including the kitchen cabinetry and the floor coverings.
The Slow Progress Predicament
One of the most common complaints when working with large builders is the slow progress of construction.
Projects may experience frequent delays, leaving homeowners in a state of limbo and extending the timeline far beyond their expectations. The lack of urgency and attention to detail can be
immensely frustrating, especially when you’re eagerly waiting to move into your dream home. The stress of paying rent whilst you are waiting as well as paying the mortgage repayments can be a real challenge and cause many sleepless nights.
Communication Challenges and the Silence of Large Builders
Effective communication is vital throughout the construction process, but unfortunately, it’s an area where volume builders often fall short. Homeowners report difficulties in getting timely updates, having their concerns addressed, or even getting a response from the builder. This lack of communication leaves homeowners feeling isolated and uninformed about the progress of their project. Getting answers can be challenging when there is not one direct line of communication.
How to avoid these common frustrations?
To avoid these common frustrations when building your new home, opting for a professional builder who places a strong emphasis on honesty and integrity will serve you well.
Honest and Accurate Pricing
Transparent and realistic pricing from the outset ensures homeowners are fully aware of the financial commitment involved and minimises the chance of unexpected cost escalations later on.
Choosing a builder who includes detailed and clear inclusions and specifications and does not include provisional sums will ensure you avoid budget overruns and you will know exactly what is included in your pricing. Their pricing may initially appear higher than other builders, but you will avoid surprise cost escalations during the building process.
The professional builder’s commitment to accuracy in pricing demonstrates professionalism and integrity, building trust in the working relationship.
A Focus on Efficient Progress and Effective Communication
Timely progress and open communication play a pivotal role in successful project execution. A smaller builder often has the advantage of providing more personalised attention and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the entire project.
A builder who offers an online project management system enables clients to watch the progress of their home 24/7 and communicate directly with the team. An excellent system for keeping track of the progress of your home and all communication between yourself and the builder.
Building your dream home should be an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, working with volume builders can often lead to frustration, slow progress and poor communication. By choosing a professional builder who focuses on quality rather than quantity, and prioritises honest and accurate pricing from the beginning, you can enjoy a smoother and more satisfying building experience.
Don’t compromise on your vision and peace of mind – choose a professional builder who understands your needs and respects your investment in creating your dream home.
