Before you appoint your Building designer or Builder, ask yourself

 

• Are they licenced to do what they say?

There are many individuals out there trading as a Licenced builder when in fact they are not.  They will ‘use’ a mate’s licence, and perform work without proper insurance, qualifications and experience.

If in the ACT, you can find out by visiting this page on the ACTPLA Website

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/hiring_licensing/find_professional/list

If in NSW visit the Department of fair trading website and search their name

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/About_us/Online_services/Home_building_licence_check.html

How do I know they take their business seriously?

In most cases, building and construction companies that take their business seriously will be a member of an industry association.

If you are in the ACT, you can contact the Master Builders Association of the ACT and the Building Designers Association of NSW to ensure you are going to appoint someone that takes their position in the industry seriously

http://www.mba.org.au/
http://www.mydesigner.net.au/nsw/

 

• After I decide to go with a Designer or a Builder, what do I do then?

You must sign a contract with the designer or builder, stating all the requirements that you and your designer / builder are to comply with.  Generally speaking, your certifier will ensure that the builder meets their statutory obligations under the National Construction code, Australian standards and local authorities, but the scope of works must be clear from the start.
 
Industry bodies offer standard building contracts which help to outline the scope of works to be undertaken, the time frame, and the payment structure. 

Ensure you enter into a formal arrangement by using an industry body’s contract such as the Master Builders Association home building contract.

 

• Why do I have to bother dealing with a Builder?

Well, you don’t.  In many cases, you are able to apply for an owner builder’s licence with your state government.

http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/hiring_licensing/licence_registration/owner-builders

http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Tradespeople/Home_building_licensing.html

However, often (and is the case at Perpetual Living Building Services), we have spent years finding trades and contractors that have the same morals and qualities that we do.

When asked about the rate of pay for specific trades, and the variance between contractors pricing me often say to clients that with me as your builder, they can be assured that they are not paying too much, and also that they are paying enough.  It’s an old saying but it’s true.  You get what you pay for.

Furthermore, there are often very small details that you can only recognise with experience.  When you appoint Perpetual Living Building Services, we run the entire process, all you have to do, is relax and enjoy the process.

 

• What if we have a disagreement with the builder / designer?

The best way to solve disagreements is to set the scope of works and your expectations very early on in the process.  A good builder will be able to maintain communication throughout the process, identifying small issues before they become big ones.

By using Perpetual Living Building Services, you deal directly with me from the beginning through to the end, ensuring that you only have to explain your ideas and thoughts to the one person, nit multiple.  Your original brief may change, but we will know why and how.