If you want to have a successful building project, make sure that you are prepared and don’t be afraid to get creative. To help you get started, here are 10 top building tips to making your building a breeze.
1. Pinterest Board
A Pinterest board is a great place to keep all your images organized. The site is premised on the easy reference of photos, which you will be thankful for when it comes to communicating your ideas. Instead of trying to explain the details to your contractors, you can use the board as a point of reference.
2. Must Haves List
Make sure you have covered all the must haves with your builder. The last thing you want is a quote that doesn’t include the essentials. You want your initial costing to cover all the necessities for your dream project.
3. In Progress Changes
Having a builder who allows changes during the process is a real benefit. You may decide halfway through the build that you want to make changes, so hiring a builder who is accommodating will make life much easier.
4. Build Orientation
Build orientation is by far one of the most important factors in a building project, yet investors and homeowners get it wrong all the time. The orientation of your home should be based on the position of the sun throughout the day. Do you want the sun shining down on your front or rear deck? Will your orientation promote cooling? These are the questions you need to discuss with your builder to ensure your home is comfortable.
5. Don’t Rush Plans
If reading and understanding plans clearly isn’t your thing, consider hiring an interior designer to help you with the details. Having an electrical plan drawn out is also a good idea as otherwise you may run into complications. Discuss this with your builder and electrician to make sure everyone is on the same page.
6. Basic Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets are incredibly useful for figuring out and keeping track of all your costs. You don’t want your budget to get out of control to the point where you have overspent without securing the finance to cover the extras. Learn how to use spreadsheets to keep your finances organized. Speaking of which…
7. Expect Extra Costs
It goes without saying you should seek out the best price you can get for quality workmanship. Always make sure to consult with your builder before buying cheaper features to ensure he can work with the materials. It’s useful, if possible to have a contingency tucked away in case it is needed.
8. Keep it Simple
Don’t go out of your way to make all the fittings in your new home different. You can get away with matching fittings such as tiles, door handles, light fittings, sinks etc. and you will likely get them at a better price, too.
9. You are the Boss
This is your new home, not the builder’s. If you can afford the extras that you want, stand your ground and insist on nothing but the best. Make sure that your plans are clear from the outset so that the builder can confirm that any extras work with the building plans.
10. Did You Read the Contract?
Have you read your contract? Read it again and make sure you understand every item, clause and exclusion. Never assume that a feature is included in the cost – many features such as clotheslines, landscaping and driveways are not included in the initial costings. If you are unsure about any of the content in your contract seek some legal advice.
If you need an experienced building inspector who is also a qualified builder in the Northern Territory, reach out to Houspect today on 1300 258 789.
