CBI Blog Series
”Blueprint to Your Dream Home: A Builder's Guide”

PART 2

When it comes to creating your dream home, finding the perfect builder is key. Drawing from my experience in the construction industry, I'm here to offer some friendly advice to help you along the way. Building your home is a big deal, so choosing the right builder is vital to bringing your vision to life.

In one of our team meetings at CBI Construction, Justin Cook, Director/Founder of CBI Constructions, emphasizes the paramount importance of selecting the right professional builder for any project:

“For me, we don't just build homes we build relationships. Clients trust us with their dreams, it's our responsibility to ensure a client’s voice is heard, understood and implemented into every stage of the build. It’s not just a job for us it's your home.”

Having laid this out clearly, Justin then openly shares his top insights in choosing the perfect builder to bring your dream home to reality, he explained two very important factors below.

To start, check out local builders specializing in your preferred home style - custom, renovation, or specific design. Review feedback for insights into their reputation. Ask for referrals or visit previous projects. Keep a list handy.

Ensure your chosen builder holds the necessary licenses. Confirming these credentials ensures adherence to standards. In Australia, builders need state-issued licenses like the one from NSW Fair Trading in New South Wales. NSW Fair Trading is a government agency in New South Wales, Australia, responsible for administering consumer protection laws. It aims to ensure fairness for all by safeguarding consumer rights and advising businesses and traders on fair and ethical practices. The agency works to create a fair, safe, and equitable marketplace by investigating allegations of unfair business practices. 

If you need more detailed information, you can visit their website https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/. 

To promptly verify the licensing status of your chosen builder, visit: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au/home/.

For guidance on navigating through the website, refer to the following screenshots below:

1. Click in this website:
NSW Fair Trading - Our Services

2. Scroll down and click on the drop-down arrow at “Home Building and renovation”.

3. Then look for the clickable link that says “online tools”.

4. Scroll down and look for the “Fair Trading public register data” at the right side of the page.

5. When you are on “Fair Trading public register data” page, look for “Building contractor and tradespersons” and click on it.

6. The next page will ask you to verify the licence, just type the name of the company you are looking for. If registered, it should show the company's name with its licence #. If not, it will say “NOT FOUND”.

If you want to view the full details of the company’s registration/license, you may click on the name that popped up on your search.

Here you can see the full details of the builder’s license info.

Now that you have verified the builder's legitimacy, it’s time to meet with them. Effective communication is crucial in this process. Select a builder who listens, provides regular updates, and guides you transparently. Trustworthy communication minimizes misunderstandings.

During the meeting, assess your personal connection. Comfort and trust are essential for successful collaboration. If you have any doubts about the builder’s reliability, consider pausing your search. The ideal builder brings not only skills but also reassurance and support.

If you feel confident about moving forward, it’s important to clarify the terms of the contract. Ensure that it outlines all pertinent details, including the scope of work, timelines, costs, and payment terms. A clear contract helps prevent confusion, so don’t hesitate to seek clarification if needed. Mutual understanding is vital. To explore which contract might best suit your needs, check out our blog, “Choosing the Right Contract: Fixed Price vs. Cost Plus.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Keep in mind that choosing the right builder is a crucial decision, but with these tips, you'll be well-equipped to find the perfect match. Take your time, find a builder who understands your vision, communicates well, and values transparency. As Justin’s warm reminder:

“For many, renovating or building your home is the largest financial decision you will make. It’s our job as your builder to ensure that your vision and dreams are brought to life and that we always act with integrity and professionalism.”

We strive to address most, if not all, of your inquiries, because it's important to approach decisions—especially those affecting our time, investments, and future generations—with thoughtfulness. This considerate approach can help you choose a builder-partner to join you on the path to making your dream home a reality.

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