Best Home Builders

Types of home builders

Project home builders • See all

Project builders (also called volume builders) have a set catalogue of home designs which they use to construct many homes, so they’re suited to those who don’t want to design their own home. These builders usually have display homes you can visit to let you get an idea of what the end result of your home will look and feel like, including the finishes.

Custom home builders • See all

Custom builders are usually smaller companies that construct homes that have been designed specifically for their client. This means they don’t construct as many homes as project builders. While they don’t have display homes, you work with the builder to design your home, choosing the materials, fixtures, plans and finishes in person.

Prefab & modular home builders • See all

Prefabricated homes is an umbrella term that refers to homes manufactured and constructed off-site and then transported and assembled later. Modular homes and kit homes are two types of prefab homes.

• Modular homes are prefabricated homes that have been manufactured and constructed off-site and arrive at the property completely assembled.
• Kit homes are also manufactured and constructed off-site, but arrive at the home disassembled and must be constructed on-site.

Prefab homes differ from traditional houses, which are built on-site over a longer period of time. It’s not the most common choice, but their design allows them to be relocated, even after they’re constructed. They’re particularly sought after by those wanting tiny houses and cabins on their property.

What to consider when choosing a home builder

Licence and insurance

You should check that a builder is licensed, registered and insured. If they don’t have this information publicly available, or if they’re reluctant to show you their credentials, then consider that a red flag.

At the very least, your builder should have public liability insurance and home warranty insurance (known as domestic building insurance in Victoria). You should also check whether the builder is registered with the Housing Industry of Australia or the Master Builders Association of Australia.

You should be able to look at a builder’s licence through relevant overseeing bodies. For example, the NSW Fair Trading website lets you look at the licence of a builder, contractor or tradesperson as well as details of any cancellation or suspension, warnings issued to them, and results of any prosecution against them.

Services

The services a builder offers will largely depend on whether they do project or custom builds. Some builders outsource their work, for example working with independent designers, while others will have an in-house design team.

Experience

Check how long the builder has been in business. While there are many newer building companies around, they may be staffed with experienced builders and technicians who have been in the industry a long time.

You should also see whether they have experience in the type of build you want. If they’ve successfully completed similar projects to yours, particularly in the last few years, then that’s a good sign. Many builders specialise in certain home styles, so it’s worth seeking out one that is likely to understand the design you’re seeking.

Ask for references and examples of past work to get the reassurance you need.

Reputation

A builder with a good reputation can help give you confidence that your build will be completed to a high standard, with minimal hiccups and any issues that arise dealt with quickly.

A good way to gauge the reputation of a builder is to read home builder reviews. Reviewers on ProductReview.com.au have left their feedback on a number of home builders, discussing aspects like customer service, timeliness, the structural integrity of their home, and the transparency of the company they worked with.

You’ll be doing extensive work with a builder, so good communication from the get go is key. A builder that keeps you updated on the progress of the project and can address any issues you have will save you many headaches (and potentially money) in the long run.

Location

It’s a good idea to choose a builder that’s based nearby or has completed many projects in the area you’re building in and is familiar with the location. Non-local builders will likely cost you more to account for things like longer transportation times. Of course, building in a metro area is easier than in outer suburbs or a rural area because materials and labour are closeby.

You can filter home builders by location on ProductReview.com.au, to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. You can also read our article on how to make ProductReview.com.au’s home builder reviews work for you.

Time frame

If you’ve had a home built or a renovation completed, you’d know that most of the time the project takes longer than planned. That’s why it’s important to get the most accurate time frame possible from the builders you’re considering doing business with. Each delay costs you money, usually in paying rent or another mortgage elsewhere until your new home is finished.

Price and budget

Building contracts can be overwhelming. It’s a good idea to first do your research into the type of builders you want, and then get quotes from your shortlist. Review the quotes carefully, considering the scope of the job, materials, labour and other inclusions.

While it’s important to compare prices, remember that the cheapest option isn’t necessarily always the best option, particularly if that means cheaper materials are used or quality workmanship is sacrificed. Also, don’t pay a builder anything without a written contract.