House Builders in Adelaide, SA

Does settling down in your own dream home sound like a dream come true? If yes, Adelaide’s best home builders are ready to help make that dream into a reality.

Your own comfort and lifestyle will be the utmost priority in hiring the best home builders in Adelaide. As today’s construction techniques take more skills and knowledge than people might realise, it is best to leave this job to the professionals.

This article will give you an overview of:

• Different Types of Builders
• Different Types of Building Services
• Factors that Affect the Cost of your Building Project
• Qualities to Look for in Hiring Home Builders
•  Questions to Ask Before Building a House
• 5 Tips for Setting a Renovation Budget

 

Different Types of Builders

It is important to be aware of the different types of builders that you may encounter in any given situation. Remember that finding the right type is crucial to effective and efficient results. Here are three types of builders that you can find in Adelaide:

Custom Home Builders

Also known as small-volume builders, custom home builders offer contracting and design services. Hiring custom home builders will truly allow you to build a house according to your specifications. For small scale projects, custom home builders will do the job for you.

It is their duty to ensure that your house is customised according to your taste and lifestyle. You will also have the freedom to adjust the designs. The nature of custom home building is for you to collaborate with builders with the design, vision, and ideas that you have. 

Moreover, there will be very minimal maintenance required in the next 10 to 20 years. Since custom homes are brand new, problems in the infrastructure are very unlikely to occur.

Tract Home Builders

Tract home builders are known as large scale builders or production home builders, whose expertise includes building condominiums, townhouses, single-family houses, among others.

They own large hectares of land that have readily designed models to be implemented into divided lots. If you intend to put-up properties for long-term investments, tract home builders can help you with that.

 Comparing it to custom home, tract home builders buy factory-made materials which aren’t built on-site, making the price rates fixed and standard. And as a customer, it is important to ask for a fixed rate in order for you to avoid overspending or any unforeseen costs.

Speculative Home Builders

Spec home builders buy a plot of land, build on it, and then sell the house. They “speculate” that they can sell a home once the house is built. Spec home builders have similarities to the tract home builders, so it is important to be able to differentiate them.

The rule of thumb is, spec home builders don’t own tracts of land, while tract home builders do.  The biggest benefit of hiring spec home builders is the flexibility of the prices that they offer.

If it is an inventory home that has been in the market for quite a while, its rate will most likely depreciate. 

 

Different Types of Building Services

Knowing the different types of building services means knowing what you need. Since most building companies in Adelaide provide a variety of services, it is important for a customer to be knowledgeable of what your home builder can assist you with:

General Building Works

The most crucial details in home building are timeline, design and budget. Your home builder should be able to help you with these. General building is a crucial service that will greatly affect the end-results of your project.

It all starts with the planning – ensuring that your funds and vision are aligned.  Home builders will be able to help you with that. 

Moreover, this service will also ensure that your building project is running smoothly. Not only with the building construction in itself, but contractors will also be obliged to make sure that all paperwork, licences and insurance are available.

House and Land Packages

There are a lot of benefits that come along with availing house and land packages. Unlike purchasing an existing home, house and land packages can be customised in accordance to your needs and lifestyle.

Moreover, residential home builders can offer you a manageable payment scheme where you can pay in installments.

The biggest benefit in availing house and land package is that it makes you eligible for a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), a tax-free national scheme created by the Australian Government.

This is the government’s way of assisting first-time home buyers or builders by being of service to their needs. 

Home Extensions

If you’re interested in building an added space to your property without having to move to another location, then home extension is the service for you.

If your intention is to maximise your property’s yard by building an extended space in the most cost-effective way, then it is best to contact your home builder right away.

Moreover, home extension services could potentially add a great deal of value to your property. This will give you an opportunity to upgrade your current property into a luxury home. A little extended space can go a long way.

Renovation Services

Just like home extension, the goal of home renovation is to improve your current space without the need for relocation. That being said, this is a cheap but efficient way of upgrading your property.

Moving into a new house and land can be stressful, expensive, and it can dramatically change your lifestyle.  Your renovation builder can guarantee you that renovation can equally give you a fresh start without going through the upheavals of moving. 

Hiring a building professional is definitely a must, as it guarantees that an expert is overseeing the full cycle of your project.

 

Factors that Affect the Cost of your Building Project

The rates of Adelaide home builders vary, depending on a number of factors. Listed below are some of the things to consider in managing your finances before proceeding in building a house:

• Land and location – These are the biggest determiners on how expensive your project will be. Every state has its own varied rates, insurances, certification and fees. The good news is that Adelaide is comparatively cheaper than other cities in Australia. Moreover, the condition of the land is also a great factor. Is it flat or is it sloping? How is the soil condition? Is there a river or a stream that might interfere with the project?

• Materials – This will definitely have a big impact in your overall cost. Depending on what kind of house you’re going to avail dictates the type of materials you need to buy. For example, when you’re building a luxury home, then it is most likely that you will avail the highest quality materials possible. Also, the availability of these materials from your construction site should be taken into consideration. If the materials are available within reach, then it won’t cost you as much. But if they are only available at a farther distance, you will need to cover the delivery expenses.

• Choice of Architect – This is a cost that will definitely have more returns than losses. Hiring a reputable architect with years of professional experience will definitely pay off, as a solid home design plan is the base of your project. Amateur architects might cut corners in order to lower the cost of the project, which will ultimately hurt your investment in the long run. Experienced architects will make sure that to follow every process meticulously, as they also have a brand and image to protect.
   
• Project Schedule – Just like any other projects, the urgency of your construction will directly affect your overall costs. If the scheduled deadline is tight, it means that you’re a prioritised client. The labour cost will fluctuate depending on the timeline you will provide. Moreover, unpredicted delays in the project, that could be caused by external factors, would cause an increase in indirect costs.

 

Qualities to Look for in Hiring Home Builders

Ultimately, hiring the best home builders in Adelaide is key for the best results. Building a home is neither easy nor cheap. This is a long-term investment. You need to find the right people to do the job for you.
Here are some qualities you should look for in hiring home builders:

Licensed and Competent

In South Australia, a home builder’s licence is required by law. The main 2 licences are for contractors and for supervisors. Without it, you will be putting your project at risk. In order to apply for a building work’s licence, one must fulfill the following criteria:

• National Police Clearance Certificate
• No bankruptcy declarations
• Sufficient financial resources
• Sufficient business knowledge

The Commissioner of Consumer and Business Affairs of South Australia will review these requirements and will deem if a builder will be entitled for a licence or not.

Competency and training are pre-requisite for a home builder in Adelaide to be licensed. Not only will a licence be a proof of legality, but it will also serve as a receipt for their competence.

Make sure to review all of their licences and certifications before entering contracts.

A Proven Track Record

A proven track record is the ultimate assurance that your project is in the right hands. This means that your home builder has already handled multiple clients with unique needs.

It guarantees that your home builder is flexible enough to work on any types of projects under unique conditions. You have to keep in mind that this is a long-term investment.

The end-result of this project will be a permanent product that you will possess in the next several decades, so it is important to make sure that a professional with years of experience is up for the task.

How do you know if a home builder fits the bill? Researching is key. Read all about the company’s background, customer reviews and satisfaction surveys. Information on the internet is readily available, so take that opportunity to investigate.

Moreover, asking for a portfolio might just seal the deal. Reading great reviews online is one thing, but seeing their past projects might just make the difference. You may also request for references – it is a common practice, so don’t hold yourself back from doing so.

A Detailed Home Building Process

What differentiates a regular home builder from a great home builder is the attention to detail. Great home builders should have their own process, and should be able to take the customers to the details of their process.

A proven, efficient, and effective home building process is what you’re looking for.  Before hiring a home builder, or any types of profession for that matter, human resource would always ask, “what is your process at work?”

If one can answer that in a detailed and comprehensive way is already a good sign of great workmanship. Through this, you are able to see how they execute ideas, and if that specific execution works for you.

This will allow you to assess if they can translate your vision into actual product. This works especially if you’re hiring custom home builders. You need to make sure that your idea of a dream home matches their techniques.

Great home builders should have a sense of awareness for their clients. A builder’s ability to sit down and brainstorm different ideas with their customers is a good sign that you’re being walked through with how this project will run, and what your expectations should be.

 

Questions to Ask Before Building a House

Building your dream home is a daunting yet fulfilling venture. Make sure to assess yourself with the following questions as the first step before buying or building a house:

• How much am I willing to spend? - Know the importance of having a fixed budget. Having your finances aligned to your vision of having a dream home is critical. It is important to be realistic with your goals by allocating an ample amount in this project to avoid future stress. You also have to include a budget for landscaping and furniture once the building process is over. 

• What are the permits I should prepare? - Prepare all the paperwork required for home building. For most types of homes, you will need a planning permit and a building permit. You should allot enough time in requesting and processing these permits. In South Australia, fees are applicable for a building rules assessment. Council assessment fees are prescribed in Schedule 6 of the Development Regulations 2008. Private certifiers can charge their own fee for service.

• What should I be looking for in a home builder? - As discussed above, you need to know what are the qualities of a good and reputable home builder.

• Never hesitate to ask questions from your builder. It is important to be on the same page with the process of this project. 

• What is in my building contract? - A building contract is your home’s protection. Aside from the services you have availed, make sure that your contract includes workmanship warranties and builder’s insurance provision. Furthermore, your contract should also refer to detailed drawing and plans, and a progress and payment schedule.

To get your home building journey started, it is important to take your time in answering these questions and make sure that you really understand the process and requirements.

 

5 Tips for Renovation Budget

Indeed, home building and renovation can be a very expensive project. Others who lack financial management end up breaking the bank as their expenses go wildly out of hand. Some others simply leave their projects unfinished as the costs are getting too high. To avoid that, here are 5 tips you should consider in your home renovation budget:

Learn the Basics of Budgeting

Before you manage your finances, you need to know HOW to manage your finances. The golden rule is to follow SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

Stick to a budget, learn how to be disciplined, and most importantly, keep your eye on the prize.

Be Realistic

Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be realistic with your goals. Don’t be overly ambitious and consider other factors that will affect your goal.

Reconsider Your Financial Capacity

Part of being realistic is to reconsider your financial capacity. How much can shell out? Get advise from your local builder in Adelaide and ask for a price quote. Assess whether that quote is achievable or not in a particular period of time.

Ask for a Fixed Rate Contract

Asking for a fixed rate contract is wise, as it will hinder you from overspending. Once a rate is set, you will immediately know how much you will be setting aside from the very beginning.

Add a An Allowance to your Original Budget

Adding a buffer to your original budget is a wise thing to do. You should also consider unplanned expenses (see factors that might affect your cost), and having a spare amount will help you in those occasions.

HIRETrades can assist you in finding the best builders in Adelaide.