When choosing a builder for a new home, prioritise financial stability, relevant experience, clear contracts, local knowledge, and transparent pricing.
A suitable builder should be properly licensed and insured, experienced in the type of home you want to build, active in your area, and able to clearly explain costs, timelines, and communication processes before construction begins.
This guide breaks down the 12 critical factors you should assess before signing a building contract, with a focus on risk reduction, transparency, and fit for Australian home buyers.
What should you look for when choosing a home builder?
Focus on relevant experience, financial stability, contract transparency, local knowledge, and observe their communication style.
A good builder should be properly licensed and insured, financially sound, experienced in the type of home you want to build, and able to clearly explain costs, timelines, and responsibilities before construction begins.
1. Visit display homes and display villages
Visiting display homes allows you to see build quality first-hand and compare layouts, finishes, and workmanship across different builders. Display villages also help you understand which builders are active in your preferred area and familiar with local conditions.
What to look for
- Finish quality (cabinetry, paint, tiling, joinery)
- Practical layouts, not just styling
- Consistency across multiple homes by the same builder
2. Make a shortlist of builders active in your area
Not all builders operate everywhere. Start by identifying builders who regularly build in your chosen suburb or estate. Industry bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders Victoria (MBAV) can help identify active builders, along with local real estate advertising.
Why this matters
Builders familiar with an area are more likely to:
- Price accurately
- Understand council requirements
- Avoid unnecessary delays
3. Inspect other homes they’ve built
A reputable builder should be able to show you completed homes, not just display models or concept drawings. Looking at past projects helps you assess consistency and attention to detail.
Ask practical questions
- Are materials holding up over time?
- Does the finish match what was promised?
- How were defects handled after handover?
4. Check reputation, reviews, and references
Reputation matters — but don’t rely on brand recognition alone. Read independent reviews and speak directly with current or past clients.
Key questions to ask references
- Was the build completed on time and on budget?
- Were variations clearly explained and documented?
- Would you choose the same builder again?
If a builder cannot provide references, treat that as a red flag.
5. Assess the builder’s experience and track record
Longevity alone isn’t enough, but it can indicate financial and operational stability. More importantly, assess whether the builder has experience delivering homes similar to yours.
Look for
- Years in operation
- Number of completed homes
- Familiarity with current construction standards and materials
6. Make sure they specialise in the type of home you want
Builders often specialise. A builder who excels at single-storey project homes may not be the right choice for a complex two-storey or custom build.
Check
- How many homes of your chosen style they’ve completed
- Whether their portfolio reflects real builds, not just designs
Common risks when choosing a home builder
Home buyers most commonly encounter problems when builders:
- Underprice projects and rely on variations
- Lack experience with the chosen home type
- Operate outside their usual geographic area
- Have unclear contracts or communication processes
- Experience financial stress during construction
Reducing these risks starts with careful builder selection.
7. Confirm the builder’s financial stability
Recent years have seen several high-profile builder collapses. Before signing, ensure the builder is financially viable and likely to be operating throughout the build and warranty period.
Practical checks
- Credit references (where available)
- Payment history with suppliers
- Industry reputation for reliability
8. Review the building contract carefully
A reputable builder will provide a written estimate and detailed contract before construction begins. This contract should clearly outline:
- Scope of works
- Inclusions and exclusions
- Payment stages
- Variation processes
Never proceed without a written contract.
9. Understand pricing, budgets, and contract types
Builders may offer different contract structures, including fixed-price or cost-plus contracts. Each has advantages and risks.
Before committing
- Understand how variations are priced
- Ask what is not included
- Confirm how site costs and unforeseen issues are handled
Unclear pricing is one of the most common causes of disputes.
10. Choose a builder experienced in your location
Builders usually price most competitively where they build regularly. Using a builder unfamiliar with your area can result in higher contingency costs, logistical delays, or compliance issues.
Local experience helps reduce:
- Travel inefficiencies
- Council approval delays
- Unexpected cost allowances
11. Verify licensing, insurance, and business practices
Your builder should be properly registered, licensed, and insured, including workers’ compensation and public liability insurance.
These protections help shield you from:
- Liability for on-site injuries
- Property damage claims
- Non-compliant work
12. Make sure you can work with them
Building a home is a long process. Clear communication and mutual trust matter.
Clarify early
- Who your main contact will be
- How often you’ll receive updates
- How issues and decisions are handled
If communication feels difficult before contracts are signed, it’s unlikely to improve later.
Key takeaways when choosing a builder
- Prioritise experience, financial stability, and transparency
- Choose a builder experienced in your location and home type
- Always review contracts and pricing structures carefully
- Trust matters — but it should be backed by evidence, not reassurance