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critical questions to ask before selecting a builder
“There are so many good builders in the Bay — it’s almost overwhelming.” — Catie, Super Creative podcast.
Selecting a quality builder who is the right fit for you, and your project is arguably the most critical decision in any build project.
But how do you discern the awesome from the merely mediocre?
With nearly two decades of experience behind us we’ve put together a list of very specific questions to ask any potential builder along with both prior and existing clients to really cut through the noise.
Read on for tips and guidelines for moving beyond just asking “Were they good guys?”
5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS
- to ask the Builder:
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Project Management
Will I have a dedicated Project Manager assigned to my project from start to finish? Are they an experienced builder and how many projects have they managed to date? -
Systems and Technology
What system(s) do you use for Project Management, and will I (the homeowner) be able to view and keep track of the project schedule? -
Communication
How frequently and in what way will I (the homeowner) receive updates on how the project is tracking? Will I receive photo updates on the project – how often and how? -
On-site team
How experienced is the site foreman and team? How long have they worked for you and will it be the same team on site from the start to finish. What is the mix of apprentices vs. qualified carpenters in the team? -
Quality control and inspections
What internal checks do you have in place to ensure quality standards are met at each stage of the project? When do these happen, how are they recorded and who signs-off on them?
Find out more about how thorne group operate
10 Critical Questions
- to ask former or current clients (1-5):
-
Architect Collaboration
At what point did you involve the builder in your project? Do you feel they added value to the design through their knowledge of potential savings and efficiencies? -
Budget vs. Actual
How did the final cost compare to the initial estimate price? Were you kept up to date on how costs were tracking throughout the project – how frequently? -
Timing
Were you given an estimated completion date at the start and was the project completed on time? How were delays (if any) explained and managed? -
Communication
How involved and informed did you feel throughout the project? Were you kept up to date regarding the project timeline and how the project was tracking? Were you aware of what was happening onsite at any given time? -
Project Manager
How was your relationship with your Project Manager? Were they communicative, organised, approachable and proactive about providing updates and suggestions. Did they do their best to accommodate changes or additional requests during the build?
10 Critical Questions- to ask former or current clients (6-10):
6 Suppliers and selections
-
How was the level of service and advice you received from suppliers in regard to selections? If product selections needed to be changed (due to lead times or availability) were alternative options and cost/time impacts clearly presented?
7 Variations and Selections
-
How were selection items and changes to specifications and pricing presented to you for approval? Were there any unexpected surprises?
8 Site
-
Were you made to feel welcome when you visited the building site? Were the dealings you had with the builder’s suppliers and subcontractors positive and professional? Was the worksite tidy, safe, and secure after hours?
9. Processes and Support
-
What were the processes, systems and office support like? Was their paperwork accurate, timely and easy to understand? Did invoicing match what had been agreed to and align with progress onsite?
10 After-care Service
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When you took possession of your new home was there a maintenance schedule and handover pack provided with details of warranties, contacts etc? Did you receive any follow up or post-handover support? Did you raise any issues post-handover? Were they handled and resolved satisfa
What sets Thorne Group apart? You feel part of a family, an exclusive club. People who have Thorne houses are very happy to talk about their experience with nothing but praise
Robin & Sarah
(Built 3 times with TG)
We had a very good experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better build. We had so much trust in them, we were confident they weren’t fleecing us”
Ken & Gaye
Their reputation is very good, if we mention we have a Thorne Group house, people say ‘good choice’. I believe it adds value to our home and will to the sale price if/when we sell.
Kurt
Everyone onsite has an obvious respect for this company and want to do an excellent job to continue with that relationship.
Nic & Steve
I am proud to say that Thorne Group has done 3 builds for me! I had the privilege of top-class service, from start to finish nothing was ever a problem. I would not build with anyone else Thorne Group all the way
Vicky
We are delighted with the high-quality standard of finish in the house. Other builders, friends and family, regularly comment on it. We still get people knocking on our door wanting to know who built our house.
Steve & Brenda
