If you’re looking to build a home for the first time, there’s a lot to consider. Building a new home can be complex, and there are numerous decisions you’ll need to make even before starting the build gets underway. While many choices can be exciting, some can also be overwhelming! Getting some professional help by chatting to a building broker can ensure you’ve considered all your options, and help you to make the right choices for your home.
What is a building broker?
A building broker acts as a guide to help you navigate the process of building a home, from the initial planning stages to the completion of your new home. Using a broker can help reduce the stress of building a new home because they work for you and act as your advocate throughout the build.
An independent building broker aims to help you get value for your money when building a new home. They don’t have any affiliations with builders but are there to help you make an informed choice on what is likely to be one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make.
They can help with:
- Selecting the right designer and builder.
- Guidance on building contracts.
- What to look for in a good design.
- How to save money during the design and tender process.
- Working out the proper construction methods to use for your dream home.
How a building broker can help you
Building brokers work independently from builders, which means they are looking out for your needs, not the builders. Unlike working with a developer, a building broker can help you mix and match the land you want with the builder you need. Let’s look at some of the key reasons why using a builder broker can help you.
1. Savings
Building brokers can save you significant amounts of money because they offer seasoned negotiation skills and can provide economies of scale. Their experience also means they can advise you on ways to save money when building a home. In addition, they’ll guide you on things to look out for that can cost you money. And provide recommendations on any non-standard items in the construction that may blow out your budget.
As well as financial savings, using a building broker can save you significant time. They understand the building market and know the builders in your local area. They can also recommend products to suit your needs and know the various processes involved in getting your project started. This might include council restrictions, additional site costs, covenants that mean you have to design your home in a specific style, and contract negotiations.
A building broker can also help keep your project moving, ensuring your new home is completed on time. So you can move in when you need to, and not have to worry about finding somewhere else to live or paying ongoing rent.
2. Experience
Building brokers are experienced with everything you need to know about building a new home. They’ve worked with numerous clients and been through the process countless times, so they understand what could go wrong and how to avoid some common mistakes that first-time builders often make. If your project encounters any issues, they can also help you get your new build back on track.
A building broker understands the risks of building a new home and is up to date with the latest planning and zoning approvals. They’ve also dealt with numerous builders over the years, so understand how builders work and the best ways of communicating with a builder to get the results you want.
They understand what makes a good or bad design and can help you select the right builder and designer for your needs. A good broker will take the time to listen, ask questions, and really understand what you want from your new home. They’ll advise you on the building process, explain the differences between builders and designers, and be upfront about what to expect in terms of hidden costs or timelines.
Because of their experience, they know which builders have the necessary skills to create a home that suits your style and which ones are reputable. They’ll work with you when it comes to any contract variations to understand cost implications and whether they’re reasonable or not. They’ll also know the history of each builder they recommend, including who the staff is, how they work and what you can expect when dealing with the builder. This includes understanding the builder’s specifications and the details around any promotional offers a builder may have, such as covering rent costs if the project isn’t completed on time.
Your building broker can also help you understand the different types of construction methods available to you and recommend which ones suit your needs. For example, brick veneer, steel construction, timber, or reverse brick veneer. They’ll explain the costs and pros and cons and which ones will work best for your preferred design.
Pitfalls of using the wrong building broker
Unfortunately, not all building brokers are the same, and some don’t always work on behalf of their clients, so it’s essential to choose the right broker.
The risks of choosing the wrong broker include:
- Soaring expenses that weren’t discussed during the initial cost planning, which can blow out your budget.
- Delays on the agreed completion timeline that affect when you can move in, which could cost you money in rent.
- The use of poor or sub-standard construction materials affecting your home’s overall quality.
- Not undertaking the proper due diligence when assessing a builder’s financial situation, which could mean the builder goes bust and you don’t get your home.
- Inadequate research, meaning they’ve no real idea of the builder’s quality, past client reviews, or their capacity to take on your project.
- Overpaying by 10-15% on the construction cost.
How to make your dream a reality
If you’re ready to make the dream of building your perfect home a reality, it’s time to chat with a reputable and experienced building broker.
At Better Way 2 Build, we’ll act as your advocate throughout the building process. We are passionate about helping first-time home builders in WA. We guarantee you’ll get a better outcome working with us with our values-driven approach at no extra cost.
We work with you to listen, understand and respond to your needs and always put your interests first. We want to help match you with a builder who has the skills and expertise to create your new home.
So if you’re ready to start making your dream a reality, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our online form with all your details, and we’ll get in touch to talk through your options. Or give us a call at 0861186119 to discuss how we can help.