Are you looking to organise your first meeting with a builder? Being prepared is your first critical step to a good-flowing construction project. Your first meeting sets the foundations early for a successful, stress-less project where you and your builder are on the same page from day one.
“At Hemmens Building we strive to ensure our first meeting with a potential client is as productive as possible. We work with our clients to ensure every detail that is important to them isn't missed.” Dylan, Hemmens Building
1. Have an idea first. What are you planning to do, and how? Are you looking for a design and construct service, or construct only? Decide who will arrange the consultants, engineers and council, or whether you'd like the architect or builder to arrange this for you.
Even with design and construct, it helps to know the basics: how many bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas; the key characteristics you want, like open plan living, room for entertaining or an indoor-outdoor feel; whether you need to go up or have room to push out; and your general finishes, inside and out.
The more information you pass on to your builder at the start, the more accurate your building quote will be. And the more accurate your quote, the less chance of a variation to the price later.
2. Project budget. Set the maximum amount you wish to spend and be clear and upfront about it. Being honest about your budget from day one lets your builder understand the range they're working in. You can build houses for over $1M or for under $500k.
Being clear early also gives your builder time to develop a cost-saving plan, and to propose similar alternative materials or methods of construction to save you money. If you're funding the build with a construction loan, sort that out before you meet a builder, so you know your maximum.
3. Gather design inspiration. Houzz and Pinterest mood boards are our favourites. Both are full of photos of real spaces, and they give your builder, architect and designer a clear picture of what you want to achieve.
4. What are your must-haves? Think about why you want to build and what prompted the idea. Are you an entertainer who needs bigger living spaces and a larger kitchen? Do you have a large family, or young children who'd use a separate kids' retreat? Which rooms matter most?
5. What to bring to your meeting. Bring your pre-approval or loan documents, any floor plan sketches, existing plans or land records, photos of the finishes you like, and any material samples. An organised client is the best client to work for, and it greatly improves the success of the project for everyone.