Working with Your Builder

Hiring a builder for a construction project—big or small—can feel overwhelming. To help make the process smoother and more secure, here are The NABC’s top tips.

Getting Quotes: The Tender Process

Always obtain quotes from multiple builders. This is known as going out to tender. Make sure each builder receives the same detailed information so that their quotes can be fairly and accurately compared.

Request a cost breakdown to understand how much each aspect of the work will cost. This helps identify areas where you might adjust the scope or specifications to manage your budget more effectively.

Avoid choosing a builder based solely on the lowest price. A cheaper quote may result in lower quality, shortcuts, or hidden costs that emerge later. You often get what you pay for.

Provide Detailed Information

When preparing drawings and specifications for tender, include as much detail as possible. The more comprehensive your information, the more accurate the quotes will be—and the fewer surprises or price changes you’ll face during the build. For example, different types of finishes and fittings can significantly affect both labour time and overall cost.

Always Use a Contract

A written contract protects both you and your builder. It outlines exactly what will be built, for how much, and by when. With a clear reference to plans and specifications, the contract helps resolve disputes—whether about unexpected costs or last-minute changes.

It also ensures neither party can make unauthorized adjustments without agreement.

Hire Qualified Specialists

While many builders have a range of skills, certain tasks require specific expertise. For specialist work, always hire someone qualified and experienced in that field. Failing to do so can result in poor workmanship or even safety risks.

If you’re hiring a main contractor, they should manage any specialist subcontractors. If you’re managing the project yourself, carefully vet specialists and confirm their credentials, experience, and insurance coverage.

Never Pay Upfront

One of the most important rules: never pay for work in advance. Builders should be paid only after work is completed to your satisfaction. Paying early removes their incentive to finish the job on time and can leave you vulnerable if the project stalls or is abandoned.

For larger projects, consider agreeing to staged payments based on completed milestones—typically assessed monthly. Before making any payment, verify that the amount of work completed matches the valuation. Your architect or project manager can help assess progress objectively.