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How to brief your builder for building your new home

House construction starts with giving your builder the right information so that they have the best chance of meeting your expectations and building your new home exactly how you want it. A clear brief for your builder should include:

1.     Your vision for your new home

Make a list of what your new home needs to have to work for you. Include things like:

  • number of  bedrooms and bathrooms
  • having the master separated from the other bedrooms or all close together
  • how many living areas you need
  • open plan vs. separate living areas
  • garaging, workshop or outdoor storage requirements
  • single storey living, split level or two (or three) storeys
  • whether future additions will be required as your family grows
  • how you would like your family to interact in the house
  • entertainment and leisure spaces –  indoors and out

2.     Your budget for new home

Your budget is essential for your builder to ensure your plans are able to be built within the budget you have for your new house build. A great tip is to decide what are your must-haves and what is on your wish-list, so that your builder can help you achieve your priorities and find the right combination of extras to create the ideal home without blowing out the build cost before construction even starts.

3.     Build specifications

The specifications for the build can make a huge impact on the overall look and feel, but these can also impact on the cost.  It pays to make decisions early on as much as possible so that your builder can advise you on ways to save money and still achieve the desired results. Specifications can include:

  • medium or high spec interior finish
  • full tiled showers
  • scullery adjoining kitchen
  • hardwood floors or vinyl
  • cedar cladding or plaster and Linea
  • fixtures and fittings
  • doors and windows
  • decks, patios and paving

4.     Your timeframe

Knowing when you need to move in is a crucial part of how your builder will plan and manage your building project, from setting a start date to lining up the subcontractors so that each task is completed in readiness for the next  phase.

A platform for a strong client-builder relationship

By covering all four of these areas, you create a clear brief for your builder to use when working out the costs and schedule for building your house, as well as getting to know you and what you envisage for your new home.

It is also a platform for a strong client-builder relationship and sets you up for having good communication throughout all stages of the building process.

Whether you are still putting together your builder’s brief or are ready to get started on your new house build, we can help.

BuildMe offers great tips on how to achieve a successful new house build from planning and design to landscaping and final touches. Read more of our helpful articles about building and renovation on our blog page

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