(Because the worst time to pick a builder is when you’re already behind schedule)
🧯 Let’s Get Real:
Choosing the right builder isn’t just about who can do the job — it’s about who can do it legally, who can do it well and who will manage the job efficiently, keeping an eye on your budget right through to handover.
Too many people wait until they’re knee-deep in design or council delays to find a builder — and then they’re forced to choose based on availability, not alignment. This is always a recipe for drama, if not disaster. Learn from us and plan ahead so you won’t need counselling or battle them in court for years afterwards.
🧠 Before You Choose a Builder, Ask These 6 Questions
✅ 1. What type of project are they best at?
Not every builder is right for every build.
Some specialise in renovations. Others prefer knockdown/rebuilds. Some are great at complex, high-end detail. Others work best on straightforward construction. Do your research and investigate their previous work – is it similar to what you’re looking for? Is the workmanship top-notch? Get in touch with previous clients – how do they work?
A great builder for your friend’s project might be a disaster for yours. Know what they’re best at — and if that matches you.
🪪 2. Do they actually hold the right licence and insurance?
This sounds basic — but it matters. There are different levels of licensing for builders in Victoria – and your builder must be registered with the VBA (in Victoria) and hold the right class of licence for your project. Apart from having required building, safety and project management knowledge, being registered means their work will be covered by insurance and you’ll be protected (*you MUST still check that their insurance and registration is current and what level of protection they have)
Check:
- Are they registered as a Domestic Builder – Unlimited (DB-U) for full residential builds?
- Or just Domestic Builder – Limited (DB-L) for only part of the work?
No rego = no insurance = no thanks.
📝 3. Will they be the one managing your build — or just quoting it?
Some builders will sell you the job with confidence, charm and promises — then vanish. It’s more common than you think. There might be good reasons they’re not available right away, but if you’re chasing them for updates, they won’t return calls, or something just feels off — trust your gut.
If it’s this hard to get a response before the contract… imagine how it’ll be during the build. Before you commit to anything, ask as many questions as you need.
- Who’ll be supervising the site day-to-day?
- Who do you speak to if something goes wrong?
- How do we get in touch with you with an urgent issue?
You’re hiring a team, not a personality. Make sure you know who’s actually in charge of the site and the build once the slab is poured. You’ll be dealing with that person pretty intensely for maybe 18 months or more and you want to feel confident with your choice.
Having said that, I feel strongly that you need to trust and feel confident in ‘who’ your builder is as a person – they will have people onsite managing things for them – after all, they’re the boss and they may have a few jobs on the go – and how they run their business. You’re not looking for someone to hang out with socially – they may not be ‘your type’ of person, but you need to know that the ‘buck stops with them’ and they run their business professionally and take pride in what they build.
Keep in mind that the person and their business will be managing close-to half-a-million dollars of your hard-earned money. Are they giving you the impression that they can do this? For the main part they will be left to their own devices day-to-day while they turn that money into your home. They are an expert in their field and, somewhat like a mechanic, surgeon or lawyer, you really don’t know what is involved in their work but you sure as hell know if they stuff it up! You’ll be spending sometimes 2 years in a ‘relationship’ with this person and, believe me, they’ll deal with you at your very worst, your most stressed and your lowest and it ends up being a pretty ‘intimate’ relationship over all.
Like any ‘intimate’ relationship – yes, even professional relationships can be quite intimate (think of your workmates or boss) – If it goes wrong you can feel incredibly violated and it WILL affect you and the project. Take my advice and remember that you’re not interviewing this person to be your best mate, you’re looking for a trustworthy advisor, who is professional, well-prepared and respectful of your time and property and if that comes with a fun sense of humour or a shared passion for craft beer, awesome, but always keep it professional.
⌚ 4. What does their timeline look like — and is it realistic?
The right builder will be honest about when they can start — and what’s holding up other projects.
“We can start next week!” can be a red flag.
A waitlist isn’t a deal-breaker — it often means they’re good, booked, and in demand.
Remember, this is a long-term project you’re taking on and you’re spending a lot of your hard-earned money – you want the best person, leading the best team, for the job. Even if it means waiting.
💻 5. What systems do they use to track progress, costs and changes?
If they seem to run their projects via their ute with text messages, Red Bull and gut instinct — run.
Good builders:
- Use project management tools
- Track timelines and variations
- Are transparent with paperwork and communication
- Don’t dodge questions about margins, inclusions or scope
You’re not just buying a build — you’re buying a process. Make sure it works for you.
🤓🥸🤓 6. Are they a good fit for your personality and project style?
This part’s often ignored — but it’s critical. Again, keep in mind, we’re not hiring a BFF, but you do need to find a personality that doesn’t make your skin crawl.
You’ll be communicating with your builder a lot. If they’re dismissive, vague, ego-driven or hard to read now — it won’t magically improve when stress hits.
Pick a builder who respects your decisions, explains clearly and makes you feel informed — not intimidated.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Don’t Wait Until You’re Desperate
The worst time to look for a builder is:
- After design is finalised
- After permits are approved
- Or when your lender is ready to release funds
By then, you’re in a time crunch — and far more likely to pick whoever’s available, rather than who’s right.
Start the conversation early.
Even if you’re not ready to build yet, you can:
- Meet with potential builders
- Ask about their preferred process
- Find someone who aligns with your approach
- Or get recommendations from your consultant (like us)
💬 Final Thought:
Your builder will either be your greatest partner — or your biggest regret.
Choose before you’re desperate, and you’ll choose better.
🔗 [View Travaux’s Pre-Build Services →]
(We help assess quotes, cross-check contracts, and align your builder to your project — without bias.)
