What are the top 10 red flags when looking for a builder in 2023?

"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us." - Winston Churchill

When embarking on a construction project you are entering into a significant commitment. Just like in matters of love, where rose coloured glasses can blind us to the red flags in our relationships, it's crucial to be vigilant when choosing the right builder. The signs of a reputable and reliable builder go beyond flashy marketing and persuasive sales pitches; they are rooted in trust, competence, and professionalism.

While it's relatively easy to spot glaring issues in a potential builder, such as missing licenses (tip, check the QBCC license register), it's the subtler cues that can sometimes be the most telling. Just as a romantic partner being too clingy can set off alarm bells, the use of excessively pushy business tactics by a builder might indicate rushed decisions or financial problems. We've all heard the heartbreaking stories, and the following statistic speaks volumes: Over the past two years around Australia, more than 2000 builders have liquidated, leaving countless dreams shattered and projects hanging in the balance.

So, to help you navigate your construction project with confidence and ensure that it's a success, we've compiled a list of the Top 10 red flags you should be aware of when selecting a builder in 2023.

1.     Lack of Experience
Picture this – you've chosen a builder fresh to the industry, and their inexperience becomes glaringly evident. You start noticing costly mistakes, like a slab poured unevenly or walls misaligned, causing your dream project to turn into a nightmare. Every construction phase seems like a learning process for them, and your once-promising project is marred by subpar quality.

2.     Poor Reputation
Think of it as dating someone who has a notorious track record for treating their partners poorly. Your friends warned you, but you thinking things would somehow be different ignored the signs. Then the reasons for the builder's negative reputation begin to plague your project. Substandard service, missed deadlines, and a string of unaddressed issues start piling up. Your excitement turns into disappointment, and you find yourself trapped in a relationship with a builder that doesn't value your satisfaction.

3.     Unlicensed
Imagine you've entrusted your dreams to a builder who lacks the essential licenses and qualifications. It's like boarding a plane with an unlicensed pilot. Building codes may be disregarded leaving you exposed to costly remediation or, worst of all, builder shutdown, leaving your whole investment hanging in the balance.

4.     Uninsured
Now, picture your construction project humming along smoothly, until an unforeseen problem strikes. The harsh reality hits you – this builder doesn't have insurance. You're left holding the bag, responsible for injuries and damages. Your dream project becomes a financial nightmare, and you wonder how you got yourself into this situation.

5.     Lack of Transparency in Contract and/or Payment Terms
In the beginning, everything seems rosy. But as the project progresses, you start noticing hidden clauses in the contract and unclear payment conditions. It's like watching your partner's true colours emerge. Hidden terms can spark disputes over extra costs, project delays, and scope disagreements. It's an emotional rollercoaster, leaving you frustrated and financially strained.

6.     Poor Communication
Try maintaining a relationship with a partner who hardly responds to your calls or messages. The lack of communication begins to strain your connection, causing misunderstandings, insecurity, and frustration. In construction, poor communication can result in critical project details being changed without your knowledge, prolonging your construction timeline, and leaving you in the dark.

7.     No Referees
You meet someone new, but they refuse to introduce you to their friends, and you can’t find any information about them anywhere. It's unsettling, right? In construction, the absence of references suggests past clients weren't satisfied with the builder's work. You're left with an uneasy feeling of doubt, questioning whether you've made the right choice.

8.     Resistant to Inspection
Just like dating someone who avoids introducing you to their family or taking you to their home, a builder who resists inspections might have something they don't want you to see. This resistance can result in expensive rectification works all while you question the overall quality of the construction.

9.     Extremely Cheap Quotes
Be wary of accepting a quote that seems too good to be true. In practice, these low-ball quotes can mean hidden costs, poor-quality materials, and unfinished work that turns your cost-effective project into a financial hell. Your dream may unravel as you confront constant disputes over additional charges and a project that's far from the dream you envisioned. That’s not to mention the costly exercise of rectifying dodgy work or its knock-on effects.

10.  No Clear Timelines
A builder that obscures your project timeline can translate into a rollercoaster of uncertainty. The uncertainty can lead to mounting stress, as you grapple with ongoing delays and a constant question mark hanging over your project's completion date, making your dream project feel like an elusive mirage.