CHOOSING A BUILDER

Kolak Living, Deakin

Building or renovating a home is one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime. Ensuring you undertake all necessary checks before choosing a builder will assist you in making this decision. Knowing the essential questions to ask and what you should expect from your builder is fundamental to this process.

HOW CAN I ENSURE I HAVE UNDERTAKEN NECESSARY DUE DILIGENCE BEFORE CHOOSING A BUILDER?

1 Research – find out about the builder’s experience, craftsmanship, licences and insurances 2 References – ask to inspect the builders previous projects or speak with previous clients. 3 Fit for Purpose – not all builders are expert in all types of buildings. Renovations are best undertaken by builders with renovation experience, new builds are best completed by new home builders. If you have a special requirement, such as sustainable design, check that your builder has the relevant experience.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THINGS AREN’T WORKING OUT BETWEEN ME AND MY BUILDER?

Disputes can occur when communication lines between a client and builder break down, often resulting in a failure to meet obligations under the building contract. It’s important to seek help early if a dispute arises and ensure that any concerns are raised in writing to the builder. If a dispute cannot be resolved, there are organisations in the ACT which you can submit a complaint to. For more information on this, turn to page 49 for key contacts.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TO BUILD WITH A MASTER BUILDER?

Members of Master Builders ACT represent the top builders and tradespeople in Canberra and the surrounding region. By choosing an MBA member, you are choosing a higher standard of builder or tradesperson, who is committed to excellence and takes pride in their reputation.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION?

Members of Master Builders ACT represent the top builders and tradespeople in Canberra and the surrounding region. Satisfied clients make satisfied members, therefore we have an interest in helping our members satisfy their client’s needs. Master Builders ACT can help explain the MBA Domestic building contract, explain the fidelity fund process, and with your builder’s consent, help resolve minor disputes.

WHAT DO CONSUMERS SAY ABOUT THE MBA AND ITS MEMBERS?

Sama and Co, Watson

96% OF CONSUMERS ARE AWARE OF THE MBA BRAND

96% OF CONSUMERS SAY THAT THEY WOULD BE INFLUENCED TO HIRE A BUILDER IF THEY HELD AN MBA MEMBERSHIP

Results extracted from Footprints Market Research. Research conducted in 2020. 80% OF CONSUMERS BELIEVE THERE IS AN ADVANTAGE IN USING A MBA MEMBER

REAL QUOTES FROM CONSUMERS ABOUT MBA MEMBERS I would like to take this They completely changed opportunity to thank you for our house into a home. the amazing job you have done We have the most in building our house. We were incredible outdoor living initially hesitant to build (at all) areas now and we can’t as we knew the process was keep our kid inside! These time consuming and quite guys genuinely changed stressful, but our experience our whole lifestyle and got has been anything but that. everything done quickly, From the very beginning professionally and in time with the warm welcome we for spring. received at the display village right through to the practical - Wright resident completion inspection, the team has been helpful, accommodating and has made the whole building experience wonderful and easy. Their flexibility is indeed legendary! They organised getting the plans approved and arranged for demolition. We made one trip to Canberra before the start of the build to finalise the design and make initial selections from the wide range of options and materials available. As the build progressed, it was obvious that we could have complete confidence in their management of the process.

- Turner resident

MASTER BUILDERS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

What are the awards?

The Master Builders Excellence Awards are a celebration of the best residential, commercial and civil projects from across the Canberra region. The awards represent excellence in the building and construction industry and recognise the incredible work of Master Builders members. Take a look at some of the previous winners of House of the Year from the past four years.

HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2020 Architekt Grüne Häuser, Deakin

The interior has warmth and character with a bold, vibrant colour palette that is the result of the collaboration between the construction team and the client. The team paid close attention to impeccably preparing and finishing materials including the ply sheeting, steel work and handmade tiles. This home showcases the result of meticulous planning and impeccable craftsmanship, as well a daring design eye. The architecture of the home is a tribute to Origami, the Japanese of art of paperfolding, with the use of different angles and shapes to create a visual masterpiece.

HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019 Classic Constructions and TT Architecture, Holt

Inspired by multi-generational living and large-scale entertaining, this extraordinary home was masterfully created by renowned builders, Classic Constructions, in collaboration with TT Architecture. A complete one-of-a-kind, this amazing resort style home is a symbol of sophistication and distinction. The six-bedroom, six-bathroom House of the Year, offers privacy, solar gain and outstanding views. Marry this with intelligent design, innovation, faultless quality and functionality, and you have a laudable property that is striking, yet totally liveable.

HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018 Better Building Services, DNA Architects & Sugar Designs, Denman Prospect

The 2018 House of The Year showcases thoughtprovoking ideas for future residential designs. The strong symmetrical lines and confident use of innovative exterior materials has enabled Better Building Services, DNA Architects and Sugar Designs to create a bold statement, in a spectacular example of ultra-contemporary architecture. Overall the design of this striking home is as complex as it was exciting. The creative use of materials makes an impressive statement. And the large cantilevered roof over the living room terrace creates an incredibly strong roof form, which in turn generates the building’s identity.

HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2017 Preferred Builders & DNA Architects, Yarralumla

The design for this new residence had to take advantage of the northern orientation, whilst being mindful of the limitations of having an easement to the northern boundary and a significant tree to the south. An added complexity was that it was a corner block with dual aspect, one of which was overlooking Adelaide Avenue past a green buffer zone. The house is the ultimate form of sustainability achieving a 6 star energy rating along with a large water retention tank below the garage, which is reused for flushing and irrigation.