- Contact a couple of builders and arrange for them to give you a quote based on your plans and specifications and preliminary cost estimates. Getting three quotes is probably ideal, but be aware that, increasingly, builders are charging for written-up estimates. Also, seeking a large number of quotes may discourage some builders from doing their best to quote.
- Arrange for all quotes to be delivered on or before a given date and make the quote time reasonable. Two to three weeks is an ideal timeframe.
- Open all quotations and consider the prices and any variations from your plan/specifications. These are known as non-complying tenders.
- Contact the builder you would most like to deal with and check that he or she will be in a position to sign a contract within your timescale. As a courtesy, advise the other builders that they have not been successful and thank them for their time.
Alternatively, if you want the builder to arrange plans:
- Seek ideas and quotes from a few builders based on a concept plan.
- Consider the most appealing proposal and negotiate to a contract.
- Be aware of the copyright issues when a builder prepares plans. But note that in the event that you do not proceed with that builder, you may not be able to use the plans without permission.
If you plan to be an owner-builder, refer to Building a home. Be aware however that anecdotal information strongly suggests that owner-builder projects often take longer and cost more than expected, unless the owner-builder has significant building expertise. An owner-builder is required to obtain Certificates of Completion from sub contractors (for contracts of $12,000 or more) and have the Statement of Compliance signed off by an appropriately qualified person.
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Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60
Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61
Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html
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If you wish to provide feedback on the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website please contact the Webmaster via email mailto:webmaster@agd.sa.gov.au
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