How to choose a quality builder – what does quality even mean?
You’d be hard pressed to find a builder who hasn’t claimed quality when referring to their homes.
So casually thrown around is the word that you might even say it’s lost all meaning. So here’s a reminder.
A quick Google will tell you quality is defined as “the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.”
The problem is, one builder’s definition of quality is different from the next.
Maybe it’s time we reclaimed quality? After all, high standards play a massive role in the value of your dream home, both now and in the long term.
We’ve listed our top 4 methods for identifying true builder quality below:
1. Make sure their homes meet Australian Standards
Australian Standards are in place to ensure every product, service and system is safe, reliable and consistent. One sure-fire way to get true quality assurance is to make sure your builder is third party independent quality endorsed to AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems. This standard is designed to help improve a company’s overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. Dale Alcock Homes is one of only three building companies in WA that has achieved this third party independent quality endorsement.
2. Investigate the materials and brands being used
Quality materials that meet Australian Standards are essential, not only for your long-term investment, but also for the safety of you and your family. Before you commit to a builder, ask them for a list of suppliers and the brands they use. A true quality builder will only use recognised brands from trusted local suppliers for all the fixtures and fittings that go into your new home – not low quality, cheap items.
3. Ask about the trades they use to build your home
The importance of quality tradespeople working on your home cannot be overstated – it will have a huge say on the final quality of your new home. Timing and planning is key to avoiding blowouts, making it critical that trades are punctual, do the job well (and efficiently) and work in tandem with each other.
Ask each builder to provide documentation of registration – fully licensed trades will have full insurance to cover any possible problems that arise. It is also critical that you check online and on social media for reviews. Remember – trades that fail to adhere to building regulations can leave you in the unenviable position of covering the cost of avoidable mistakes.
4. Ask about the structural warranty they offer
Your home should be built to last and you’ll want the peace of mind that in the unlikley event that something structural might require attention, you’ll be covered.
To find out how Dale Alcock Homes is redefining true quality homebuilding, get in touch with us here.