Choosing a builder is arguably more important than choosing the house design itself. You're entering a long-term relationship — one that involves significant sums of money, major life decisions, and a product you'll live with for decades. Getting it wrong is costly in ways that go far beyond money.
The first step is to verify registration and licensing. In Australia, builders must be registered with the relevant state authority — the Victorian Building Authority in Victoria, for example. Check their registration status online and look up whether there are any disciplinary actions, suspended licences, or complaints on record. This takes less than five minutes and can save you years of grief.
Next, look closely at their portfolio and ask for references — not the polished testimonials on their website, but real homeowners you can call or visit. Ask those homeowners specific questions: Was the build completed on time? Were variations handled transparently? How did the builder respond to defects after handover? A great builder welcomes these conversations; an evasive one is a warning sign.
Examine the contract carefully before signing. A building contract should include a fixed-price clause (or clearly defined variation mechanisms), a detailed schedule of works, specifications for materials, and a practical completion date with penalty clauses if timelines are missed. If the contract is vague in any of these areas, negotiate before you sign — not during the build when your leverage has diminished.
Finally, understand how your construction loan interacts with the build process. Progress payments are made at defined stages and your lender will conduct inspections at each stage. We work closely with our clients throughout construction loans to ensure payments are made smoothly and issues are flagged early. Reach out to Amber Finance before breaking ground.