“4 great reasons why you should use a quality local builder for your NEW HOME”
Here’s a story that’s all too common.
A potential client comes to us for a quote to build their home. They’ve seen low prices advertised by out-of-town builders who claim they can build in Toowoomba for the same price. Why then, they want to know, do the quotes from local
builders appear to cost more and we’re right here? To put this into clear perspective, let’s look at the facts.
In spite of their claims and quotes, here’s why their prices won’t stay
cheap and why you’ll actually SAVE with a quality local builder.
one Out-of-town prices will always appear cheaper because their quotes are based on simple slabs designed for stable soils. Those slabs will never survive on the Darling Downs because of our inherently unstable red and — worse — black soils. So if you go ahead with their low quote, one of two things are likely. 1. They will build your new home using their cheapskate slab which will crack and twist along with your soil — and your new home. Will they fix these major structural flaws? That remains to be seen, and anyway, isn’t it way too late then? Or 2. They’ll beef up their slab (as they should) and that’s when their cost ‘add-ons’ will start — but perhaps not where they’ll end. That cheap quote signed up on will be long forgotten. Our standard quotes include a 100mm thick slab with
external and internal reinforcing beams specifically designed for Type M (red) soils. It’s the most economical way to quote. If it’s black soils, it’s different again.
two The quote is cheap if you’re happy to use their standard plan as it is — a virtual copy of the last house they built. Once you start changing things around to suit yourself, those prices rapidly escalate. They don’t like you changing things because to get low prices everything must be standardised and all materials supplied in bulk. Like a production line.
Our home plans are a starting point. You can change them without price penalty, or even have us convert your rough ideas into a proper plan — for no cost. Your home will be unique.
three They get low prices by going for the lowest tradesman tender. So you get tradies coming up here to do the cheapest, quickest job and get out. It’s amazing what can be covered up to look good on the outside. You’ll never see them again. Problems later? Good luck. TThe structural integrity and workmanship of your nnew home should always be of the highest quality. ThThat way, work goes smoothly and on time. Our local tradies are qualified professionals who’ve worked together for decades. They know their reputations are on the line.
four And finally, the fittings. A cheap house can only have cheap fittings. Could you tell the difference between a quality tile and a poor one? A lot of savvy home buyers now can. Plus you can get locked into contracts that force you to buy from their ‘preferred suppliers’ — the ones they get kickbacks from. Often they’re in Brisbane, so you can’t buy locally, or from your preferred supplier, and you get very limited choice. So homes built this way are easy to spot. Not a great selling point later. Let’s face it, building a solid, stable home on the Darling Downs isn’t the cheapest place to build. But it’s your home therefore you should be able to get exactly what you want. The tiles, taps and fittings should be your choice, and you should be able to buy from your preferred, local supplier. You will, with us.
Who wants a ‘cheaply built’ house?
Yes, their prices can look low to start with but can rapidly get expensive, (a lot higher than ours) and you still end up with a ‘cheaply-built’ house. Nobody ever wants that, regardless of how price conscious they are — least of all a potential buyer later. I wish I was joking or exaggerating. I’ve been in some of their display homes on the coast and if my tradies had built them they’d be sacked.
Real savings for your home.
At the end of the day, it’s your home and you should be happy with it long after we’ve left. We know all clients shop around and everyone is price conscious. With decades of local experience, we will never build you a ‘cheap quality house’. But we do believe our prices are low compared to the quality (and resale value) you will have built into your new home.
Free assessment of your proposed block — before you sign anything.
With nearly 40 years building experience, there’s a wealth of local knowledge freely accessible to you. Before you even buy your land, I am able to visit the block and give you an immediate assessment free of charge. Once construction begins we keep meeting personally with you so you’re kept informed at every stage. Since 1985 we have won numerous industry awards including Best Multi-Residential Apartment Housing 1996; Best Housing for Sloping Sites up to $250,000 2000; Display Home of the Year $125,000-$150,000 2001; Best Display Home under $250,000 2010, and now Best Individual House over 2,000,000 2013. If you’d like a preliminary no-obligation bare-block assessment, or you wish to discuss individualising one of our home plans, we’d love to talk to you.