Top tips

Build trust first

Check your builder’s qualifications and references. Establish good lines of communication with your builder from the outset.

Plan in detail

Collect as much detail as possible. Once the build is under way, a change of plan often means delays and costs. This is fine if you’ve changed your mind – but frustrating if it’s due to something you never thought of. Make the most of your builder’s expertise and advice, before it’s too late.

A home is a shelter

Remember that first and foremost a home is a shelter, so plan for strength and warmth. Investment in seismic resilience is preventative insurance, and energy efficiency is mostly about heat absorption and retention.

Ask for a fixed price

But also have funds in reserve. Always keep some contingency in your budget – you’ll sleep better. Beware of fads in design and materials. What’s more important: wowing your friends at the housewarming, or looking good and working well in 20 years?

Sort the paperwork

Always ask for a written contact and ideally a building guarantee. Check the fine print on both – make sure your guarantee is worth the paper it’s written on.