HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUILDER FOR YOU

Building a new home or doing a major renovation is a big deal

– you need a builder you can trust to help you through the process. We sat down with Nelson local, Vince Roper, who successfully built a new home to get his top tips. Vince’s home won a National New Home Category Award in the Master Builders House of the Year competition in 2014. The family tributes the win to their strong relationship with their Master Builder, Russell Campbell from Inhaus, and the team of sub-contractors and architects he surrounds himself with.

You sound like you had a great relationship with your builder. How did you go about finding a builder you wanted to work with?

We had just moved to Nelson after the Christchurch earthquakes and were very focused on re-establishing ourselves in a new quality home in a more positive environment. Having built twice before, and being very house proud, we had a clear idea of what we wanted in terms of build quality and final finish. The only problem was when we arrived in Nelson, we had no building contacts and no one to turn to for a recommendation. We had used a Master Builder to build our last home in Christchurch, so we went with what we knew best. Using the ‘Find a Builder’ tool on the Master Builders website, we looked up Nelson-based builders. Although we knew all the builders would be up to the Master Builder quality standard, we wanted the best of the best, so we also looked at who had won House of the Year accolades. Inhaus fitted the bill so we gave him a shot. Turns out it was the best decision we have ever made.

Tell us a little bit about your project with your builder?

As we were new to Nelson, we were unsure at first on the area where we had decided to build. Its important people work with a builder that knows the area and can provide some good advice. Our builder had built another home not far away from our section and that gave us some extra assurance. As we were building a whole new house the design phase was crucial. Collaboration is so important here. You want to make sure your builder is involved throughout the whole process, working closely with you and your architect. We had an exciting vision of what we wanted, and we recommend working with an experienced builder who can conceptualise and turn your vision into something tangible. Working with a Master Builder you know your project is backed by the best in the business. Our builder really did go above and beyond in every aspect and never watched the clock. We now consider Russell and his son Shaun, who was also the Master Builders CARTERS National Apprentice of the Year 2015 winner, to be very good friends.

How did you know you had the right builder for you?

Both my wife and I have a background in quality management and customer service. We were looking for a builder with industry credibility and who could listen and interpret our ideas into the build. Right from the start we got on really well with our builder. Instantly I knew we had a common understanding of what we wanted from the build and by showing me his previous work, I could see that he was a quality craftsman. He went above and beyond throughout, starting from our first conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask to see previous work and talk to past customers. As Inhaus are Master Builders, I also knew they would have had to complete a number of rigorous checks to ensure they met the Master Builder’s quality standard. As well as looking at building experience, qualifications, and workmanship, there are also financial checks all Master Builders have to do to ensure business stability. Knowing these checks have been done always great for peace of mind!

Why did you choose a Master Builder?

We have built before and know this can be a stressful time. You hear about cowboys and need to make sure you are protected. I knew I absolutely needed a Master Builder. Choosing a Master Builder gave me confidence, assurance and minimised the risk of building a new home. It is also important to think about the long term – this is not where you want to focus on the cheapest option. You want to get the best value and a home you will love for years. The opportunity to get a Master Build 10-Year Guarantee was also a no brainer. Building a home is one of your biggest life investments so it is important that you are protected. No one knows what will happen in 10 years’ time – but I know I am protected by Master Builders no matter what, even if my builder is no longer in business. Most banks will also insist on a guarantee, and this one is the best.

Any further tips to share with Kiwis looking to build or renovate their home?

It is all about a partnership. Be clear about your expectations early on and what you want to achieve. It is too late once the job is done to go back and change your mind. You want the job done well once. The quality of your home will also be remembered a long time after the cost. It may be worth stretching yourselves a bit, to get a quality builder. And if you have to wait for your builder, it will be worth it. We are extremely proud of the home we have and working with the Master Builder Inhaus team has been one of the most positive things to have happened in our lives.