Questions to Ask Your Builder
By George Giannakakis · M.Arch · RLA300580 · HIA Industry Judge
Last reviewed: · How we research
Questions to Ask Your Builder explained in detail
Before signing a building contract, ask: Are you qualified? Can I see examples of your recent work? Who will be my main contact? What's included and excluded in the price? What are the PC and PS allowances? What's the payment schedule? What warranty do you provide? How do you handle variations? What's the estimated timeline? Can I have references from recent clients?
Industry advisor Ryan Gazzard joins us to cut through the noise: what’s genuinely working in home building right now - and where projects keep falling short. We unpack clear briefs and realistic budgets, expectation management, and the systems great builders use. Walk away with practical steps to de-risk your build before you sign.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about questions to ask your builder
Key questions: What's your builder licence number? What's included/excluded? What are the allowances for PC and PS items? Is the quote based on my specific site or a standard allowance? What soil classification have you assumed? What's your margin on variations? What insurances do you hold? What's your current workload and realistic start date?
Verify against the binding rules in your state
BuildPilot is an independent Australian building platform, we publish guidance, we don't hold a building licence. Every Australian residential build must comply with the National Construction Code plus state-specific Acts and consumer-protection law. The authorities below are the primary sources of truth for the rules that actually apply to your project.
National
The primary national set of technical building standards that every Australian build must comply with. Volume 2 covers Class 1 & 10 buildings (most homes).
Specific material, product and method standards (e.g. AS 3700 masonry, AS 1684 timber framing) referenced by the NCC.
National peak body for residential builders. Publishes the most widely used home-building contracts and consumer guidance.
National peak body for general builders. Publishes commercial and residential contracts and industry guidance.
By state & territory
Links above open the public website of each authority. BuildPilot is not affiliated with these bodies and does not act on their behalf. Information on this page is general - check the current edition of the NCC and the relevant state Act for binding requirements.
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