The vetting checklist that applies to every Adelaide specialist

This is the same vetting method BuildPilot applies to every Adelaide builder we consider for our shortlist network. The first four checks below are specialist-specific; the rest are the core CBS SA + BII + ASIC checks that apply to every domestic builder working in South Australia.

• Ask for their base-inclusion list in writing - the true cost-per-metre only makes sense once inclusions are apples-to-apples
• Ask how many active builds they have started in the last 12 months in Adelaide - low WIP book = capacity risk, extreme high WIP = supervisor thin-spread risk
• Ask specifically what their siteworks quote assumes (site class M is standard base; H1/H2 add $8k-$18k; slope adds $4k-$12k)
• Ask which suburbs they have completed 5+ recent builds in - relevant to your specific block
• Verify current CBS SA Builders Licence (BLD number) on the public register at cbs.sa.gov.au/services/find-licensee
• Verify no active or recent disciplinary decisions on the CBS SA register
• Confirm Building Indemnity Insurance (BII) will be issued through QBE (SA sole insurer) for your contract price (all residential work over $12,000)
• Search the ABN on abr.business.gov.au - name, GST status, date of registration
• Confirm the entity is not under external administration on the ASIC register

The standard-inclusion trap in Adelaide volume builds

Two Adelaide volume builders can quote $250k for the same base design and end up $60k apart at handover because of inclusion depth. Common items that look "standard" but are variations: 20mm stone benchtops (vs 40mm), 900mm cooktop (vs 600mm), split-system to living room only (vs whole home), ducted heating (vs split-only), Colorbond gutters (vs painted). Ask for the inclusion list line-by-line before comparing sqm prices.

The four red flags that end the conversation

These four signals correlate strongly with builders who have failed or entered administration in South Australia in the last three years. Any of them means walk away.

• Requested deposit exceeds 5% of contract value on contracts over $12,000 (SA statutory cap under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995)
• Vague or evasive answer on BII eligibility for your specific contract price (QBE is the sole SA insurer - either the builder qualifies or they do not)
• Refusal to name their independent building certifier or to let you speak to them separately
• Aggressive time-limited discount contingent on paying deposit before you have read the contract