If you’re planning to build a new home, extend your existing home or undergo a major renovation, one of the first big decisions is who you’re going to trust to build it.
There are plenty of good builders out there, from large project building companies through to smaller family-owned builders. Neither option is automatically right or wrong. It really comes down to what you want from your build and the type of experience you expect along the way.
So, what’s the actual difference?
What Is a Project Builder?
Project builders generally build a larger number of homes each year using established designs, specifications and processes.
For some people, that’s exactly what they’re looking for. You can choose from a range of existing designs, select your finishes and work within a fairly structured building process.
That model works because it’s designed to be repeated.
The trade-off is that there can be less flexibility when you want something outside the standard offering. Depending on the company, you may also deal with different people throughout sales, selections, construction and handover rather than having one person involved from start to finish.
If you’re happy with the design, inclusions and process being offered, a project builder can certainly be worth considering.
Where Is a Family-Owned Builder Different?
With a smaller family-owned builder, the experience is generally more personal.
At BHB, that’s a big part of how we work.
We’re not interested in building as many houses or completing as many renovations and extensions as we possibly can. We’d rather understand what you’re trying to achieve, work through the details properly and build something we’re proud to put our name to.
It also means I’m personally involved.
You’re not meeting me at the start of the job and then never seeing me again. I’m involved throughout the project, working with our team and keeping communication open with the owners.
For us, that personal relationship matters.
There’s also the local knowledge that comes with working with a builder who’s genuinely part of the area. I’ve lived here for 40 years, so this isn’t just somewhere we work. It’s home. That local understanding is another difference you can get from a family-owned builder compared with a larger project builder working across multiple areas.
More Flexibility Around Your Home
One of the biggest reasons people choose a family-owned custom builder is flexibility.
Your block, family and lifestyle aren’t exactly the same as everyone else’s, so your home doesn’t necessarily need to be either.
For renovations and extensions, the conversation is a little different again. We’re working with an existing home and block, so we need to look at what’s already there and how the new work is going to fit with it.
You might want to change the layout to make better use of the block, create more room for the kids, make entertaining a priority or incorporate something that’s important to the way your family actually lives.
With a custom build, renovation or extension, we can have those conversations early and work out what makes sense.
That doesn’t mean saying yes to everything.
Sometimes an idea isn’t practical, doesn’t suit the budget or there’s simply a better way of doing it. Part of our job is being upfront about that and helping you make an informed decision.
Communication Makes a Big Difference
Building a home is a big investment, and one of the last things you want is to feel like you don’t know what’s happening.
You should be able to ask questions.
You should know who you’re dealing with.
And if something changes or there’s a decision that needs to be made, you should hear about it rather than finding out weeks later.
Good communication doesn’t mean pretending there will never be challenges during a build. Construction doesn’t work like that.
It means being upfront when something comes up, explaining the options and working through it together.
What About Price?
Price obviously matters.
That applies whether you’re building a new home, renovating or adding an extension. The way costs are worked out can be different for each, so it’s important to understand what you’re actually comparing.
But when you’re comparing builders, make sure you’re comparing what you’re actually getting rather than just looking at the number at the bottom of the quote.
So, Which Type of Builder Is Right for You?
If you want a straightforward home from an established range of designs and you’re comfortable working within a larger building system, a project builder may suit you well.
If you want more flexibility, direct communication and a builder who’s personally involved in your project, a family-owned custom builder may be a better fit.
The important thing is to do your homework.
Talk to the builder. Ask questions. Look at their previous work. Understand what’s included in the price and get a feel for the people you’ll actually be dealing with once construction starts.
Because you’re not just choosing someone to build a house.
You’re choosing who you’re going to work with through one of the biggest projects you’ll probably ever take on.
And you want to be comfortable with that decision before the first bit of dirt gets moved.
Look at the inclusions and allowances. Ask what’s included and what’s not. Understand the level of finish you’re getting and whether the quote realistically reflects the work you want completed.
A cheaper number at the start isn’t much good if it doesn’t include what you thought it did.
We’re big believers in being upfront about budget from the beginning. We’d rather have an honest conversation early than promise something that simply isn’t realistic.
