If you’re comparing two or three builders before a renovation or new home, the hard part isn’t finding names. It’s knowing what actually separates a good builder from a risky one. No fear-mongering here, just the things worth checking before you hand someone the keys to your home.
Start with licence and insurance
This is non-negotiable. In NSW, residential building work over a set value must be done by the holder of a current builder’s licence, and larger jobs must carry Home Building Compensation (Home Warranty) insurance. Ask for the licence number and check it on the NSW Fair Trading register, and confirm the builder holds public liability cover. A builder worth hiring will hand these over without hesitation.
How they communicate
You’ll be dealing with this person, or their team, for months. Ask who your point of contact is, how they run communication during the build, and how variations are handled. A single accountable point of contact is worth a great deal when something needs a decision quickly.
Read the quote, not just the price
Detail is clarity. A good quote spells out the scope, lists realistic allowances, and is clear about what’s included and excluded. If you see vague line items or allowances that look suspiciously low, ask how they were set, and read our guide on prime cost and provisional sums before you compare quotes side by side.
Project fit
A builder who does work your size and type every week will run your project more smoothly than one stepping outside their usual range. Ask what proportion of their work looks like yours, and to see recent projects of a similar scope.
If you’re comparing two or three builders before a renovation or new home, the hard part isn’t finding names. It’s knowing what actually separates a good builder from a risky one. No fear-mongering here, just the things worth checking before you hand someone the keys to your home.
Start with licence and insurance
This is non-negotiable. In NSW, residential building work over a set value must be done by the holder of a current builder’s licence, and larger jobs must carry Home Building Compensation (Home Warranty) insurance. Ask for the licence number and check it on the NSW Fair Trading register, and confirm the builder holds public liability cover. A builder worth hiring will hand these over without hesitation.
How they communicate
You’ll be dealing with this person, or their team, for months. Ask who your point of contact is, how they run communication during the build, and how variations are handled. A single accountable point of contact is worth a great deal when something needs a decision quickly.
Read the quote, not just the price
Detail is clarity. A good quote spells out the scope, lists realistic allowances, and is clear about what’s included and excluded. If you see vague line items or allowances that look suspiciously low, ask how they were set, and read our guide on prime cost and provisional sums before you compare quotes side by side.
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