Most often, once you have decided to invest in renovating, or extending your home, the first thing you will do is reach out to a building designer, or an architect.
Whilst this is technically the right place to start as it is a designer or architect who will design and draw up the plans for you, there are a number of advantages of also engaging a builder at the design stage.
From information and expertise to budget and cost-efficiency, we have outlined the benefits of working with a builder from the beginning below:
Advantages of Engaging a Builder as part of the Design Process
- Expertise
Whilst an architect or building designer is an expert in designing and drafting plans, a builder is an expert in bringing these plans to life.
At the design stage, builders are able to provide valuable information and guidance based on industry expertise and experience.
- Material selections
If there are budget constraints, but you are not wanting to compromise on the design, a builder will be able to suggest more cost-effective materials and build process alternatives to achieve the same, or similar result.
A builder can ensure you are getting the most value for your money while maintaining the high-quality standards any homeowner should be striving for.
- Time management
A builder can offer valuable expertise pertaining to how different design selections and variance in your building plans can have a significant impact on the duration of time a build will take to complete. Where a timeline is a deciding or critical factor, for example when a family needs to find alternative housing for the duration of the build and need a clear timeline of the build, it is valuable to know a clear timeline in the design phase.
- Budget
Engaging a builder early allows you to realistically manage your budget, by ensuring the design, is achievable within your budget. You and the designer may have grand plans, but if you are not receiving a builder’s input at this stage, those ideas may sit well outside of your budget. This will result in you being let down when you present your plans to a builder for a quote only to learn it will cost far more than you have budgeted for.
Not only will working with a builder from the beginning provide you with a realistic expectation on the cost of the build from the outset, but it will also save you money by avoiding the need for additional design costs to amend the design later on down the track.
- Relationship
A good relationship with your builder is essential to a positive building experience. Engaging a builder from the very beginning allows the builder to really get to know you and your family, and understand your vision from the outset, and be a part of the journey with you – helping to not only construct, but create your dream space alongside you, and support you along the entire journey.