Most building projects do not fail because of poor workmanship alone. They fail because the groundwork has not been done properly before a builder is appointed. In our experience, many of the problems homeowners face such as cost overruns, delays, disputes, and in some cases serious structural issues can be traced back to decisions made at the very beginning. This checklist is designed to help you approach that stage in a structured and informed way, so that you can choose the right builder, compare quotations properly, and protect your position from the outset. 1. Define Your Project Properly (Before Speaking to Builders) Recommendation · Architectural drawings · Structural drawings · A clear scope of works · Clear budget and expectations Why Without clarity, builders will make assumptions which leads to inconsistent quotations and missing items. Example Different builders may assume different quality levels, resulting in prices that are not comparable. 2. Prepare a Detailed Specification (Critical Step) Recommendation · Materials · Finishes · Structural elements · Fixtures and fittings · Who supplies what Why A specification ensures quotes are comparable and prevents costly extras later. Example – Porcelain Tiles Tiles fixed without full adhesive coverage may fail over time, similar to poorly buttered toast. Example – Bathroom Walls Plasterboard, moisture resistant board, and HardieBacker all differ in cost and suitability. 3. Shortlist Builders Properly Recommendation · Select 3 to 5 builders · Check relevant experience · Ensure capacity Why Not all builders are suited to all project types. Example A refurbishment builder may struggle with structural extensions. 4. Carry Out Proper Due Diligence Recommendation Visit both recent and older projects (5–6 years old). Why Older projects show long-term performance and builder reliability. Recommendation Check company structure, directors, and assets. Why Financial strength affects accountability if issues arise. 5. Issue Identical Information to All Builders Recommendation Provide identical drawings and specifications. Why Ensures quotes are directly comparable. 6. Analyse and Compare Quotes Properly Recommendation Review inclusions, exclusions, and assumptions. Why Low quotes often hide missing items. 7. Interview the Builders Recommendation Ask about project management, team, and safety. Why You are selecting a process and team, not just a price. 8. Agree a Clear Payment Schedule Recommendation Link payments to progress. Why Reduces financial risk.  9. Formalise the Agreement Recommendation Use a written contract. Why Clarifies expectations and reduces disputes. 10. Put Basic Protections in Place Recommendation Confirm insurance and building control. Why Prevents issues during the build. Key Principle Clarity before construction leads to control during construction. Next Steps Contact us for a one page builder interview questionnaire. If you need support before commencing your build or choosing a builder, we are here to help.

A homeowner commenced building works on their property without arranging appropriate site insurance. This is not uncommon. There is often an assumption that either the contractor’s insurance will be sufficient, or that an existing household policy will continue to provide cover. In this case, neither applied. Partway through the project, it became clear that there was no valid insurance in place. At that stage, the position became significantly more difficult. Insurers were unwilling to provide cover retrospectively. From their perspective, the risk had already begun without protection, and they were being asked to step into an unknown position. The property was effectively uninsured during an active construction project. We were instructed to review the situation. A structured approach was taken, including: Clearly defining the scope and stage of the works Presenting the risk in a transparent and credible way Engaging directly with specialist insurers Following extensive discussions, we were able to: Secure appropriate site insurance cover Bring the project back within an insurable and protected framework This was not straightforward. It required persistence and a clear understanding of how insurers assess risk. On a construction project, the absence of insurance is not a minor oversight. It is a significant exposure. If you are planning a build, it is worth ensuring that the right cover is in place before work begins.