Private builders
Of course, there are pros and cons for both. Private builders have the flexibility to create a unique home that is designed especially for you and your family. It can be tailor-made to be whatever you heart desires, and private builders include all architectural designs and engineering requirements in their budget estimate, meaning that there are no hidden costs. They have the flexibility to provide all those additions that would normally cost extra with a project builder, such as a driveway, verandahs and the landscaping of your garden or outside area. Private builders also have the flexibility to work on a more complex build, such as a sloping block of any grade, or a narrow block. And if the block needs clearing or any demolition and removal work completed prior to the build, then that isn’t a problem as all of these variables will be factored into the final quote. As a bonus, private builders also allow you to retain the copyright of your design plans after the completion of the project.
Project builders
Project builders, on the other hand, offer their own set of advantages. Also known as volume builders, they are able to build a home at a more affordable price and at a faster rate than a private builder. There are fewer decisions that need to be made, as most houses can be chosen and bought straight from a pre-designed set of plans. The price is generally fixed with a project builder, but prospective clients need to be aware that this is a base price and does not generally include the extras, such as driveways, landscaping, flooring, painting and air-conditioning. These will be additional costs you need to absorb, and this should be factored into your overall budget. Some project builders have a variety of packages on offer, with several higher-priced packages including the extras, such as carports and air conditioning systems. Be wary too of what your package includes in the way of finishes – many are very basic, such as minimal tiling in the wet areas or low-quality laminate on the kitchen benchtops.
At the end of the day, all of these factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether to go with a private or project builder. Private builders are far more flexible when it comes to design, or building on a difficult block that has a slope or is oddly shaped, and they provide an all-inclusive final costing.
To talk to one of our design team about how we can turn the house of your dreams into a reality, contact us today.