How to choose a registered builder to deliver on time, on budget and on specification

Choosing a registered builder is critical for any business, because building an office, warehouse or retail space is a huge investment of both time and money.

That's why it's important to choose the right registered builder. But how do you know your registered builder is right for the job? And how do you know they will deliver on time and on budget?

Choose a registered builder with a proven track record

Murray Williams, director of Kustom Building Services, says the best way to check the credentials of a potential registered builder is to look at their resume.

"You should always look at references to establish if the registered builder is reliable," Murray says. "Word of mouth is always a good thing too. Don't take the builders' word for it."

Further, Murray suggests looking at their website - is it professional, with a portfolio of work for you to browse? You should also speak to former clients. Key questions to ask include:

• Did they deliver on time and budget?
• Did they deliver to specification?
• How did they cope with contract variations?
• Did they perform rectification works without trouble?

It's not all about money 

It might be counter-intuitive, but Murray says price alone is not the key to identifying the right registered builder.

"If you want a cheap job you can usually find it, but builders who come in low are usually cheap for a reason," he says. "And you won't find that out until it is too late."

Check the specs

"Get a specification done so you know your builders are quoting on the same things," Murray says. "Your architect should be able to provide you with a list of exactly what you want, which the builders can then quote from."

Murray says ensuring your registered builders are quoting on the same things helps control costs and ensure final build quality meets expectations.

Ability to cater to specific needs

During the early stages of negotiations with a registered builder, identify the specialist needs of your business. Do you need custom lighting for 24-hour access? If you're in hospitality, what are the refrigeration options?

"Talk to more than one registered builder so you can compare," suggests Murray. "Normally you will be able to tell if one doesn't know much about your specialist needs. The right registered builder will be able to answer your questions and demonstrate their experience."

Finished product

Before engaging commercial builders, Murray suggests taking a tour of their completed projects. Things to look out for include:

• water stains from faulty plumbing
• cracked or peeling paint on new buildings
• cracks in external walls
• rust stains in concrete
• doors and windows that don't open or close properly
• dampness or poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens

Building for your future

The right building should enhance productivity, be low maintenance and be efficient to run.

Ask a registered builder today how they can meet your business needs by delivering a new business premises on time, on budget and on specification.