Why it pays to choose quality over price
When making a purchase, it can be tempting to look for the best deal to save some money. However, when it comes to building your dream home, opting for the lowest-price option can often spell disaster, limiting your vision and causing quality issues both during the build and after you’ve moved in. The last thing you want is a home that’s constantly needing repairs or a surprise bill at the end of the build.
Striking a balance between quality and price can be tricky, but it’s an essential part of the residential construction process and well worth spending the time working through. Finding a happy medium will allow you to cater to all the needs of your new home, while ensuring you won’t be paying it off for the rest of your life.
Here are our top tips on prioritising quality in the build of your new home.
1. Avoid free quoting
A building quote should be a detailed, multi-page document that’s specific to your needs, budget and site. This level of detail requires time and resources, which is why high-quality builders will usually charge for the service. This shouldn’t be a turn-off – in fact, the more comprehensive and accurate the quote is, the less likely there is to be surprises down the line.
The quoting process is also a fantastic way to gage a builder’s attention to detail and processes early on – if they provide rough figures or are scant on the specifics, this may indicate a sloppiness that you won’t want during your build!
2. Take your time
If the latest home renovation shows were to be believed, building a new home takes a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, this is where the ‘reality’ element falls short – timelines are often much longer than this, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality build. We usually advise clients that building a new home can take anywhere from 10-12 months, depending on the existing site, design and complexity of the build.
Like a Sunday roast or lasagne, the best things take time, so it’s worth allowing the appropriate time for your build and choosing a builder that’s upfront about how long elements take. Any builder who claims they can deliver the project in a small timeline should raise alarm bells, as they are likely to be cutting corners where it matters.
3. Know where to splash and where to save
Building a high-quality home doesn’t necessarily mean choosing the most expensive option, but it does mean being smart about where to splash out and where you could opt for a more affordable option. For example, in high-traffic areas such as a kitchen or bathroom, you may want to choose materials that are both durable and sit within the style of your new home.
However, in functional areas like the laundry, you may be able to use a more affordable option that ensures longevity. A great builder will be able to advise you on how to get the best out of your budget, based on your specific design.
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If you’re ready to work with a builder who will prioritise quality in your custom home, get in touch with the team at Adam Mason Homes today.