The questions to ask, the documents to check and the red flags to avoid before you sign a construction contract.
Key takeaways
- Check completed projects, licences and client references before signing anything.
- A transparent, itemised contract with a milestone payment schedule protects both sides.
- Beware quotes that are far below the market rate — they usually hide compromises.
Choosing a builder is the most important decision you will make about your home — more important than the tiles or the paint. The right partner delivers on time, communicates clearly and stands behind their work. Here is how to find them.
Look at completed work, not just brochures
Ask to visit completed projects and, ideally, speak to past clients. A builder confident in their quality will happily arrange it. Pay attention to finishing details — they reveal the care taken in the parts you cannot see.
Verify the essentials
- Business registration and GST.
- A portfolio of similar projects in your area.
- Client references you can actually call.
- A written, itemised quotation and contract.
- A clear milestone-based payment schedule.
Questions worth asking
- 1Who is my single point of contact during the build?
- 2How do you handle changes and the costs that come with them?
- 3What is your typical timeline for a project like mine?
- 4How will I receive progress updates?
- 5What warranty do you provide after handover?
If a quote is dramatically cheaper than everyone else, ask what was left out. Price is usually a signal of specification.
Red flags to avoid
Be cautious of builders who resist a written contract, demand large upfront payments, cannot show recent local work, or are vague about timelines. Trust is built on transparency — if it is missing at the quoting stage, it rarely improves later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify a builder is trustworthy?
Check their business registration and GST, visit completed projects, call past clients, and insist on a written itemised contract with a milestone payment schedule.
How much deposit should a builder ask for?
Payments should be tied to milestones rather than a large lump sum upfront. A small mobilisation advance followed by stage-wise payments is standard and fair.
Why are some quotes so much cheaper?
A very low quote usually reflects lower-grade materials, thinner specifications or items excluded from scope. Always compare like-for-like line items.
Written by
Tamil Priya
Founder & CEO, KN Builders