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What to expect from a builder's first visit.

Updated: Aug 1


So you’ve made contact with a builder and invited them to come and provide you with an estimate.  Here’s what to expect when a builder visits your home for an initial consultation. You should expect a thorough and professional approach to understanding your project needs, but there are other things to anticipate:

 

Pre-Visit Preparation

  1. Schedule Appointment:

Ensure you have an agreed-upon date and time for the visit.  At Novobuild SW Ltd, we contact all our home visits a day or two ahead of time, to confirm the appointment and to provide a reminder. 

2.      Project Overview:

Be prepared to provide a brief overview of your project goals, ideas, and any relevant details about what you are trying to achieve. 

 

During the visit.

  1. Introduction and Discussion:

  • Introduce Yourself: Begin with introductions and a brief conversation to establish rapport, and make sure they have all your relevant contact details.

  • Project Goals: Discuss your overall vision for the project, including your needs, preferences, and any specific ideas you have. Please note, that here at Novobuild SW Ltd  tend to only do one visit per evening, as Ben doesn’t like to make our customers feel rushed. 

 

2.      Site Inspection:

  • Tour the Area: Walk the builder through the areas where work will be performed, providing access to all relevant spaces.  Some areas may need to be cleared prior to the visit, so that they builder can access/see the area in question clearly.

  • Assess Existing Conditions: The builder will assess the current state of the property, including structural elements, existing installations, and any potential challenges. All of these elements can affect the cost of any work.

  • Measurements and Photos: Expect the builder to take measurements and photos for reference in preparing their estimate and plans. 

 

3.      Technical Questions:

  • Details and Requirements: The builder may ask detailed questions about materials, finishes, design preferences, and any specific requirements you have.  Make sure you have talked through with other family members (if relevant) what the specifics are, and what you are trying to achieve.  Some materials or designs can radically alter costs. 

  • Utilities and Access: They may inquire about the location of utilities (water, gas, electricity) and access points for construction.

 

4.      Budget and Timeline:

  • Budget Discussion: Discuss your budget expectations and constraints to ensure alignment.  Whilst Novobuild prefer to price your dream project, it may be that compromises need to be made, if your budget doesn’t allow for the dream project.  So, it’s important to be realistic.

  • Timeline Expectations: Talk about your desired timeline for the project and any deadlines you have in mind.  Most good builders book 4-6 months at least ahead of any visit, so again you do need to plan ahead.

 

5.      Feasibility and Advice:

  • Feasibility Assessment: The builder may provide initial feedback on the feasibility of your project ideas.

  • Professional Advice: Expect to receive professional advice on materials, design options, potential issues, and solutions.  At Novobuild SW Ltd, Ben is always happy to provide you advice on how to reduce costs or do things differently etc on planned work, if you would like him to.  Please just ask!

 

6.      Regulatory and Permit Requirements:

  • Permits and Codes: The builder will inform you about any necessary permits and building codes that need to be adhered to for your project.  However, in the most part it would be for you, as the customer to “get the ball rolling”.  Novobuild SW Ltd are happy to help where we are able.  Novobuild SW Ltd can provide a “Next Steps” information sheet, if you are unsure what permits etc that you will need.

 

7.      Previous Work and References:

  • Showcase Previous Projects: The builder may share examples of their previous work and provide references to demonstrate their experience and expertise.  Most good builders have a website or a Facebook page, that shows previous work, so this is a good place to start.  Please be aware that builders won’t be able to give you names and addresses of previous customers, due to data protection, unless that customer has given them permission.

 

Post-Visit Follow Up

1. Written Estimate: The builder will prepare a detailed written estimate outlining the scope

of work, materials, costs, and timeline. This may take a few days to a week or two,

depending on the complexity of the project.

 

2. Formal Proposal: Once you have the builder’s estimate, be prepared that there may be

follow up questions, from either yourself or the builder.  Occasionally, depending on the

outcome of the questions, the builder may need to update their estimate.  Once you are

happy with the estimate, you should confirm this in writing with your builder. You then

should receive a contract and payment schedule, and terms of service.  Novobuild’s terms

of service is all available on our website, but if you wish for a written copy, then please ask.

 

3. Questions and Clarifications:

  • Follow-Up Questions: Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions the builder may have.  Occasionally, the builder may require a further visit, to confirm any measurements, or if there is anything more complex to discuss.

  • Clarifications: Don't hesitate to ask for clarifications or additional details on any aspect of the project or estimate. If you are unsure of anything, to ask questions.  Any good builder will not mind, even what you may think is the most trivial of questions.

 

Key Points to Remember

  • Be Honest and Open: Share all relevant information and be clear about your expectations and budget.  Don’t try to knock down prices, most builders will genuinely charge what it will cost them, plus a reasonable profit.  Different companies have differing business costs.

  • Ask Questions: Use this opportunity to ask any questions you have about the builder's process, experience, and the specifics of your project.  Also, ask about any disparity between one builder’s estimate and another if required, often these disparities can be justified.

  • Take Notes: Note down important points discussed during the visit for future reference. Does the builder have an information sheet, that may assist you, like our “Next Steps” sheet.

  • Evaluate Communication: Pay attention to how well the builder communicates and addresses any concerns, as this can be indicative of how they will handle the project.

  • ·Clarity:  Make sure each builder is given the same scope of work to price to, otherwise it’s really difficult to make accurate comparisons to their estimates. If left to their own devices’ builders can have differing materials/products they prefer to work with, which can also lead to differences in costs.  This may potentially cause you to make a wrong choice in error.

 

Conclusion

A home visit from a builder is an essential step in starting a construction or renovation project. By being prepared and engaged during the visit, you can ensure that both you and the builder have a clear understanding of the project requirements, leading to a more accurate estimate and a successful project outcome.  If you want to get started right now, then please contact us via email on contact@novobuildswltd.com or give us a call at the office on 01626 437614.

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