Building your dream home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and choosing the right custom home builder makes a big difference in both the quality of your home and your building experience.
Custom home builders in Brisbane give you more flexibility than standard project builders, but finding the right builder needs thorough research. It’s easy to make expensive mistakes if you don’t know what to look for in a builder.
With over three decades of experience as custom home builders, the team here at OJ Pippin Homes can help you avoid the common pitfalls and with their skills and reputation as a trustworthy builder for your project.
Top mistakes people make when choosing a builder
Picking the wrong builder can turn your dream home into a nightmare. Here are the most common mistakes people make when choosing a builder and how you can avoid them.
Going with the cheapest quote
That super-low bid might look tempting at first, but it usually won’t take long to find out why choosing the cheapest builder often ends badly. Quotes that seem too good to be true usually are, and the builder might not have allowed for unavoidable costs such as the correct structural elements, council fees and insurances.
What looks like a smart move for your budget can quickly lead to extra costs, delays, and endless frustration. Some builders give artificially low quotes just to get your business, only to hit you with many more charges later. The average custom building company stays in business for only 3.6 years, so a very low quote could mean they’re struggling financially.
Look beyond the price tag. Just like anything else, you get what you pay for in construction, so look into the builder’s track record, experience, and quality of past work.
Not checking builder credentials
Working with an unlicensed or uninsured builder is a huge risk. Not only will you not be covered if things go wrong, but builders without proper licences usually don’t have the right training or skills to do quality work. You might end up with poor workmanship and unsafe buildings that’ll blow out your budget trying to fix.
You need to check these things:
- The builder’s licence number with your state’s building authority
- Current and adequate insurance coverage
- Membership in groups like the Master Builders Association
Unlicensed builders put you at risk, especially when they lie about their qualifications. A quick five-minute check can save you from big legal and financial problems down the road.
Skipping the contract review
Building contracts are long documents full of legal terms that can be tempting to skip. But treating your contract the same as some online Ts and Cs we’re all guilty of skipping is a big mistake. If you don’t review your contract well before signing, you risk hidden costs, delays, and expensive arguments.
Most standard builder contracts protect the builder more than the homeowner, and contracts that don’t spell out how to handle disputes make it hard to hold builders responsible. You’ll want to know how long it’s going to take to build your custom home, and unclear timelines or work descriptions usually mean delays and costly disagreements that don’t have a simple resolution.
Take the time to read and understand every part of the contract, and ask questions for further clarification.
Assuming all builders offer the same service
Builders are not one-size-fits-all, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you’re building on a steep block, you’ll want to look for someone who’s an expert in split-level homes or construction on posts. A builder who only works on new homes might struggle with renovations or extensions. Big project builders focus on speed and build hundreds of homes yearly with few custom options, while custom builders give personal attention and more design freedom.
Find a builder whose skills line up with what you need. Learn about their experience and specialities, and check if their way of working matches your plans.
How to choose a custom home builder the right way
Building your dream home needs a well-planned strategy, and the first step is finding the right builder willing to support your journey.
Start with your goals and budget
You shouldn’t let the cheapest price dictate your choice of builder, but you should have a clear financial plan before you start looking for one. Your budget is a guide that keeps everyone focused and helps put your project in perspective. Before you start your search, talk to your lender or broker so you know exactly how much you can borrow.
The budget should include all costs for materials, labour, permits, and fees. To be on the safe side, you could set aside an extra 10-15% of the total build cost as a safety net for unexpected expenses during construction. This extra money helps minimise budget overruns from surprise issues or changes.
If you hire architects or engage builders before you set your budget, you might end up with designs you can’t afford. Setting a budget first means everyone is on the same page to make sure design dreams match financial reality.
Decide on must-have features
Custom homes offer more options and flexibility, but you may not get everything. List all the features you want, then separate them into must-haves and nice-to-haves. Having clear limits from the outset means you won’t waste time on unnecessary layouts, and you can spend money on the things that matter.
A good home builder will show you their standard features list for inside and outside finishes. They’ll detail all standard materials, products, fixtures, and finishes, as well as any upgrades, to make sure you understand how they’ll affect your budget.
Good builders help you spot which design elements offer lasting value beyond just looking good. They usually suggest putting money into energy efficiency, insulation, and ventilation before fancy finishes. This strategy gives you a roadmap for how to design a custom home without sacrificing your personal style.
Think about how your builder is communicating
Communication is the lifeblood of any successful building project. Projects often miss deadlines or go over budget because of poor communication, so it’s important to assess these skills from the outset. Reliable builders usually:
- Assign a dedicated person as your consistent point of contact
- Offer multiple communication channels (email, phone, messaging platforms)
- Provide regular progress reports with photos and updates
- Respond to queries within 24 hours
- Detailed and transparent contracts
These are all things you can ask about and assess before making your final decision. Transparent building quotes are important, but just as important is how the quote is communicated to you. Detailed contracts help you understand your investment and hold builders accountable during construction.
Choose a builder who works in your area
Local builders come with advantages that help your project succeed. They know the local real estate market well, including which neighbourhoods hold value, and their full assessment often covers soil conditions, drainage, sun exposure, and the surrounding area.
Their knowledge of local building codes helps your project meet all the necessary requirements and won’t lead to you second-guessing anything. They’re also likely to have good relationships with local town planners and building certifiers to make approvals smoother, as well as nearby suppliers to add value. Materials arrive quickly from local sources, which cuts transport costs and prevents delays. Community ties also make it easier for builders to find skilled workers who understand your area’s challenges.
On top of all of those perks, working with a local builder also comes with a certain peace of mind. Unlike large national builders that can rely on a big name, custom builders often rely on their local reputation. Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool for these builders, meaning customer satisfaction is a top priority.
Questions to ask before hiring a builder
You need to ask targeted questions when interviewing potential custom builders, and these key questions will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Are you licensed and insured?
Queensland law requires all builders to have a valid licence for residential building work. Ask to see their licence number and check it with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Make sure they have proper insurances, including Home Warranty Insurance, contract works, public liability, and workers’ compensation. You should not proceed with the contract if you find their licence is cancelled or suspended.
Hiring an unlicensed builder means that you might become liable for any accidents or damages on your construction site. Verifying early in the process can save you from major problems later.
Can I see your recent projects?
Looking at a builder’s portfolio helps you learn about their style, quality of work, and experience. You might want to drive around and check homes under construction and completed projects to give yourself a chance to see their quality in person.
You should look for testimonials from previous clients. Hearing what past customers say about their experiences can give you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to the end result, timelines, and how the builder handled construction issues
What’s your process for changes and upgrades?
Construction projects rarely go without changes, and knowing your builder’s approach to managing these variations ahead of time can prevent arguments down the line. The builder should explain their process for handling client-requested variations. Good builders review each request’s feasibility, talk about design and cost impacts, document plan changes, and wait for your written approval before starting work.
How do you handle delays or disputes?
Whether it’s from unexpected weather or material shortages, construction projects often face delays. The builder should explain which exceptions let them extend the contract time without penalties, and you should make sure your contract includes extension provisions for those situations. Think about adding contract clauses that specify construction time limits, delay procedures, and compensation for contract breaches.
What’s included in your quote?
The cost to build a custom home isn’t always clear, since Australian building quotes don’t have standardised laws for inclusions. You should make sure your quote details site costs, council requirements, driveways, landscaping, and fencing. On top of that, you need clarity about who handles connections like stormwater, gas, power, and internet to be prepared for your obligations under the contract.
Why OJ Pippin Homes is a smart choice in Brisbane
Ultimately, home building is a labour of love, and you deserve to work with a builder who cares as much about the journey as they do about the end result. Here at OJ Pippin Homes, we’ve been building custom homes in Brisbane for decades, and our family-owned business knows how to give you an experience like no other.
30+ years of experience in custom homes
Our expertise covers sloping block designs, building over service lines, energy-efficient homes, multi-generational living spaces, and character home styles. The team has tackled almost every building challenge South East Queensland can present.
Local knowledge and council expertise
We take a proactive approach by inspecting potential lots with clients to spot any challenges early. This strategy helps avoid surprises that could get pricey and ensures compliance with Brisbane’s council requirements.
Transparent pricing and fixed contracts
You’ll get the benefit of a genuine contract price. Our clients receive detailed specification documents that outline everything included, along with upfront pricing for requested changes.
Strong client testimonials and repeat business
We’ve been part of some amazing builds over the years, and we’re proud of our success stories. Take a look at what past clients have had to say to see what makes us a smart choice for custom home building.
Still Have Questions?
Picking the right custom home builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dream home. We’ve seen common pitfalls that can derail projects, and we know all the tips to help you avoid problems down the road.
After all, your choice of a custom home builder affects more than just your investment – it shapes your family’s quality of life for years to come. Want to get in touch with a local custom home builder who cares about your project as much as you do? OJ Pippin Homes is ready to help. Get in touch with our team to start building your dream home today.
