So what separates a builder you can trust from one you'd rather avoid?
The first thing I look for — even though I'm on the other side of the table — is communication. How does a builder talk to you in the very first meeting? Are they listening carefully, or are they already sketching a floor plan before you've finished your first sentence? Do they explain things clearly, or do they use jargon and then move on quickly when you look confused? The way a builder communicates early is a reliable signal of how they'll communicate when things get complicated mid-build.
The second is transparency. A trustworthy builder will walk you through the full scope of costs, not just the base contract price. They'll explain what's included, what's a prime cost item, and what's excluded entirely. If a builder is vague about this, or makes it hard to get a detailed breakdown, that's worth paying attention to.
References matter too. Ask to speak to past clients — not just to see finished homes, but to ask about the experience. Was the site tidy and well-managed? Were variations explained before they were charged? Did the handover go smoothly?
Red flags to watch: builders who pressure you to sign quickly, who can't produce a current builder's licence, who offer an unusually low price without clearly explaining what's been left out, and who are difficult to reach before you've even signed a contract.
As a Canberra builder, I believe the relationship between client and builder has to be built on trust. You're inviting someone into one of the biggest investments of your life — you should feel comfortable asking them anything.
To talk through what we do and how we work at INH Canberra, visit inh.com.au/Canberra.
