Choosing the Best Builder with Budget in Mind, with Michael

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Hello! This is Episode 347, and Michael is back to give us the latest update on his new build project in Western Australia (which is currently under construction). Michael first came on the podcast in July 2024, in Episodes 323 and 324, and took us through the early phases of his project, including working with his designer and resolving the overall design, materials and details for his future home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/347] Michael and his wife are building a home that’s intended to be the place they retire to, as they transition away from their current daily lives of running a working sheep property.  The new home is designed to comfortably accommodate the two of them with a focus on supporting their health and well-being, and making the most of the beautiful site, whilst providing a relaxing lifestyle. It’s also able to welcome their family for visits and accommodate them when required.  In this episode, we talk about Michael’s process of comparing prices between a volume builder he was talking with, and their preferred custom builder.  In an effort to ensure they were getting the best value for their investment, Michael really dove into the details of both options, and so he shares great insights about the differences he found, and why they made the builder choice they did. When you’re trying to choose the best builder with budget in mind, it can be a common approach to weigh up volume builders vs custom builders, and something I see many tackle in their projects when building new.  Some volume builders will build a custom design you bring to them. And you don’t have to look far to see super low costs for a new build when working with volume builders, and so, it can be considered a more affordable and attractive option to get bang for buck, than going with a custom builder. However, unless you ensure you’re comparing apples with apples when weighing a volume builder up against a custom builder, you’ll never be able to fairly assess the prices you’re being told.  Especially if you have specific goals for the inclusions or detailing of your home that sit outside the traditional building methodologies of volume builders.  And to get to the bottom of what’s really included in your price can take time and flexibility in your approach. Michael shares how he was able to review builder communication, costs, detailing and inclusions effectively to make the right call for his project.  We also talk about the research he did to make specific choices about wall and roof construction details. Because Michael didn’t use the PAC Process, his work with his designer and builder has travelled a particular way in pre-construction, so you’ll hear more about what that’s meant for timing, detailing and decisions - including signing a contract without finance in place (which I’d never recommend!) And he also shares what they’ve focussed on to create a healthy home for themselves. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find it plus other helpful links by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/347. Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you. Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.  Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/347 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/ Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.