EXPERT ADVICE HOME BUILDER
Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd.
T he biggest issue you’ll face when building a new house? Is the lowest quote the best quote? We would like to think yes, but in most circumstances, the correct answer is no . What can you do to ensure you’re making the right decision when choosing a home builder or contractor? First - decide on a general plan of what you are looking to have built and then go to an architect or a qualified draft person to make any changes. Having a ‘solid’ building plan will ensure the contractor can give you a ‘solid’ quote. Next, you need to concentrate on the contractor. Do your research! Check the contractor’s reputation, their qualifications, memberships with organizations like the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association, and what type of warranty they will provide. Check references and ask for proof of their license and insurance. A good builder with all of these qualifications will usually be listed with the Better Business Bureau. Frequently, after they’ve had a house built by other contractors, people will ask me, “ How could that builder charge me so much more than what he’d quoted?” It turns out, they had multiple contractors provide a quote - sometimes as many as a dozen - and typically, the homeowner chooses the contractor with the lowest quote.
Remember, you get what you pay for and maybe the quote was too good to be true.
The biggest issue you’ll face when building a new home? Is the lowest quote the best quote?
Meet with each builder and find out about him and his business - see how your personalities work together. Trust your instincts, not having good chemistry with your builder from the onset should be a concern. Narrow your choice of builders down to two or three. Considering that most contractors will be paying similar rates for materials, labour costs and sub-contractors, the quotes you receive should be very similar as well. A good strategy is to remove the highest and the lowest quotes and concentrate on the ones in the middle. Read the small print - what does the quote include or not include? Ask questions and get everything in writing - everything! Keep in mind, changes you make during the construction process can greatly affect the final cost, so talk about the details and finishes with the builder before the build begins. If the contractor and the owner go in with realistic expectations and an honest relationship you’ll build more than a house - you will build a solid friendship as well.
MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca
FALL 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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