Are you worried your building project might spiral into a budget nightmare? Whether you’ve built before or heard stories from others, many of us know tales of budgets blown to pieces by mounting variations. These unexpected changes often lead to additional costs, leaving homeowners scrambling for extra funds to complete their dream build.
At Activate Development, we believe costly variations don’t have to be a part of your building journey. With proper planning and upfront investment from both you and your builder, you can avoid these surprises. By taking the time to clarify exactly what you want and conducting the necessary research and reports, you can secure a fixed price before signing your contract.
Not only does this approach ensure the price you agree on is the price you pay, but it also gives you the confidence that there won’t be any nasty surprises later.
Invest Time with Your Builder Sunshine Coast
According to finance experts at Canstar, budget blowouts are often caused by modifications during the build. To avoid this, it’s essential that your builder dedicates time to understanding your requirements and including them in the contract.
You should also carefully review what’s included and excluded in the preliminary agreement. Once the contract is signed, any changes or additions will come with extra fees. Builders who don’t allow sufficient time for thorough planning can leave you exposed to unexpected costs.
At Activate Development, we prioritize your vision from the outset. We work closely with you to ensure all your requirements are clearly itemized and accounted for, so you can move forward with confidence.
The Secret to Avoiding Costly Variations
Professional builders, like those at Activate Development, understand the importance of detailed planning. We provide a comprehensive list of standard inclusions and encourage our clients to itemize everything they want for their new home. If there’s something you’re unsure about, we’ll guide you through the options to make informed decisions.
With a detailed preliminary services agreement in hand, the only way your price will change is if you decide to make adjustments.
Do Your Research
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s crucial to spend time researching and reviewing the finer details of your build. All too often, homeowners hit with variation charges didn’t invest enough time in pre-contract planning.
Some builders may lure you in with a seemingly low quote, only to introduce hidden costs later through variations. At Activate Development, we pride ourselves on transparency, ensuring every detail is accounted for upfront to protect your budget and peace of mind.
Here are our top three tips to avoid costly variations:
1. Check the Facts
Make sure your builder provides an adequate cost estimate for the footings of your build. This requires a soil report and an engineer’s assessment before the contract is signed. Some builders may provide artificially low allowances to secure your commitment, only to revise the cost once the work begins. At Activate Development, we conduct all necessary tests before finalizing your quote, ensuring no unpleasant surprises.
2. Allow Time for Preparation
Investing time in planning and research before signing the contract ensures both you and your builder are on the same page. Even minor changes during the build can lead to additional labor, material costs, and potential redesigns.
At Activate Development, we provide a detailed preliminary services agreement that outlines every aspect of your build. This ensures you know exactly what you’re getting, with no hidden costs.
3. Communicate Changes Early
If you change your mind during the build, notify your builder as soon as possible to minimize delays and additional costs. Even small changes, such as switching tile selections, can lead to extended lead times or impact the project timeline. At Activate Development, we strive to accommodate changes efficiently to keep your project on track.
Download Our Free Guide
Building a home can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. Download our free guide, “The 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home,” to keep your design on budget and avoid unexpected surprises.
Click the link below and take the first step toward building your dream home with Activate Development—your trusted builders Sunshine Coast.
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