Finding the Perfect Partner for your Home Build

Nowadays architecture is not just about aesthetics, it’s about creating health focused homes that foster well-being and provide a sanctuary from the stressful world we live in.

So if we’re going to talk about modern living, we need to talk about subtle connections, intuitive design, natural lighting and absolute comfort. 

Form  Function  Felicity

As key considerations in our design ethos we have extended the concept of form and function to embrace felicity - a state of ultimate well-being and happiness. 

Modern living is all about connecting to nature, creating unique buildings in complete harmony with their surroundings.

A Canterwood Partnership signature, bespoke home is a sympathetic structure featuring statement patterns, high end finishes and luxurious textures with full height windows, open-plan living spaces, outdoor pools and gardens to create the perfect blend of style and natural living.

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5 Steps to a Hassle Free Build

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1. Consider the scope of the project
   

The type of contractor that would be ideal for your project should be highly regarded, well organised with well run teams that can produce exceptionally high-quality work on time regardless of the size or duration of the build. Whether you’re looking at a renovation or a new home, the building contractor should apply the same principles of practice.

2. What is a Perfect Partner
   

Essentially an ideal contractor brings a comfortable balance of shared vision, good organisation and high quality work. 

Is your project a conversion or an addition? 

Is it something that would require a specialist?

A really good general builder who’s focused on sustainability and enjoys a long standing partnership with a variety of specialists in their respective fields can successfully complete your project even when your vision is quite specific.

Whether you’re wanting to convert an attic, build out a basement or a whole new home on a pristine site, look for a builder you can communicate with. 

Based on a clear design, a good builder will be able to coordinate specialists (cabinetmakers, electricians and so on) to produce exactly what you want.

3. Aim for one point of responsibility
   

Rather than using one general contractor, it may seem wise to try to cut costs by directly engaging separate tradespeople such as plasterers, electricians and carpenters. Successfully managing and coordinating these separate trades on site takes a great deal of expertise, planning and experience and should be well within the scope of your building contractor who will carry the responsibility for the overall project.

It’s the builder’s responsibility to make sure that the right people in the right sequence are on-site at the right times with the necessary materials to do their work.

3. Be specific
   

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be specific. A set of drawings to your design is a good start but the focus here should also cover the structural detail. A good contractor will have the structural calculations done by an engineer prior to submitting their price.

Aside from the design you need to be clear on exactly what the builder is being asked to include in the price. If the work involves fitting a bathroom, for example, who’s supplying the fittings, taps and tiles? If the builder is to supply fittings, specify which ones.

Clear communication ensures a good relationship free of misunderstandings once the work has started.

4. The importance of a Building Contract
   

A building contract is simply an agreement between a builder agreeing to undertake a specific set of works within a specific time and a client who agrees to pay a set price for the work.

There are many forms of contract but the one we prefer for residential projects has the drawings and schedules attached, so it’s perfectly clear what’s included and what’s not, and lays out the agreed payment terms.

The important thing the contract does is set out the what if’s…

What if the work changes along the way? 

What if the changes take longer than agreed?

Usually, once signed and filed, the contract isn’t needed again because everything’s running smoothly but that’s really because everything’s been accounted for.

5. Make one comprehensive inspection list
   

To avoid any disagreements at the final stage of your project it’s important to be ready for common pitfalls.

Towards the end of a project there are typically a thousand small items to attend to requiring an array of tradespeople needing to be scheduled. Combine this with the fact that you,the client, can see the finish line and are desperately wanting your home back after the long wait so tempers can flare.

This is when our organisational abilities shine the brightest. We communicate clearly on expected timetables which slots in the tradespeople at the right points and allows the work to continue.

When it comes to inspection at the end we do a thorough walk through with our client and agree on a final comprehensive checklist. Of course, should  additional issues come to light in time we’ll be right back to take care of them. 

Make your next build a pleasure, talk to us…