Hi, we are currently weighing up options for building in Long Bay and looking to...

Hi Deb, I suggest you click ctrl F and put the names of the builders in the search box in the top RH corner of the screen. For anyone interested doing this I suggest you try different versions of each name. For example I’ve seen Golden Homes also referred to as just GH (but either way the comments often don’t seem to be very good). Since I believe these are all franchise type builders I suggest you also try searching ‘franchise’, which should lead to some useful comments. I realise that not all builders under a particular franchise may have the same performance, and of course the performance of one of them could improve or deteriorate over time, for example with different management. But there are often basic similarities which stem from the attitude, policies and oversight (or lack of), of the franchisor, and things such as the building contract they are required to use. Since building contracts are a particular interest of mine I would suggest you also try searching ‘contract’, and never give a builder any money at all for anything until you have checked out the contract they propose to use. Sadly it seems that the first time a lot of people look at the contract is when they are signing it, and handing over a substantial deposit.

Thanks very much Chris. Agreed on the search (we have done that and thencontent was useful, but not much specifically in the area we plan to build). Your advice on the contract is very well noted, thank you!