Choosing a builder

Here are a few tips to bear in mind when choosing a builder to build your home:

• Check to see whether they are a recognised Greensmart builder and what other professional bodies they are affiliated to.
  
• Make sure that you visit some of the homes that they have built, not just display homes that tend to demonstrate their “best practice” but also homes that are currently under construction.
  
• Look at their track record and check how long they’ve been in business.
  
• Ask them about their experience in sustainable building practices.
  
• Understand whether they have a real commitment to sustainable building, whether it’s their core business, or whether it’s something they would only do if they had to.
  
• If your builder says that they comply with the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Code of Australia, remember that this is simply complying with the minimum acceptable standard set by government. It is not best practice as it only addresses energy efficiency in conditioned spaces i.e., mechanically heated and cooled homes, and suggests little commitment to sustainable building practices.
  
• Look at the fact sheets on this website and ask your builder some questions to understand the depth of their knowledge. You could ask them for example, about water harvesting, grey water systems, low allergen homes, sustainable materials or embodied energy. You will soon get an idea of the depth of their level of commitment.
  
• Perhaps most importantly, check the human factor! Do you think that this person will understand your needs and that you will be able to work well with them?