When you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into building your dream home, it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote. We get it. But here’s something we’ve learnt after years in the industry: the cheapest quote rarely delivers the best value, and it often ends up costing you more in the long run.
At Bull Building, we don’t compete on price. Instead, we compete on quality, transparency, and delivering exactly what we promise. Here’s why that approach actually protects you.
The problem with choosing the cheapest quote
As the custom home builders Newcastle homeowners trust, we’ve seen this story unfold time and again: clients coming to us after having work completed by other builders that didn’t include all the building components in the initial quote. The result? Costly variations, unexpected expenses, and a lot of stress during what should be an exciting time.
Most reputable builders work to similar margins and offer comparable pricing for labour and materials. So when you see a quote that’s significantly lower than others, it’s worth asking: what’s missing?
Comparing ‘apples to apples’
Choosing the right builder starts with understanding what you’re actually comparing. A quote should be a detailed document that outlines the estimated cost of your building project, including materials, labour, timelines, and all other expenses required to complete the work.
But not all quotes are created equal. Here are the main types you’ll encounter:
Builder’s Estimate: A preliminary, ballpark figure provided early in the process to help align your vision with your budget. It’s intentionally vague and should only be used as a starting point.
Detailed Fixed Price Tender: A precise calculation that considers your personal selections and provisional sum items. This requires thorough information gathering and gives you the most accurate picture of your final costs.
Cost Plus: This involves direct cost quoting for labour, materials, and subcontractors, with an added percentage for overhead and profit. Note that this type isn’t typically accepted by banks for financing.
Provisional Sum: Allocates a budget for specific parts of your project without a fixed quote. This allows flexibility but means costs could change based on actual site conditions.
When comparing quotes, you need to match the same quote types against similar scopes of work – make sure you’re not looking at an ‘apple’ and a ‘banana’. Simply comparing final prices between different quote types will lead to stress, confusion, and unforeseen expenses down the track.
What are some red flags to look for when choosing a builder?
When reviewing quotes and choosing a builder, watch out for these warning signs:
- Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true (they usually are)
- Lack of detailed experience or portfolio of completed projects
- Poor or non-existent online reviews (or numerous negative ones)
- Missing credentials like ABN or Builder’s Licence Number
- Vague contract or payment terms that leave too much open to interpretation
- Improper licensing or insurance documentation
- Poor communication during the quoting process (it won’t improve during the build)
A builder without a comprehensive portfolio might lack experience or have unsatisfactory previous projects they’d rather not show you. Negative online reviews, especially if there are many of them, could indicate poor quality work or unprofessionalism that you’ll end up dealing with.
What a quality builder looks like
On the flip side, here are the green flags that indicate you’re working with a quality builder:
- Detailed portfolio showcasing completed projects similar to yours
- Positive client feedback and willingness to provide references
- Transparent pre-construction processes that clearly explain timelines and costs
- Current and comprehensive insurance coverage
- Consistent, clear communication from the first meeting onwards
- Complete transparency about what’s included (and what’s not) in the quote
The Bull Building difference
At Bull Building, we focus on providing accurate quotes that leave no room for surprises in your actual build cost. We take the time to understand your unique needs, communicate clearly throughout the process, and deliver on our promises.
We’d rather lose a project because our quote is honest than win it by cutting corners or hiding costs that will surface later. That’s not just good business, it’s the right way to treat people who are trusting us with one of the biggest investments of their lives.
Choosing the right builder isn’t just about the numbers on a page. It’s about trust, communication, and finding someone who understands what you’re trying to achieve. When you choose quality over price, you’re choosing peace of mind, a stress-free build process, and a home that’s built to last.
Do your research
Before signing with any builder, invest time in thorough research. Check references, review portfolios, read client feedback, and validate their licensing and insurance. Ask questions about anything that’s unclear in the quote. A quality builder will welcome your questions and provide clear, detailed answers.
If you’d like to discuss your project or have questions about our approach to building, we’d love to hear from you.