Choosing the right builder is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your new home. After years as the custom home builders Newcastle families trust, we’ve seen what makes projects successful (and what causes them to go sideways). Here’s what every homeowner should understand before making this crucial decision.
The cheapest quote usually isn’t the best deal
Look, we understand the appeal of going with the lowest price. Building a home is expensive, and every dollar counts. But here’s what we’ve learnt over the years: the cheapest quote rarely delivers the best value, and it often ends up costing you more in the long run.
Reputable builders in Newcastle typically work to similar margins and pay comparable rates for quality materials and skilled labour. So when you see a quote that’s significantly lower than others, you need to ask yourself what’s missing.
Maybe it’s quality materials being swapped for cheaper alternatives. Maybe it’s experienced tradies being replaced with less skilled workers. Or maybe it’s essential items that haven’t been included in the quote but will show up as “variations” once the build is underway.
At Bull Building, we’ve had clients come to us after choosing the cheapest option, only to find themselves facing unexpected costs that pushed their final price well beyond what a quality builder would have charged from the start. It’s frustrating, stressful, and completely avoidable.
Communication during quoting predicts the entire build
Pay close attention to how builders respond during the quoting process. Are they returning your calls promptly? Answering your questions clearly? Taking time to understand what you actually want?
If a builder is hard to reach now, they’ll be even harder to reach when you’re six months into the build and need answers. Poor communication is one of the biggest complaints we hear from homeowners who chose the wrong builder.
Quality builders will maintain consistent, clear communication from the first meeting through to handover. If you’re not getting that during the quoting stage, it’s a massive red flag.
References tell you everything you need to know
Any builder can show you their best work. What matters is whether their typical work meets your standards. That’s why speaking to previous clients is absolutely crucial.
Don’t just ask for references, actually call them. Ask about their experience: Did the project finish on time? Were there unexpected costs? How did the builder handle problems when they came up? Would they hire them again?
Talking to architects or designers who’ve worked with the builder can also be valuable. They can tell you how well the builder collaborates and whether they’re likely to work effectively with you and your designer.
If a builder is reluctant to provide references that should concern you. At Bull Building, we’re happy to connect prospective clients with previous customers because we’re confident in the experience we deliver.
Understanding the different quote types matters
Not all quotes are the same, and comparing different types can be like comparing apples to bananas. Here’s what you need to know:
A builder’s estimate is just a ballpark figure, useful for early planning but too vague for making final decisions. A detailed fixed price tender, on the other hand, considers your actual selections and gives you an accurate picture of final costs.
Then there’s cost plus pricing and provisional sums, each with their own benefits and considerations. The key is making sure you’re comparing the same type of quote when evaluating different builders.
Your builder should explain exactly what type of quote they’re providing and what it includes. If they can’t clearly explain their pricing structure, keep looking. (We break this down in much more detail in our guide on how to compare custom home builder quotes.)
Experience with your type of build actually matters
A builder who specialises in renovations might struggle with new custom builds. One who’s great with knockdown rebuilds might be overwhelmed by a challenging sloping block. Experience with your specific type of project makes a huge difference.
Look at a builder’s portfolio and make sure they’ve successfully completed projects similar to yours. At Bull Building, we focus on custom homes and extensions because that’s where our expertise lies. We’d rather refer you to someone better suited than take on work outside our wheelhouse.
The relationship is everything
Here’s something most people don’t realise until they’re in the middle of a build: construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. What matters most isn’t avoiding problems entirely (that’s impossible), it’s how your builder handles them when they arise.
You need someone who’ll work collaboratively to solve issues, make decisions in your best interest, and stand behind their work. The best builds happen when clients and builders work as partners, not adversaries.
That’s why choosing a builder you actually trust and feel comfortable communicating with matters as much as their technical skills. You’ll be working closely with this team for months. Choose people you genuinely want to work with.
Your gut feeling counts
After all the research, quotes, and meetings, don’t ignore your instincts. If something feels off, if promises seem too good to be true, if you feel pressured, or if you simply don’t connect with the builder, keep looking.
Building a home is a significant investment and a deeply personal process. You deserve to work with someone who earns your confidence, respects your vision, and makes you feel good about the journey ahead.
The Bull Building approach
At Bull Building, we don’t compete on price. Instead, we compete on quality, transparency, and delivering exactly what we promise. 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.
We take the time to provide detailed, accurate quotes that leave no room for surprises. We maintain clear communication throughout every stage. And we stand behind our work because we’re proud of what we build.
Do your homework
Before signing with any builder, invest time in thorough research. Check references, explore portfolios and read customer reviews. Ask questions about anything unclear in the quote. A quality builder will welcome your questions and provide detailed answers.
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.
If you’d like to discuss your project or have questions about our approach to building, we’d love to hear from you.