Thinking of building a new home in Perth? It’s exciting… imagining your future space, choosing the perfect layout, dreaming of that first morning coffee in your brand-new kitchen.
But once the excitement settles, the practical questions start popping up…
What does a home builder actually do? Who’s really in charge of the whole process? How do I find the best home builder?
The truth is, your builder is like the CEO of your construction project. They don’t just swing a hammer and leave. They manage everything from the initial plans to the finishing touches, making sure your new home is safe, on budget and on time.
In this guide, we’ll explain who a home builder is, what builders do on a daily basis, and how they turn your vision into reality. Let’s get started.
Home Builder: The Backbone of Your Dream Home
A home builder is not merely a carpenter or subcontractor. They are the driving force behind your new home. They perform a range of duties and oversee the entire project from conception to completion.
Unlike a lone tradesperson who only focuses on one task (like just the plumbing or just the electrical), a home builder coordinates all aspects of construction.
Pre-Construction Planning & Permits: Laying the Groundwork
Before any hammer is swung, your builder is busy in the planning stage. They obtain permits and clear legal requirements so construction can begin. This involves:
- Researching local regulations (council rules, zoning and building codes) and securing necessary approvals.
- Submitting plans and paperwork to local authorities, and arranging required inspections.
- Working with you and architects to finalise the design and budget. Home builders help create or refine blueprints, selecting materials, finishes, and layout details to meet your goals.
In Perth or Malaga, Western Australia, the builder ensures compliance with WA building standards; in Brisbane, they would follow Queensland’s rules. A knowledgeable builder guides you through planning so you don’t have to navigate confusing regulations alone.
Managing Budget & Materials
Budgeting is a critical piece of a builder’s job. A home builder will provide a detailed cost estimate before the project begins. Throughout the build, they track expenses to keep you on budget. Here’s what that looks like:
1. Estimates & Quotes:
Builders calculate the total cost of construction, including labour, materials, permits, and extra fees, so you know what to expect.
2. Budget Tracking:
As the build progresses, they update you on actual spending. If an unexpected issue arises (like a rise in material costs), they explain it so you’re not surprised by last-minute bills.
3. Sourcing Quality Materials:
A builder’s network and experience mean they choose reputable suppliers and quality building materials. They handle purchasing everything needed for construction including lumber, bricks, fixtures, cabinets, roofing, etc. Plus, they make sure all materials meet safety and durability standards.
4. Cost vs. Value:
Good builders find the balance between cost and quality. For example, an experienced builder will suggest more affordable alternatives that still look great or flag where spending is worth it for lasting durability.
PDCD Homes emphasises building affordable new homes for first-time buyers without sacrificing design, and that requires careful budget management.
Overseeing Construction: From Foundation to Finish
Once the paperwork is done and the budget is set, the builder moves onto hands-on construction supervision. They literally bring the house out of the ground:
- Site Preparation & Foundation: The builder oversees excavation and the pouring of the concrete foundation. They ensure the foundation is laid correctly to code, which is the literal foundation of your home’s safety and stability.
- Framing (Structure): Next comes building the frame; erecting walls, floors, and roof skeleton. The builder coordinates framers and roofers and checks that everything is square, level and waterproof.
- Installing Systems: During framing, the builder manages plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists to install pipes, wiring and ductwork within the walls. They schedule each trade efficiently (e.g., plumbing rough-in before drywall). The builder also inspects this work to confirm it meets quality standards.
- Exterior and Interior Finishes: Once the structure is up, your builder oversees the final touches: roofing, siding, windows, exterior trim, interior walls, flooring, cabinetry, painting and more.
At each stage, they inspect workmanship and make sure your home is built to a high standard. For instance, they’ll verify the framing is sturdy and the insulation and flooring are done right. Regular quality checks help catch and fix mistakes early.
During construction, the builder is on-site or frequently visiting every day. They coordinate schedules so one trade doesn’t clog the site while another waits. This multitasking and planning ahead is crucial; as one expert notes, builders must “think on their feet, plan ahead and multitask” to keep things moving.
Ensuring Quality, Safety & Compliance
A professional home builder’s job doesn’t stop at scheduling trades. They are also responsible for quality control and safety on the construction site:
1. Building Cods & Inspections
Your builder double-checks that every phase of construction follows local building codes.
If building in Malaga or Perth, they know WA regulations; in Brisbane, they follow Queensland’s codes. They coordinate mandatory inspections (e.g. for foundation, framing, electrical) and make corrections if something fails a check.
2. Quality Assurance
Builders constantly inspect the work of subcontractors. For example, they make sure framing is square and sturdy, plumbing doesn’t leak, and electrical wiring is safe. If defects arise, the builder fixes them before moving on.
3. Health & Safety
Construction sites can be dangerous. A good builder enforces workplace health and safety rules like hard hats, secure scaffolding, safe electrical connections, etc.. They also manage risks like ensuring proper fall protection so everyone on site stays safe.
These quality and safety duties are why builders hold certifications (HIA, Master Builders membership) and carry insurance. For example, PDCD Homes is a member of industry groups (Master Builder WA, HIA) which guarantees high professional standards.
Communication & Client Coordination
Throughout the process, a home builder acts as your main point of contact. They keep you, the client, in the loop and make sure everyone is on the same page:
- Progress Updates: A friendly builder will walk you through each stage of construction and alert you to any changes. Like if there’s a delay or cost increase. Clear communication helps ensure that the final result aligns with your vision and expectations.
- Decision Guidance: You’ll have choices to make like paint colours, fixtures, etc. and possibly tough trade-offs like upgrading a budget. The builder offers advice based on experience, helping you understand implications for schedule and cost.
- Liaison Role: Builders also liaise between all parties: you, the architects/designers, the tradespeople, and even local or relevant government officials. For instance, if council changes a permit requirement, the builder communicates that to you and adjusts the plan.
Read more about > Key Stages of Building a House in Perth
Custom vs. Volume Builders: Which Is Right for You?
When searching for ‘home builders in Perth’ or ‘home builders in Malaga’, you’ll encounter different types of builders:
Custom Home Builders
These builders (like PDCD Homes) focus on one-off, custom home projects. They work closely with you to create a unique design that fits your vision and site.
Custom builders are flexible with layouts and high-end finishes, and handle complex projects like sloping sites, heritage designs or luxury homes. They offer one-on-one service and attention to detail.
Production/Volume Builders
These builders construct homes using a set of pre-designed floor plans and specifications. They build many houses per year, in estates or subdivisions.
The advantage is usually lower cost and faster construction, but you have less design flexibility. If you need an affordable new home builder in Perth for a standard design, a volume builder can be a good fit. However, your design choices and customisations will be limited to the builder’s available options.
In between these extremes are semi-custom builders, who offer some design flexibility but still use certain standard plans. When deciding which type to hire, consider your budget, how personalised you want the home to be, and your timeline.
Ultimately, with a range of roles and responsibilities that a home builder is needs to fill, home building is a highly demanding, stressful, and time-consuming job.
Feeling overwhelmed by the home building process or unsure which builder to trust?
Let PDCD Homes Build the Home You’ve Been Dreaming Of
As a Perth-based, award-winning home builder, PDCD Homes has the expertise to make building easy and enjoyable.
We handle every step; from the initial designs and permits, to coordination of trades, to the final handover, so you don’t have to worry. Whether you’re planning a luxury custom home in Malaga or an affordable new home in Brisbane, PDCD’s licensed experts will guide you through each stage.
Reach out today and let’s discuss your project.
