The question that often reverberates in the minds of property owners when planning for construction is: Do I need to hire a professional builder in WA?
That’s right! Not all property owners are looking to hire a licensed builder. Why? They may be demurring about the cost of the project. However, if you know what your project entails, there is a high chance of getting appropriate services and prices for the entire scope.
Whether it’s a minor renovation or a commercial fit-out, deciding whether to hire a WA local builder is crucial. Here are some tips to help you understand when and why you should hire a construction manager and how they can help keep your budget, schedule, and legal woes away.
When do you need to hire a professional builder in WA?
If your project involves answering yes to all of the following, you will likely need the expertise of a professional builder:
1. Do You Need a Building Permit?
- The construction, erection, assembly, or placement of a building or an incidental structure
- The renovation, alteration, extension, improvement, or repair of a building or an incidental structure
- The assembly, reassembly, or securing of a relocated building or a relocated incidental structure
- The changing of ground levels and site works associated with one of the above points
Learn more about when a building permit is required here.
2. Is the Value of the Construction Work Over $20,000?
Industry levies and insurance may be required to complete building works valued at over $20,000. Additionally, hiring a renovation or construction specialist is highly recommended for large-scale projects that will require the management and oversight of multiple trades. Projects below this value can also benefit from professional handling depending on the complexity and scope involved.
3. Is the Work Being Carried Out Within the Prescribed Area of the State?
The area prescribed encompasses 137 of WA’s local governments where builders need to register with the Building Services Board.
Take a look at this map from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety:
While small maintenance and renovation works such as painting and updating fixtures can be undertaken on your own, any larger works involving external, structural, electrical, or plumbing changes will be made easier and more cost-effective by hiring a professional.
Let’s take a look at the areas of the building lifestyle that can benefit from hiring a professional builder for your project.
Budget & Scope
A professional builder will maintain a structured approach to your project:
- Provide a schedule and budget: Builders are adept at developing a construction program, that keeps all teams on the same page and ensures the project stays on track and on the budget.
- Leverage industry relationships and trade pricing: A builder can leverage their professional relationships which will help in financial forecasting and obtaining materials at a lower cost by accessing pricing not available to the general public.
- Offer cost-effective alternatives: Building specialists are familiar with materials and suppliers, and able to suggest alternatives that can save money without compromising quality and aesthetics.
Permitting, Legal & Insurances
Engaging a professional builder comes with significant advantages when navigating the legal landscape of building:
- Existing relationships with cities and councils: Navigating the permitting and approval process can be daunting. Submitting applications, unless you are a qualified builder, will generally be slower and expensive. Qualified builders are familiar with the process, and requirements and potentially have existing relationships with local councils.
- Guarantee on building standards: Builders are familiar with the National Construction Code and any other local regulations. Hiring one of them provides you with protection against any work that does not meet these standards, and legal recourse if these standards are not met. Builders have insurance as a requisite. When undertaking construction work, builders they need to carry multiple insurances. These can provide additional peace of mind and financial protection against any potential mishaps.
Construction
A professional builder in Western Australia brings a high level of skill and coordination to the construction process such as the following:
- Skilled trades: Your construction manager will oversee all work, ensuring it’s up to code. Well-known builders generally have contractors they trust and have built strong relationships with over time. This ensures work is done only by selecting high-quality, proficient tradespeople.
- Stay on schedule: Knowledgeable builders have the proficiency to be agile and able to adapt to keep the project on track when facing a problem. Issues may vary such as bringing a tradesman in early, contracting a secondary specialist, or rescheduling as needed.
- Quick solutions when problems arise: Drawing on extensive experience, professional builders can provide solutions quickly to ensure the project continues moving forward.
Handover
Finally, a builder can ensure the smooth completion of your project:
- All work completed to Australian standards: Builders will provide relevant certifications by tradespeople regarding specific standards of their work, ensuring high-quality work.
- Defect liability period: Building contracts generally include a defects liability period, during which the contractor is responsible for making good of any defects resulting from faulty or unsatisfactory workmanship. Top builders often offer affordable maintenance packages to keep your asset in prime condition beyond this period.
- City compliance and inspections: Final inspections and testing can be coordinated and undertaken by the builder. This guarantees everything is up to code, meet set standards, with no delays in occupying the space.
Hiring a professional builder in WA is crucial for the success of both residential and commercial construction projects, and by engaging a builder with the right experience, you are guaranteed with a smoother, safer, and more efficient building process.
*Some work may be exempt from requiring a licensed builder. Learn more about exemptions by reaching out to your local building authority.