Introduction
A good builder discussion should make the project clearer. Before committing to construction, homeowners should understand not only the price but who is responsible for decisions, what the quotation includes, how changes are handled and how the project will be managed.
These questions are designed to expose assumptions early.
1. What exactly is included in your scope?
Ask the builder to explain the quotation by category rather than only the total.
Clarify:
- site works;
- structure;
- envelope;
- services;
- internal finishes;
- kitchen/joinery;
- sanitary fixtures;
- external works;
- provisional items;
- exclusions.
If something is excluded, establish who will supply/manage it.
2. What information do you need before giving a firm price?
A builder may need drawings, specifications, surveys or selections before certain items can be priced accurately.
Understanding missing information helps distinguish a real fixed scope from an early estimate containing assumptions.
3. Who coordinates architects, engineers and other consultants?
Responsibility varies by project model.
Ask:
- who issues construction information?
- who responds to site queries?
- who coordinates design changes?
- who confirms technical decisions?
Do not assume the builder automatically owns every consultant responsibility.
4. How will the programme be managed?
Useful questions:
- what are the major stages?
- what decisions are needed by which dates?
- which items have long lead times?
- how are delays communicated?
- how is progress reported?
A programme is most useful when it also drives owner decisions and procurement.
5. How are changes and variations handled?
Changes happen. The key is how they are controlled.
Ask whether variations are:
- described in writing;
- priced before work proceeds where possible;
- assessed for time impact;
- approved by the correct person;
- reflected in updated information.
This reduces disputes about what was agreed.
6. Who will be my main contact?
Find out who you speak to during construction and who has authority to make decisions.
Also ask how often progress meetings or updates normally happen.
7. How do you manage subcontractors and quality?
Most projects involve multiple specialist trades.
Ask how the builder coordinates:
- sequencing;
- access;
- quality checks;
- defects/rework;
- interfaces between trades.
Quality problems often occur where two scopes meet, not within one trade in isolation.
8. How do you handle material selections and procurement?
Ask which materials must be selected early and what happens if an item is unavailable or delayed.
For owner-selected products, clarify who checks suitability, dimensions and installation requirements.
9. What site conditions could change the scope?
Depending on the project, ground conditions, access, existing infrastructure or neighbouring constraints may affect construction.
A useful builder conversation should identify known risks rather than pretend uncertainty does not exist.
10. How will handover and snagging work?
Ask:
- how defects are recorded;
- when the final inspection happens;
- how remaining items are closed;
- what documentation is provided;
- who explains building systems/equipment.
11. Can you show relevant work?
Look for projects genuinely similar to the home you are planning.
Where images are renders rather than completed builds, they should be labelled clearly. Rodi-specific project/statistical proof must be verified before publication.
12. What should I decide before we start?
A good builder should be able to tell you which owner decisions could otherwise delay the works.
That may include:
- windows/doors;
- sanitary fixtures;
- kitchen/joinery;
- flooring;
- lighting;
- major appliances/equipment;
- external finishes.
Quick comparison table
| Question area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Scope | Prevents assumptions about inclusions |
| Programme | Connects site progress to decisions/procurement |
| Variations | Controls changes in cost/time |
| Communication | Establishes who decides and how updates work |
| Quality | Clarifies coordination and defect management |
| Handover | Sets expectations for completion |