You've decided you want to build a new home. Now who do you call first?
A builder? A building designer? An architect?
There's no single answer for every project, but understanding what each person does can help you make a better decision.
What Does a Building Designer Do?
A building designer helps turn your ideas into a design that can be developed into the drawings and documentation needed for a building project.
They consider things like:
The layout and size of your home
How the house sits on the block
Natural light and orientation
How rooms connect
The appearance of the home
Relevant design and regulatory requirements
An architect can also provide architectural design services, including more detailed design development and coordination, depending on the scope of their engagement.
What Does a Builder Do?
A builder is responsible for delivering the construction work but a builder's knowledge can also be useful well before construction starts.
For example, a particular design might look straightforward on paper but be complicated or expensive to construct. A builder can help identify practical considerations around materials, access, construction methods and costs. That information can be valuable while you're still developing the design.
Why It Can Help to Involve Both Early
Imagine you've spent months working on a design.
You've chosen the layout, the finishes and all the features you want, then you take it to a builder and discover the estimated construction cost is significantly more than you expected. You may need to go back and change parts of the design, which can mean additional time and design fees.
Getting construction input earlier can help reduce the chance of that happening but it doesn't guarantee the project will come in on budget; it gives you more information before making major commitments.
What Should You Do First?
Start by considering what you already have.
If you have land but no design: It may be useful to speak with a builder and building designer early to discuss the site, your priorities and the likely design process.
If you already have plans: A builder can help you understand the next steps towards pricing and construction.
If you have ideas but no land: You can still have an initial conversation about the type of home you want and what to consider when choosing a block.
If you're planning a renovation: Early builder input can be particularly useful because the existing structure may affect what can be done.
How Premier Construction Tas Can Help
Our Concept to Construction process is designed for people who have an idea of what they want but aren't sure how to get there.
We can start by discussing your goals, priorities and budget, then work through what needs to happen before construction.
Whether you're planning a new home in Devonport, Ulverstone, Burnie or elsewhere on the North-West Coast, you don't need to wait until everything is figured out.
