What happens after you sign your contract? And what should you expect from your builder right in these early contract stages?

Once you sign your contract, there may not be a lot starting on your project yet. However, you can run into problems early if you’re not informed, and pay too much deposit to your builder.

In this episode, we talk about the first stage of any project – paying the deposit. This is where you’ll be signing your contract, and making your first payment to lock in your builder, and get the construction process going.

There’s a lot to know about these early contract stages, and about signing contracts, and how to protect yourself. Duayne and I talk about the early warning signs to look for in this stage, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.

Duayne shares his tips about how much deposit should be paid. We also discuss what happens in the 4 to 6 week period between signing your contract, and work starting on site.

I see lots of homeowners sign their contract and not know what happens next. Their builder tells them a start date, and then it slips by. They don’t know whether that’s reasonable, or what activities are even supposed to be taking place. As homeowners, they don’t drive the process, or set the expectations about what the process should be. And they sign contracts with builders who don’t keep them informed about the steps between signing and the project starting on site.

Even though your early contract stages don’t necessarily mean work is happening on site, there are certain activities your builder should be doing, including preparing a program for your project, and booking in all your trades. It’s a busy time behind-the-scenes. If a builder is busy on other projects, and not attending to these tasks, your project won’t start well, and you may experience a delay even before you’ve officially started.

This episode will help you see the red flags before you commit to a contract, and bind yourself legally to a builder you want to avoid.

Listen to the episode now …

PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC
This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.

Ask your builder or tradesperson “do you use QuoteSpec?” and if they don’t, send them here to find out more about it … www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect

HOME Method is my flagship online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.

This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver’s seat, feeling confident during the design and construction of your new home or renovation.

Head to HOME Method to see more about what’s inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the design construction of your reno or new home.