Building Matters

PAT & PETRINA RYAN Ryan Designer Homes

If choosing a builder seems daunting to you, here are six key considerations to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. 1. Look for a knowledgeable building representative who will visit your block of land and provide comprehensive documentation reflecting your requirements. If they are trying to upsell or the pre-contract fails to deliver on your expectations, it might be a sign to get a second opinion. 2. Ensure you discuss with your builder that you would like a design that captures your lifestyle and consider that your floor plans suit your block. Think about your different zones for privacy and joining families together as well taking into account the elements of nature in your floor plans. 3. When it comes to cost management, be v ery thorough with your financial goals and ensure that these are reflected back in a written contract. In this contract, check that the specifications

mentioned are exactly what you are expecting and conversely, look for what might not be in this contract. 4. Look for a fixed price building contract with only one or two provisional sums so that you do not get caught after the contract is signed with variations. If there are any post contract amendments or extras your builder should notify you through a Variation Document, which is presented to you to approve, in writing, prior to any changes. 5. Ideally a supervisor from your building company should be offering a fortnightly walk-through of your new home. Make the most of these walkthroughs to clarify any areas of concerns you may have and to inspect the work. 6. For the handover, a home-clean and practical completion certificate should be completed which lists any unfinished items or items to be completed. All that is left to do is to embrace and enjoy your new home!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Husband and wife team, Pat and Petrina Ryan have over 30 years in the building industry. Pat currently presides as Chairperson of H.I.A Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region and sits on the Queensland executive committee. Petrina won the 2012 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Woman in Building award and currently serves on the QMBA committee on the Sunshine Coast.

Individuality and Flair

Ryan Designer Homes team are here to listen, cost manage and plan for the success of designing and building your home. ‘Living Design’ is our philosophy!

“We are so grateful to all of you for your input and enthusiast commitment to designing & building our home, the whole process was pleasurable”. Les and Celia Thornton - 8 August 2015

Expect the unexpected when you sit down to discuss the latest developments in homebuilding with the RDH team. Contact Petrina Ryan Monday – Friday 5444 7799 or arrange a weekend appointment on 0413 621 879.

We look forward to working with you!