Choosing a builder for an addition is different from choosing someone for a small renovation or a new house on a clear site. Additions involve joining new construction to an existing home, protecting occupied areas, dealing with unknown existing conditions and coordinating design, approvals, engineering and construction.
General information: This content is general in nature and is not legal, financial or property-specific advice. Check current requirements and seek advice about your circumstances where needed.
Look for relevant additions experience
Ask to see completed projects that resemble the work you are considering. The most useful comparison is not always the same suburb; it may be the same home type, a similar first-floor addition, a rear extension with large structural openings, or a project completed while the owners remained on site.
Wal Robbins publishes completed work in the Projects section, including project briefs, outcomes and galleries.
Check the contractor licence and contracting entity
The name and licence number on the contract should match the licensed contractor carrying out the work. NSW Fair Trading recommends checking the contractor licence and making sure it covers the type of work in the contract before signing.
Check the current details of the contractor who would undertake your work using the Service NSW licence check. The NSW Government also provides home building contract guidance.
Understand how design and approvals are handled
Some homeowners arrive with approved plans; others start with a space problem and no drawings. Ask whether the builder can work in both situations, what design information is needed before a meaningful quote can be prepared, and who coordinates engineering and planning submissions.
See the Wal Robbins Design service and Our Process.
Compare the scope, not just the total
Two quotes are only comparable if they include comparable work. Look for clarity around demolition, structural work, electrical and plumbing work, finishes, allowances, exclusions, approvals, temporary works and work required to make good the existing home.
The NSW Government’s guide to getting quotes lists questions to consider when comparing proposals.
Ask how variations are handled
A major addition can uncover existing conditions that were not visible before demolition. There can also be owner-requested changes during the build. The important issue is how variations are documented, priced and approved.
NSW Fair Trading states that variations to home building contracts should be in writing and explain the cost implications before the varied work is carried out, except in limited urgent circumstances.
Ask who will supervise the build
Find out who the day-to-day point of contact will be once construction starts, how often the site is supervised and how questions or decisions are communicated. A strong sales or design experience is not a substitute for good construction-stage project management.
Discuss living in the home during construction
If you plan to stay in the house, ask how the builder manages access, separation, temporary weatherproofing, services, security and site cleanliness. The answer should be specific to the project rather than a blanket promise that living on site is always easy.
Look for evidence, not slogans
Completed projects, repeat clients, detailed testimonials and a transparent process are more useful than generic claims. Ask questions about comparable work and what happened when a project encountered a difficult existing condition or design constraint.
Next step
If you are comparing approaches rather than just prices, talk to Wal Robbins about your property, the project scope and how the design-to-build process would work.