Choosing the right builder is about more than design and pricing. It’s about trust. When you hand over the responsibility of building your home, you want to feel confident that your builder is financially stable, transparent, and equipped to follow through—without cutting corners.
At Ramsay Builders, we’ve worked hard to earn that trust. With over 25 years of experience and a deliberate focus on quality over quantity, we know what good practice looks like—and what to watch out for. Whether you’re starting from scratch or comparing quotes, here’s a practical guide to checking whether your builder is reliable and financially sound.
1. Check Licensing, Insurance, and References
A reputable builder will always be happy to provide:
- Current licenses and insurance. Make sure they are properly registered and insured for domestic building work in Victoria.
- References from past clients and trades. Ask detailed questions—Was the communication clear? Did pricing shift without explanation? Did the builder meet agreed timeframes?
- Recent projects. Visit finished homes or browse online galleries to assess quality and attention to detail. You can explore our Doncaster and recent Camberwell builds to see how we deliver thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
You can verify a builder’s license through the VBA’s practitioner search.
2. Understand the Quote Breakdown
Not all quotes are created equal. A trustworthy builder will:
- Provide a clear, itemised quote—no vague allowances or excessive provisional sums.
- Identify if substitutes have been made to any products and clearly documented
- Include site works, underground service connections, driveways, crossovers, and permits. (These are often excluded in cheaper quotes.)
Still unsure? Compare quotes carefully and ask questions. No question is too small.
3. Look at Contract Type and Budget Approach
Ask your builder:
- What kind of contract do you use? (At Ramsay Builders, we mostly use a standard HIA New Homes contract but can work with others if preferred.)
- How are budget variations handled?
- Are changes documented clearly and signed off before proceeding?
Transparency is key. You should never feel surprised by unexpected costs halfway through your build.
4. Evaluate Communication and Process Transparency
A builder’s communication style tells you a lot. Are they clear? Are they listening? Do they follow through?
- Ask how they’ll keep you informed during the build. At Ramsay, we provide regular updates through our project management platform so clients always know where things stand.Log on anytime to view schedule and daily logs of activities and site photos.
- Check how responsive they are during the early conversations. A builder who’s hard to get hold of now may be even less available once construction begins.
5. Understand Their Warranty and Ongoing Support
Building a home doesn’t end at handover.
- Confirm your builder offers extended structural warranty.
- Ask how they handle post-build issues. At Ramsay, our commitment continues long after you’ve moved in. We stay in touch and remain available if anything needs attention.
Final Tip: Do a Background Check
You can take it one step further:
- Search for disciplinary action or changes in the business name through Consumer Affairs Victoria, VBA, and ASIC.
- Make sure your builder hasn’t rebranded to avoid poor past performance.
Why It Matters
Choosing the right builder is about more than cost. It’s about clarity, consistency, and confidence. Our advice? Ask the questions, do the checks, and trust your instincts.
At Ramsay Builders, we’ve spent over two decades building a reputation for quality and care. We focus on fewer projects at a time so we can give every home the attention it deserves—and every client the transparency they need.If you’re planning a new home and want to feel confident in who you’re building with, get in touch for a conversation. We’ll walk you through every step with clarity, experience, and care.
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