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Hiring the wrong builder is an expensive mistake, and unfortunately the warning signs aren't always obvious up front. Whether it's a new home, an extension or a renovation, a bit of homework before you sign anything saves a lot of stress later. Here's what to check.
Registration. In Western Australia, builders carrying out work above a set value have to be registered, and you can look up whether a builder or company holds the right registration through the state's building services register. It's a quick check and a basic one worth doing before anything else.
Insurance. Ask about their insurance, including public liability and, where it applies, home indemnity insurance. A proper builder will have this sorted and won't mind you asking. If someone gets cagey about it, take that as a sign.
Experience with your type of job. A builder who's done plenty of work like yours will spot problems early and give you realistic advice. Ask how long they've been building, and whether they've done projects similar to what you have in mind.
A clear, written quote. You want a detailed quote that spells out what's included, not a rough figure scribbled on the back of a business card. A clear scope up front is how you avoid arguments and surprise costs halfway through.
Who actually does the work. Some builders manage everything with their own team, others sub most of it out. Neither is wrong, but it's worth knowing who will be on your site and who's responsible if something isn't right. One team handling the bulk of the work tends to mean better consistency and a single point of contact.
Communication. Pay attention to how they deal with you early on. If they're slow to respond, vague, or hard to pin down before you've paid them a cent, it rarely gets better once the job starts. You want someone who keeps you in the loop and tells you what's happening.
Past work and references. Ask to see examples of finished projects, and if you can, talk to a past client or two. A builder who's proud of their work will happily point you to it.
A few red flags. Be wary of anyone who wants cash only, won't put things in writing, pressures you to sign quickly, or asks for a large payment before any work has started. Good builders don't operate that way.
At Sampro we've been building across Perth for 30 years as a licensed builder, with our own team handling the work and one point of contact from the first chat to the final handover. If you're planning a project and want a straight conversation about it, we're happy to help.
