Custom Homes: The Importance of Working with a Master Builder with a Master Builders Contract in NSW
To turn your dream home into a reality, you need the expertise, experience and meticulous skills of the right builder who can deliver the highest standard of work within your budget, and time frame, and with a quality of execution that will withstand the years of hard use which is typically imposed upon a busy family home.
This is where a Master Builder can help to ensure that your custom home both aligns with your vision and achieves its full potential.
Let’s explore the advantages of working with a Master Builder and the crucial role a Master Builder’s contract plays when it comes to your project’s success.
What is a Master Builder?
In pre-modern times, a Master Builder (or Master Mason) was the central figure who led construction projects. They are the precursor to today’s architects or engineers.
Today, by Australian standards, a Master Builder is a licensed builder, contractor or construction specialist who has satisfied all the necessary qualifications, certifications and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training in order to become a Member of the Master Builders Association (MBA) - Australia’s leading building and construction industry association.
Construction companies, generalist builders and subcontractors can also be referred to as Master Builders, provided they are MBA Members and adhere to the Association’s strict codes of conduct, safety regulations, and legal requirements.
The MBA requires these skills, experience and conduct from its Members to provide you with the assurance that your Master Builder can tackle the complexities and challenges of residential construction, to bring your vision for your custom home to fruition.
What’s the difference between a Builder and a Master Builder?
A Master Builder is different from other builders. They are Members of the MBA, meaning you can be assured they are properly licensed and insured, and also comply with strict building codes, guidelines and code of ethics. MBA members are regularly informed ofn all the latest state laws, codes and regulations, and have access to training and education courses to ensure their license is properly maintained. Master Builders know they are representing their industry and are required to act in a way that promotes their trade. In the case of non-compliance, members are held accountable and may lose their membership.
What is a Master Builder’s Contract and why do you need it?
A Master Builder’s contract is an industry-specific, standard-form contract prepared by construction lawyers. It is designed to establish a legally binding agreement between a Master Builder and you, the homeowner, who is undergoing a home renovation or new home build.
A Master Builder’s contract contains each party’s rights, responsibilities and obligations, as well as the specific terms and conditions under which your custom house will be built.
All Master Builder contracts from the MBA are up to date and compliant with the relevant laws and regulations in your specific state. Since these Master Builder contracts are industry-specific and widely recognised, they provide clarity, familiarity and efficiency for everyone.
Why is it beneficial to work with a Master Builder?
A Master Builder brings the utmost level of training, accreditation, experience and conduct to your project
The requirements set by the MBA for a builder to become a Member mean you can be assured that that builder takes their chosen career path seriously and professionally, and has a genuine respect for the work they do.
With a keen eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of custom home-building techniques, materials and finishes, you can rely on a Master Builder to consistently provide the highest calibre of service. Overall, they represent the best in the industry and uphold the highest standards of quality.
A Master Builder contract provides homeowners more opportunities to manage the work and resolve disputes
A residential building contract should cover all aspects of a construction project, including the scope of work, completion date and total cost.
However, beyond this, the different types of contracts available (e.g. HIA, ABIC, The Office of Fair-Trading NSW, custom one-off contracts) can often lean in one direction or another to either favour the builder or the client. Furthermore, some contracts only provide a notice period of 10 days, with no requirement for parties to meet and resolve their dispute. In contrast, an MBA contract has a termination notice period of upwards of 20 days, and both parties are required to meet and attempt to resolve their dispute.
A Master Builder contract is aligned to the law of your state
The Master Builders Association of NSW Contract is designed by construction lawyers to meet the latest NSW construction legislation. As these contracts are drafted for specific projects and locations, they are generally considered to be safer and more trustworthy.
A Master Builder contract is cost-effective and efficient
Drafting a bespoke contract for each and every construction project is a very time-consuming and expensive exercise, which not only impacts a project’s overall timeline to completion, but also potentially adds to the bottom-line cost of a project.
Master Builder contracts are designed by construction lawyers in template form, with the flexibility built-in to specify details pertaining to your particular project. This approach not only saves time, it also saves significant legal fees.
Ready to work with a Master Builder for your dream home?
A Master Builder takes their profession seriously. They work diligently through each stage of your home’s construction to ensure every aspect of your ideal home is brought to life and that the project is an enjoyable experience.
Backed by a Master Builder’s contract, they provide excellent outcomes, security and peace of mind for your home-build dream.
MILEHAM has been a Master Builder since 2020, winning our first coveted MBA Excellence in Housing Award in 2022, which we won again in 2023. We couple our award winning custom home building service with a full suite of residential architect services, providing our clients with the option to utilise MILEHAM in a Build Only, Design Only, or a complete Design and Build capacity. Contact MILEHAM today and start your dream home journey with an award winning Master Builder.
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