Want to build with a Volume Builder?

Here are my top tips to get it right, manage your risks, avoid dramas and mistakes, and build a great home.

Hello! This is Episode 274, and in it, I want to follow on from my last episode about the 3 challenges when working with a volume builder, and in this episode, share some key tips about how to get it right in a volume builder process.

And if you haven’t listened to my last episode, it’ll also be great info for you if you’re considering a volume builder for your project. It’s Episode 273.

Now, working with a volume builder is very different to a custom design approach. But it doesn’t mean you have to endure a particular type of project experience, build a substandard home, or get locked out of being involved in seeing your home dreams become reality.

It’s even different to working with a design-build or design-construct company (you can learn more about that process in Episode 197). 

Understanding the best way to work with a volume builder is great for improving your project experience, and helping you create a great home as well. 

We have HOME Method members that have taken a volume builder approach in their project for a range of reasons, and being educated and informed has helped them make a big difference to the process, and their home.

In this episode, I want to share some key tips with you, to help you be better prepared if you’re considering working with a volume builder for your new build. 

I think that many who are building with a volume builder, can adopt this mindset of: this is all I can afford, so I just have to take what’s dished up. 

And that can mean they tolerate extraordinarily terrible treatment by their builder, sub-standard build quality, and a finished home that isn’t durable or well-designed.

I’ve heard many say that there’s no other industry that treats its clients with such contempt. 

And it is terrible that spending hundreds of thousands of dollars with someone doesn’t guarantee you a great quality experience and outcome. 

I wish that there was a better process of auditing and policing to prevent the poor projects many endure. 

Of course, this is why Undercover Architect even exists. Because if everyone learns they can stop tolerating the sub-standard product and service, and demand better from companies and the industry overall, it’ll have to up its game. 

The more educated you are about what your project can and should look like during design and construction, the better chance you have of seeing the red flags, working with better builders and better companies, and achieving a much better outcome in your finished home. And the industry will have to improve overall.

There’s a saying I love, that I apply to loads of things in my life. It’s by Chief of the Army, Lieutenant-General David Morrison, and it says “the standard you walk past, is the standard you accept”.

Once you accept a terrible standard, you give permission for more of it to be dished up.

And yes, it can be extremely difficult and draining to consistently push for a better standard. I really get it. I have had this experience myself. I’ve spoken before on the podcast about how I feel we’re being worn down further and further to accept mediocrity more and more in our lives. 

But if you’re only doing this home project once, and it’s a big investment for you, then I promise you – your tenacity and determination in your own project will pay dividends. It’s worth it.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE NOW.

RESOURCES:

Secret Shopping at a Display Village 

Part 1 >>>  https://undercoverarchitect.com/i-was-a-secret-shopper-at-a-stockland-residential-village-part-1/

Part 2 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/part-2-secret-shopping/

7 Ways to help your success (in response to a post I saw, saying “I’ll Never Build Again”). Listen to Episode 269 or download the free transcript here. >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-i-will-never-build-again/

Wondering whether to choose your land, or your house design first? Read this blog >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/which-comes-first-the-house-or-the-land/

Read through the Project Diary of some homeowners who assumed that a volume build would be the least expensive, and instead were able to build a custom design. The index of Anderson Project Diary entries is here. >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/andersons-project-update-index/

Season 1 of the podcast Index to Season 1 “The most important thing when designing your home” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/season-1

Season 2 of the podcast Index to Season 2 “How to Design a Home” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/season-2

What to know before you sign a building contract. Interview with lawyer, Despina Priala >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-building-contract-lawyer-advice-myb/

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program, HOME METHOD >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Learn more about how to get started with your home design with the Happy Home Design mini-course >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/happy-home-design

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan