Someone sends an email or fills out an enquiry form, excited to finally get their dream home underway. Then they wait… A day passes. Then a week. And there’s nothing but static. Try this 24-hour test to not make this mistake!
So they follow up, and get a short message back: “Sorry, been flat out. When do you want to chat?”
By that stage, the spark’s gone and the doubts have started. And that’s the first sign of trouble, because if they can’t be bothered to respond properly now, what do you think’s going to happen once they’ve got your deposit?
Over the years, I’ve come to learn that what separates the good builders from the ones who keep you up at night comes down to three simple things.
1. Communication: How a Builder Talks to You Tells You
Everything About How They’ll Build For You.
If they’re clear, responsive, and genuinely interested, that’s a good sign. It means they’re organised and respectful of your time. But if they’re slow, vague, or always making excuses, that’s exactly what your build will look like.
And to be honest, you shouldn’t have to chase your builder for updates. That’s their job.
If they can’t get communication right when they’re trying to win your business, they definitely won’t once they’ve got it.
2. Organisation: A Well-Organised Builder Isn’t Just Tidy On-Site. They’re Tidy in How They Run Their Entire Process.
It’s in the little things, like how they book meetings, whether they follow up, and how they handle your information.
Builders who run a tight ship behind the scenes are usually the ones who deliver on time and on budget.
You’ll notice it right away: they’re prepared, they take notes, and they remember what you’ve discussed.
Disorganised builders, on the other hand, often look busy but never seem to have time for the details that matter.
3. Respect: You Can’t Build Trust Without Respect.
It shows in how a builder listens, how they answer questions, and how they explain things.
You should never feel like you’re being talked down to or brushed off.
A good builder will make sure you understand what’s happening every step of the way, not drown you in jargon or hide behind technical talk.
When there’s mutual respect, you don’t just get a better home, but also an experience you’ll want to remember, and maybe even do again.
And the good news is, you can spot all of this before you ever sign a thing.
You don’t need special knowledge or industry experience, you just need to pay attention to how a builder behaves early on.
Before You Trust A Builder With Your Life Savings, Try This Simple Test First.
I call it the 24-hour test, and it’s the easiest way to see what kind of builder you’re dealing with, before you sign a thing or spend a cent.
Here’s how it works:
- Make an enquiry. Email, call, or fill out a contact form.
- Wait 24 hours. See how they respond, or if they respond at all.
- Pay attention to the details.
Ask yourself:
- Did they get back to you within a day?
- Was their reply personal or generic?
- Did they ask questions about your plans or land?
- Did they do what they said they’d do?
If they respond quickly, show interest, and follow through, that’s a great sign. It means they’re organised and take pride in communication.
But if they take days to reply or give vague answers, that’s how they’ll handle your build – full of delays and half-explanations.
The best part? The test costs nothing, takes one day, and tells you more about a builder’s character than any quote or brochure ever will.
Bottom Line: The First 24 Hours Tell You Everything About the Next 12 Months.
At the end of the day, you just want a builder who does what they say they’ll do.
If they don’t reply to your first message, what do you think will happen when you’re halfway through your build and something goes wrong? If they can’t manage a simple phone call, how will they manage trades, materials, or timelines?
That’s why the 24-hour test works so well, because it exposes habits early.
You’re not just testing how fast they reply. You’re testing how they think. Do they value your time? Do they follow through? Are they curious about your project?
Those small things show you the type of person, and builder, you’re dealing with.
Of course, there’s a lot more to finding the right builder than what we’ve covered here today. That’s why I’ve created this free guide for you to download:
Build with Confidence: 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s packed with practical advice to help you ask the right questions, spot red flags early, and plan your build with confidence.
Because once you know what to look for in a builder, you’re already halfway to building your home the right way.
Get to know the man behind your dream home, Norm. Norm Wales Constructions is honored to be APB, and MBA members.
