When you’re building a home, workmanship and material quality can make or break your investment. And we aren’t just talking about the essential stages of the project or the big-ticket finishes.
Truth is, some builders cut corners in the smallest, sneakiest ways — like using flimsy $10 locks from Bunnings that start rusting within months or hiring backpackers who’ve never worked a day on-site in their life.
Each ‘cut corner’ speaks volumes about a builder’s priorities. And if you aren’t looking closely, you could get stuck with a home that doesn’t match your vision and needs constant repair work.
Take What Happened to Daniel and Lisa, for Example
This young Bundaberg couple thought they’d landed the deal of a lifetime with an honest, experienced builder. At first, everything seemed perfect: their home looked mostly how they imagined it, and the project finished on budget and on schedule.
But after they moved in and spent more time in their home, it seemed they couldn’t turn their heads without noticing another “little” issue.
Within the first month, the kitchen cabinets began sagging under the weight of cheap hinges and screws, and cracks appeared in the bathroom tiles (a sign that proper subfloor preparation had been skipped). Soon after, rust spots emerged on the towel rails and taps where low-grade, untreated metals had been used.
The worst problems appeared when the humidity peaked. The hollow-core doors (which the builder had assured them were “just as good” as solid-core) warped and wouldn’t close properly. Then they noticed the heat, and couldn’t un-notice it. The house just wouldn’t stay cool, warming back up to meet the outside air temperature seemingly minutes after they’d switched off their aircon. Turns out, the attic had only a thin layer of low-grade insulation — nowhere near the recommended R-value.
The repair costs quickly added up, turning Daniel and Lisa’s “deal of a lifetime” into an expensive lesson they should never have had to pay for.
So what can you do to avoid this situation?
Work With a Builder Who Obsesses Over the Details
Someone who doesn’t cut corners. Someone who actually cares about the long-term durability and functionality of your home.
Here’s what a builder like that would do differently:
Point of difference #1: Use high-grade materials for durability. Quality builders don’t settle for materials that will only last a season or two. They use (for example) solid, treated timber for door frames to prevent warping and cracking in high humidity, so your doors don’t jam or stick. And when it comes to the exterior, they’d go for premium cladding that resists fading, cracking, and water damage — keeping your home looking great and structurally sound for decades.
Point of difference #2: Install extra support where it matters. Quality builders understand the little details that add up to big results. For instance, they’ll use three hinges per door instead of two, a seemingly small choice that prevents warping and sagging. They could also take the time to properly paint and seal the tops and bottoms of doors, architraves, and even hard-to-see areas like aqua traps. These are simple, often-skipped details that protect surfaces from moisture.
Point of difference #3: Choose secure, long-lasting hardware. Good builders know that quality hardware is essential to a home’s durability and function — from door handles to hinges to locks. Hardware is often your first line of defence when it comes to home security, so quality builders won’t settle for cheap locks that might rust or fail. Instead, they’d install high-grade stainless steel locks with tamper-proof features. They might also suggest fire-rated doors, adding another layer of protection without sacrificing style.
Point of difference #4: Ensure proper sealing for comfort and efficiency. Quality builders know that every detail impacts a home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Good insulation and proper sealing, for example, play key roles in keeping temperatures stable and energy bills low. Knowing that, a good builder will likely install thick, weatherproof seals around doors and windows to block moisture and drafts. They might even add insulation around less obvious areas, like recessed lighting fixtures or attic hatches, to prevent heat from escaping and keep the home comfortable year-round.
Point of difference #5: Employ skilled in-house tradespeople. Quality builders know that a trusted team is key to consistent standards, so they often hire their own skilled tradespeople rather than relying on random subcontractors. By using an in-house team, they maintain control over every stage of the build, rather than leaving it up to someone who doesn’t live in the area and has no personal stake in the outcome of the build.
Point of difference #6: Back their work with reliable warranties. Quality builders are proud to stand behind their materials and craftsmanship, offering warranties that cover you for the long haul. More than that, they’ll check up on you after you move in to make sure everything is performing as expected.
The Takeaway? Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”
Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so it’s worth doing your homework before signing anything. By choosing a builder who doesn’t just settle for “good enough,” you’ll end up with a more comfortable, functional home that stands the test of time.
With that said, finding a builder with an obsession for quality is just one piece of the homebuilding puzzle.
That’s why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s loaded with tips to help you sidestep the common pitfalls and build a home that won’t disappoint you when you scrutinise the details after moving in.
Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. These stories are based on real events, and any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.
