Questions about the licence and insurance
These questions confirm the builder is legally able to do the work and that you are protected if something goes wrong.
- What is your BLD number, and can I verify it on cbs.sa.gov.au?
- Is your licence category Building Work Contractor, and is it current?
- What insurance do you carry, and does Building Indemnity Insurance apply to my contract?
- Will I get a written contract with a deposit capped at 10% and a 5 day cooling-off period?
Questions about the quote and the costs
These questions expose where a quote can balloon. The build is straightforward - it is the prep that costs.
- Is this quote shell-only or turn-key?
- Are excavation, soil removal and tip fees itemised separately?
- Have you allowed for rock breaking, and what happens if you hit rock you did not expect?
- Is AS 1926.1 fencing included, or is it a separate cost?
- Are council fees in this quote, and are they listed separately?
- Is the surround paving included, or only the coping band?
Questions about the timeline
These questions check whether the build will be done when you expect it.
- How long from contract to handover, and how much of that is council approval?
- Who handles Development Plan Consent and Building Rules Consent?
- What is your current lead time before you could start?
- What could delay the build, and how do you communicate delays?
Questions about the warranty
A warranty is only as good as the builder behind it. These questions check it is real.
- What is the structural warranty, in writing, and what does it actually cover?
- What is the warranty on the interior finish and the equipment?
- How do I make a warranty claim, and how have you handled past claims?
- Can a lifetime warranty claim be substantiated, or is it marketing?