What Questions to Ask Builders Before Signing a Contract

Last Updated 13 April 2026

Building your dream home in Perth is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. While a glossy brochure and a beautiful display home can be intriguing, the reality of your building journey depends entirely on what is and what’s not written in your contract.

At Better Way 2 Build, we act as your independent advocate. We’ve seen where the pitfalls lie, and we know that the ‘best price’ isn’t always the best outcome if the contract is full of loopholes or provisional sums that blow out your budget later.

Before you put pen to paper, you need to treat your builder like they’re interviewing for a high-stakes job, because essentially they are! To help you navigate this, we’ve put together the ultimate list of questions to ask.

Also read: The Hidden Risks of Cheap Builders in Perth

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Hard Questions

In the current Perth market, transparency is everything. With fluctuating material costs and trade availability, you need a builder who is not only skilled but also financially stable and honest about timelines.

Asking the right questions upfront does three things:

Flushes out hidden costs: You’ll know exactly what is included (and what will cost you extra later).
Test their communication: If a builder is defensive or vague now, imagine how they’ll handle a delay six months into the build.
Protects your peace of mind: You’ll sleep better knowing your builder has the right insurance, a solid track record, and a plan for your specific site.

30 Essential Questions to Ask Your Builder

Don’t walk into a builder’s office empty-handed. We’ve turned 30 questions into a handy, printable PDF checklist. You can take it to your meetings, jot down the answers, and compare builders side by side.

Download the Free 30-Question Builder Vetting PDF Here

We recommend taking this list to every meeting. If you’re working with us at Better Way 2 Build, we’ve already vetted our panel of builders against many of these criteria, but these questions will help you feel 100% confident in the final choice.

A Better Way to Build

If the thought of interviewing builders feels overwhelming, let us do the heavy lifting for you. At Better Way 2 Build, we’ve already done the due diligence on Perth’s top builders. We’ll help you find the right match for your budget and style, review your contracts, and stay by your side until the keys are in your hand at no extra cost to you.

Ready to start your journey with an expert in your corner? Contact the Better Way 2 Build team today or call us on 08 6118 6119.

You might also like: How to Choose a Builder in Perth: Red Flags to Avoid

Article by Mike King

With over 30 years of experience in the building industry in Western Australia, I have developed a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully navigate the home building process, from finance to handover. My role as a building broker allows me to address the gaps in the industry by providing clients with tailored options and acting as their advocate, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling experience in achieving their dream home. Through my company, Better Way 2 Build, I am dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life by offering expertise, empathy, and transparency throughout the home building journey.

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Christine Cappas

Mike is a truly genuine person who cares about his client. From the start he was very transparent and let me know how everything works, he is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff! I completely trust him in buying and buying my first home

Monserrat Reuter

I built my first home all on my own thanks to Sev and Marlise. I don’t even know where to start as words cannot describe how grateful I am that I found these two. To build my own home was only a dream that Sev and Marlise helped make into a reality. The unconditional support and dedication towards whatever I needed throughout the whole process made me feel so safe and looked after. Even though I built my dream home on my own it never felt that way, it didn’t matter the time or day, these guys went out and beyond for me with every detail and step of the process. They are people of their word that you can genuinely trust in this dog eat dog world. They are upfront and honest, it was never about the money but how you felt leaving their office. I had many friends and family tell me about the awful experiences they had building with other companies, so naturally I was a little frighten and on guard but Sev me Marlise squashed this with one meeting. But the biggest thing I can say about Sev and Marlise is that my experience was incredibly fulfilling and wholesome and I am so grateful for them and their expertise and professionalism. If I ever decide to build again I know exactly where to go! Thank you guys so much for all the love and support which has continued even after the build. Much love to you all!! 😊

Ashley De Faria

Sev and Marlise were so incredible throughout our time with them. We’re so happy that we got to work along side an epic team. My partner and I had a vision, Sec and Marlise happily put up with our pickiness and changes (including after hour messaging), and did everything they could do bring that to life. They are so warm and welcoming too making this whole crazy big process more enjoyable. I couldn’t recommend these two enough!

Raphaela & Amelia Jay

Mike was wonderful from the beginning and still helpful. We were about to give up Building but Mike assured us that he will definitely make it happen. Thank you Mike

Errin Patsy

Contacted Mike by chance for a new build and was met with honest and factual help. Excellent follow up and support, Mike is reliable and will go out of his way to get the best deal.

Rhys Crawford

Mike has been helpful and reliable in getting my first home build started and well on its way to a timely completion. I recommend his services to anybody looking to build a new home!

Natasha Hanisch

When searching for a home loan you need to be able to rely on someone you can trust to be able to present you with all the options available and give you the right information to make the right decisions. Mike King from Better Way 2 Build is able to do all of this and so much more, with his extensive experience and knowledge he was able to answer confidently and made us feel at ease using Better Way 2 Build. Everything was handled quickly, efficiently and his customer service is the best you could find anywhere else. "Thanks Mike for helping change our lives.”

Mk Ultra

Mike King has helped my little family get into our own home by guiding us through everything that is to know for building a house. I did not know anything about building, I was shown and given 100% support for the process of owning my own home and I am still being supported during the build. I was given an amazing package deal much cheaper then I predicted with heaps of extras, in the location I wanted. Mike King has made it easy to understand the process and I would highly recommend him.