Keen to build? Here’s how you should go about it…

If you’re considering building a new home, don’t wait for the heat to come out of the construction industry. 

That’s the message from head of Black Developments, Tim Black. I had a chat with Timmy this week about the current state of the building scene, in a bid to try to empower our clients by equipping them with the very best knowledge should they decide to tread the path of creating their own great Aussie dream. 

Black Developments is a Brisbane-based house construction company specialising in delivering prestige projects without compromise. Which means that Tim, and his fellow company director Steve Smith, are on the ground and wholly understand the fluidity of the environment they dominate in. 

The construction industry is still booming, according to Tim, who went on to tell me that it’s ambitious to hold out for the market to cool. 

“Material prices are now seeming to stagnate but I don’t think they’ll drop,” he said. 

“It’s like buying a coffee. A few years ago it would cost you $3 and now that same coffee will set you back $6. It’s never going to return to $3.”

So with that in mind, what are some tips for people who should really get cracking now on fulfilling their ambitions to build?

“Invest in working with a commercially stable, established and experienced building firm,” Tim said.

“You may feel like you’re saving initially, but the incorrect consultants can actually end up costing you a lot more in the long run.”

Tim also warned against leaving it too late to engage a builder.

“The majority of people wanting to build a home, secure the architect’s plans and then contact the builder a month or two before wanting to start,” Tim said.

“Good builders are at full capacity 12 to 18 months in advance so if you’re wanting a seamless transition, engage your builder early. I’m getting involved in projects from the very beginning and working throughout as an advisor, to collaborate with all consultants to minimise the risk of veering off the intended result and budget.”

A big belief of Tim’s is that a successful build relies on strong relationships. 

“Most builds take 12 months to two years,” Tim said.

“That’s a long time to spend together, so select your builder with their character in mind as you’re going into business with them for a significant and often emotional duration of time. My advice is to find a builder who will tell you what you need to hear, not always what you want to hear.”

After delivering extraordinary $5M-$15M projects over the past decade, Tim has one final message to share.

“Don’t fear the risk of investing too much into your new home,” he said.

“It’s easy to worry about overcapitalising but the Brisbane market will repay you favourably. Pouring additional funds into a project, while immediately daunting, shouldn’t be a long-term financial concern as we have a considerable shortage of prestigious architectural living residences. Brisbane is a rapidly growing city where everyone wants to live so when it comes to building a high-end home, think big and the rewards will be even greater.” 

I hope you enjoyed the read.

Matt Lancashire