Introduction

Building a home is a significant investment, and the choice between owner building and traditional building can greatly impact your experience and costs.

With Build Buddy, owner building has never been easier, empowering you to save up to 20% or more by eliminating the builder’s margin.

What is Owner Building?

Owner building allows individuals to take charge of their home construction projects. As an owner-builder, you manage the entire process, from planning and permits to coordinating tradespeople.

Build Buddy simplifies this journey by providing a detailed, personalised workflow, so you always know WHAT you need to do, WHEN you need to do it, HOW you are going to do it and connects you with the people WHO will do it for you.

This hands-on approach not only reduces costs but also gives you complete control over your build.



What is Traditional Building?

Traditional building involves hiring a building company that manages the entire process of constructing your home, from the initial design phase to completion. Building companies handle much more than just construction; they offer services such as design consultations, project management, permit applications, and sourcing materials. They also coordinate with tradespeople and ensure that your build complies with all relevant regulations and building codes. 

While this approach provides convenience and access to a range of professional services, it often comes at a higher cost due to the builder’s margin. Additionally, there’s typically less personal involvement in decision-making, as many traditional builders offer set designs and inclusions, limiting your flexibility to customise your home. 

Pros of Owner Building

COST SAVINGS

One of the biggest advantages of owner building, especially with Build Buddy, is the potential to save significantly on construction costs.

Traditional building companies typically add a margin of 15-25%, depending on their size, operational expenses, and other factors.

By eliminating the builder’s margin, Build Buddy’s users can achieve savings of up to 20% or more.

Build Buddy’s intelligent platform further enhances these savings by streamlining the process, reducing inefficiencies, and connecting you directly with the right tradespeople.

Control Over the Project

Owner building puts you in the driver’s seat. You have full control over the design, materials, and finishes, allowing you to personalise your home to suit your preferences and budget.

Build Buddy’s detailed workflow ensures you stay on track, making it easier to manage your project without being overwhelmed by the complexities of the building process. 

Learning Experience

Building your own home is an educational journey that can be incredibly rewarding.

You gain valuable skills and insights into construction processes, which can be useful for future projects.

Build Buddy supports you every step of the way, turning a potentially daunting task into a manageable and fulfilling experience.

Cons of Owner Building

Time Commitment

Owner building requires a significant time investment, as you’ll be responsible for managing the project.

However, Build Buddy minimises this burden with its personalised workflow, allowing you to efficiently handle tasks and keep the project moving forward.

Responsibility and Risk

With greater control comes increased responsibility and potential stress. Mistakes or delays can directly impact your timeline and costs.

Build Buddy mitigates these risks by offering expert guidance and connecting you with pre-vetted professionals to support your build.

Need for Knowledge and Skills

Owner building demands a basic understanding of construction, which can be a barrier for some.

Build Buddy bridges this gap by providing clear, step-by-step instructions and access to resources that make the process more accessible, even for beginners.



Pros of Traditional Building

Less Time-Consuming

Traditional building is less time-intensive for the homeowner, as the builder manages the entire process. This can be ideal for those who prefer to take a hands-off approach.



Expertise and Experience

Builders bring professional expertise and experience, which can ensure a smooth and efficient build. This expertise can be especially valuable for complex or large-scale projects.



Reduced Responsibility

Traditional building reduces the homeowner’s day-to-day involvement, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life while the builder handles the construction.



Cons of Traditional Building

Higher Costs

The convenience of traditional building comes at a price. Builder’s margins, which cover overhead costs such as marketing, staff salaries, and operational expenses, can significantly increase the overall cost of your home.

Additionally, traditional builders often add a premium to materials and subcontractor fees, leading to higher expenses that can stretch your budget.

By opting for an owner building with Build Buddy, you can avoid these added costs and make your dream home more affordable.

Less Control

With a builder in charge, your involvement in the design and decision-making processes is limited, which can result in compromises that don’t fully meet your vision.

Depending on the builder, you may be restricted to their range of home designs and inclusions. While custom builders offer more flexibility, traditional home builders often have predefined options that can limit your choices.

This can make it challenging to achieve a truly customised home that aligns with your preferences and needs.



Potential for Miscommunication

Relying on a builder can sometimes lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings, which may affect the quality and timeline of the project.

Depending on the builder, you might be assigned a customer experience representative who could be managing over 60 other projects at the same time, meaning you aren’t their number one priority.

This lack of dedicated attention can lead to delays, oversights, and frustration, impacting the overall building experience.



Why Choose Owner Building with Build Buddy?

Save on Costs

Build Buddy empowers you to save on construction costs by eliminating the builder’s margin. Additionally, by directly communicating and negotiating with the tradespeople you engage, you can further reduce expenses.

Build Buddy also provides exclusive access to wholesale-priced products, typically only available through volume builders, enhancing your ability to save even more.

The platform’s intelligent algorithms ensure that every step is efficient and cost-effective, maximising your savings without compromising on quality.

Personalised Workflow

Build Buddy’s unique approach tailors a workflow specifically for your project, guiding you through every stage with clarity and confidence.

The platform breaks down the building process into easy-to-understand tasks, complete with quality assurance checklists and a defect management tool, ensuring your build aligns with industry best practices.

With Build Buddy, you also get a comprehensive project timeline that outlines every phase of your build, helping you stay on track and manage your time effectively.

The platform’s workflow and task management features provide step-by-step instructions, making it easier to navigate complex processes. Expert guidance and support are readily available, connecting you with professionals when you need advice or assistance. 

Budgeting and reporting tools are integrated into the platform, allowing you to monitor expenses and keep your project within budget. You can easily track costs, compare estimates, and access exclusive wholesale prices on materials, giving you full control over your finances.

This level of personalised support makes owner building accessible and manageable, even for those without prior experience, by providing the structure, resources, and expert help needed to successfully complete your home.

Support and Guidance

From connecting you with reliable tradespeople to offering expert advice, Build Buddy provides the support you need to successfully manage your build.

Its collaborative construction methodology ensures that both homeowners and tradespeople are working towards the same goal. 

Plus, with Build Buddy, you have the option to select your very own Construction Buddy—a real-life, local, experienced building professional who will guide you through every aspect of your home construction journey.

Your Construction Buddy is there on-site as your personal advisor, offering expertise, advice, and recommendations tailored to your needs.

Whether you need help understanding complex construction processes, quality checks on-site, or expert assistance in coordinating and scheduling day-to-day activities, your Construction Buddy supports your decision-making every step of the way, making your building journey smoother and more manageable.

Conclusion

Both owner building and traditional building have their pros and cons.

While traditional building offers convenience and professional oversight, owner building with Build Buddy provides unmatched cost savings, control, and a rewarding learning experience.

If you’re considering building your own home, explore the possibilities with Build Buddy and take the first step towards creating a space that’s truly yours. 

Ready to get started? Book a demo today and discover how easy it is to build your dream home without the builder’s margin!