7 Questions to Ask Custom Builders in Mornington Peninsula

Use the seven questions below to compare builders fairly and avoid common headaches:

1. Are You Licensed, Insured, And Registered To Build In Victoria?

This is the first filter because it protects you before deposits and contracts.

A builder should be able to provide these details quickly and clearly. If they hesitate or the names do not match across documents, it can create problems later.

What To Ask For

• Builder registration details and the exact legal business name
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Domestic building insurance details, if it applies to your project

Why It Matters

• It confirms the builder can legally do the work
• It reduces risk if something goes wrong
• It avoids contract confusion caused by mismatched names

Ask the builder to confirm the trading name and the legal entity name in writing, then check the quote and draft contract match that exactly.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have Building On The Mornington Peninsula?

Local experience matters because the Peninsula can bring coastal exposure, wind, and weather that affect the exterior of a home over time. Some blocks also have slope, sandy soil, or tight access, which can increase site work or change the build sequence.

When you compare custom builders on the Mornington Peninsula, ask for examples that match your type of site and your finish level. “We build everywhere” is less useful than “we’ve done two similar builds nearby and here’s what to plan for”.

Ask This

“Can you talk me through two recent Peninsula projects that are similar to my block?”

What You Want To Hear

• Real project examples, not vague claims
• A simple explanation of likely site challenges
• Practical steps they take to reduce delays and extra costs

3. Can You Show Recent Projects Like Mine And Provide References?

A portfolio shows style. References show the experience.

Ask for recent projects that are similar in size, complexity, and finish. Then ask to speak with a recent client. You are not trying to catch anyone out. You are checking what the process felt like in real life.

What To Request

• Two to three recent projects similar to yours
• One or two recent client references
• A walkthrough of a completed home, if possible

Good Questions To Ask A Past Client

• Were updates regular and easy to understand?
• Did the builder explain changes and costs before the work happened?
• Was the site tidy and safe?
• After the handover, did issues get fixed without a long wait?

Asking for recent examples helps you confirm that those outcomes are consistent across jobs.

4. What’s Included In The Quote And What’s Excluded?

This is the biggest budget question. Many cost blowouts come from unclear inclusions. A quote can look neat and competitive, but if key items are missing, the final cost climbs later.

Ask For An Inclusions List That Covers

• Site works (excavation, rock removal, soil removal, piering if needed)
• Drainage and retaining walls (if required)
• Driveways, paths, fencing, landscaping
• Fixtures and finishes, or realistic allowances if not selected yet

Watch For These Red Flags

• A large total with very little detail
• Important items marked “TBC”
• Allowances that seem too low for the finish you expect

5. Is It Fixed Price Or Cost-Plus, And How Do Variations Work?

Variations are changed after the contract is signed. Variations are normal in custom builds, but the rules must be clear, so you stay in control of your budget.

Ask These Two Questions

1. Is the build fixed price or cost-plus?
2. How do you price, approve, and track variations?

 

A Clear Variation Process Looks Like This

• The builder prices the change in writing before starting
• You approve the change in writing
• The builder explains any timeline impact
• You receive updated totals, so you always know where you stand

If a builder cannot explain variations simply, it can become stressful later. The best builders make this easy because they already have a system.

6. Who Runs The Site Each Day And How Will Communication Work?

This affects your day-to-day experience more than people expect.

A build runs better when everyone knows who is responsible. You should know who your main contact is, who supervises trades, and how decisions are recorded.

Ask

• Who is my main contact from start to finish?
• Who is supervising the site each day?
• How often will I receive updates?
• How are selections and decisions recorded?

What Good Communication Looks Like

• You know what stage the build is at
• You know what decision is coming next
• Changes are confirmed in writing, even if it’s a short email

Whether you’re speaking to Penbuild or another builder, the key is that they can explain their process clearly and stick to it.

7. How Do You Check Quality During The Build And After Handover?

Quality should be checked through the build, not only at the end.

Ask what checks happen at key stages, what gets checked at handover, and what the defects process looks like afterwards.

Ask What Their Quality System Includes

• • Stage checks (frame, lock-up, fixing, completion)

• • Checklists for finishes and details

• • A clear handover process (what you receive and what gets tested)

• • A clear defects process (how you report issues and how they get resolved)

Ask the builder to describe what “handover” includes on their jobs. A clear answer usually means a more organised finish.

A Simple Scorecard To Choose The Right Builder

After each builder meeting, score them out of 5:

• • Quote clarity (inclusions and exclusions are clear)

• • Communication (one contact, steady updates)

• • Variation control (priced and approved in writing)

• • Local experience (similar Peninsula blocks and builds)

• • Quality checks (checked during build and after handover)