This may be easier said than done.  Do you choose an experienced duplex builder who has built duplexes before or is a custom home builder suitable for your project?

Building a duplex is different from building a new home.  A duplex is two homes joined by a common party wall.  Before starting to build a duplex home, council approval requires additional paperwork and compliance with relevant zoning requirements.

Aside from the few hurdles and red tape, a duplex development can be a good investment.  For property developers, duplexes can have excellent returns on investment, especially those in Sydney suburbs that are close to the city and offer buyers value in terms of access to schools, transport and amenities.

Duplexes also give investors several options – they can live in one and rent the other one out, rent out both duplexes or sell one of the homes.  As a landlord, it also enables you to avoid body corporate issues that come with apartments.  A duplex offers buyers and renters, an entry point into a suburb they may not have been able to afford.

If you are inexperienced in the property investment game or new to duplex building and are wondering whether you should choose a duplex builder or a custom home builder will do just as good a job, we’ll help you decide.

Why you should choose a duplex builder

Here are three compelling reasons to choose a builder who is experienced in duplex building.

1. A duplex builder will bring expertise to your plans

Duplexes can help you as an investor create equity quickly.  But, only if you do not overspend (and overcapitalise) during the build stage.

The idea behind building a duplex is to increase the value of your investment, right?  You are trying to build an impressive duplex that will appeal to many potential buyers or renters.  At the same time, you want it to be cost-effective build to avoid over capitalising.

Well, choosing a duplex builder can unlock extra potential from your land and access more equity in your property.

How?  A builder who has built duplexes, not only do they see many duplex designs, but they use this experience to pass on to you.  They also know how to find extra value in the build and design, what works well and what doesn’t.  By pushing the boundaries of your build to get the most from your plans and increasing the value of your duplexes.

Their expertise in the building can advise you when to save money and when to spend a little more.  They can help you decide the building works and materials that bring you the best value to your investment and find its best use.

Finishes and materials of your duplex building

A duplex builder knows and understands the huge range of finishes and building materials available in the market and can advise accordingly to value, best use, and what potential renters or buyers are looking for.  Say, for example, you love the marble look but its cost is prohibitive in your duplex build.  They can provide alternatives that are in alignment with your budget, give you the same marble look with easy maintenance.

It can be hard to get across the vast array of building materials available in the market and if you are an inexperienced property developer, it can get overwhelming.  Your aim is to appeal to as many people as possible and your material and finishes will play a big part in this appeal.

Have a look at the Ermington duplex we built – the owners called on SBR Group as their duplex builder early in the process, so our specialised interior team helped the owner source fixtures to meet their tight budget constraints as well as keeping with their luxury high-end feel.  We think you will be impressed!

2. Time is money in property investment

One of the most important aspects of property investment is time.  A duplex builder understands this aspect of property development and this is one of the reasons experienced developers chose a duplex builder.

A duplex builder plans to move fast as they know every extra day and week costs money and this does not include if the property market drops during the build.

They understand you are paying holding costs for your duplex development – loan repayments, land tax and council rates – and any delays exacerbate these costs.  Schedule mistakes, or a no-show trade delaying the next trade, can cause costs to overrun, even more so if the scaffolding is still up.

Look at their team of trades

When looking for a duplex builder, it is important to consider their team of trades, do they have a backup or a large sub-contracting pool to choose from?

Look at their project management skills

A builder who uses a project management app will ensure your build stays on time.  These new apps are highly sophisticated programs that can make a difference in the management of your property development build.  They enhance the duplex builders’ ability to commence and manage the build by organising the trades, and order materials in a timely manner, all while staying within budget.  They are a great communication tool and give you the bonus to follow the build daily to ensure it stays on track!

Combining all these considerations, the cheapest building quote may save you in building costs but not in overall development costs.  A more expensive building quote may be the most efficient, quality build – you need to look beyond the initial quote!

3. A duplex builder will help you stay on budget

Developing and building a duplex in Sydney has the potential to be a great investment.  However, as with any development project, the feasibility of your build determines your investment potential.  Going over budget can significantly affect this.

You may have factored in building contingency for unforeseen events (we definitely recommend you do this), however, going over your building budget does not need to happen, if planned from the outset and chosen the right builder to follow your budget and plans.

A duplex builder will build to your budget and understands the success of your development is based on this budget.  They will quote for everything involved in the build, to avoid surprises. A project builder does not include everything in their quote, such as landscaping and demolishing the original house, so these costs need to be taken into consideration.

Our blog ‘what is the difference between a custom home build and a project home build?’, will help you understand how each of these types of builders works.

There are value and peace of mind in working with an experienced duplex builder.  You are looking for trustworthy professionals who know what they are doing and have done it before.  You want them to be able to make the right decisions during the build, to use your funds prudently and apply their expertise and proficiency to surpass your expectations.

A few tips to help you choose a duplex builder

• Choose a duplex builder who has the least number of contractors working on the project. You may need to pay a little more for some of the build, but a builder who can do everything gives them less opportunity to pass on the blame to others for incompetency, damages and losses.  The blame stops with them.
• Seek a builder who provides comprehensive quotes and documentation. Inadequate documentation gives the builder opportunity to allow for uncertainties and pass on costs for their mistakes.
• Check the duplex builders schedule carefully.  Ensure that it is a realistic time frame.  It is easy for scheduling to blow out.  Blows outs cause added costs and stress you don’t need, especially when there are delays that could have been easily avoided during the build.

SBR Group, as duplex builders, will always minimise your development costs at the same time as creating remarkable value for money by boosting your duplex property return.  Talk to our builders today on 1300 676 166 or contact us here.