Building Contracts Explained: How MBV Contracts Protect You When Building a Custom Home

One of the most common areas of confusion during the building process relates to allowances, selections and variations. Understanding these concepts early can help you make informed decisions, manage your construction budget effectively and avoid surprises once building begins. What Are Building Allowances? When preparing a quote or building contract, there are often items that haven't yet been fully selected or specified. To keep the project moving, builders include allowances for these items — a budget amount set aside for a particular product or scope of work where the final details are still undecided. Common Examples of Building Allowances Typical allowances include: Appliances Tapware Tiles Flooring Lighting Landscaping An allowance may also be included where further information is required, such as engineering reports or site investigations. How Allowances Affect Your Building Budget Allowances offer flexibility during the design and planning stages, but they are estimates only. If your final product selection costs more than the allowance, expect an additional cost. If it costs less, a credit may apply. Understanding Selections During the Building Process Selections are the choices you make throughout the build — from external cladding and roofing materials to paint colours, tiles, joinery finishes and fixtures. While making selections is one of the most enjoyable parts of building a new home, it's also where budgets can change quickly. Choosing Products That Match Your Allowances It's important to understand the allowances in your quote and consider whether they align with the finish you want. Discussing your expectations with your builder early helps ensure the allowances are realistic for your desired level of finish — reducing the risk of unexpected costs later. What Are Variations in a Building Contract? Variations are changes made to the agreed scope of works after the contract has been signed. They may be requested by the client, required due to unexpected site conditions, or arise from design changes during construction. Variations can affect both the cost and timeline of your project. How to Minimise Building Variations While some variations are unavoidable, many can be minimised through thorough planning and decision-making before construction begins. Finalising as many selections as possible before signing your contract reduces the likelihood of variations and gives you greater certainty around cost and project outcomes.  Why Clear Communication With Your Builder Matters A good builder communicates clearly about allowances, selections and variations throughout the build. They should explain any assumptions made in the contract and ensure you understand how changes may affect the final price. By understanding how allowances, selections and variations work together, you can make informed decisions, maintain greater control of your budget, and enjoy a smoother, more predictable building experience.

Why Comparing Quotes Isn't Always Straightforward Many homeowners begin by collecting several quotes and comparing the bottom line. The challenge is that building quotes are rarely identical. Different builders may make different assumptions, include varying levels of detail, or allow for different specifications. A lower price doesn't always represent better value if important items have been excluded or underestimated. When comparing builders, it's important to understand exactly what's included in each proposal. Ask questions about allowances, specifications, and any assumptions that have been made. A builder who takes the time to explain their pricing and answer your questions openly is often a good indicator of how they'll communicate throughout the project. When Should You Engage a Builder? Another consideration is timing — when to bring a builder into the process. Some homeowners complete their design and approvals before approaching builders for pricing, while others involve a builder during the design process itself. There are advantages to both approaches. However, involving a builder early can often provide greater budget certainty. A builder can offer practical input on design decisions, construction methods and material selections as plans are developed, helping align the design with your available budget. This reduces the risk of investing time and money into plans that ultimately exceed your comfortable spending limit. Look for Relevant Experience Experience matters. Look for a builder who regularly completes projects similar to yours: A builder who specialises in custom homes may approach your project very differently from a volume builder . A renovation specialist may be better equipped to manage the complexities of working within an existing home. Check References and Past Projects References and previous projects provide valuable insight. Speaking with past clients lets you learn about their experience, the builder's communication style, and how challenges were handled during construction. If possible, visit completed projects to assess the quality of workmanship firsthand. The Builder-Client Relationship Matters One factor often overlooked is the importance of the builder-client relationship. You'll be working closely with your builder for many months, so clear communication, trust and mutual respect are essential. A builder who listens to your goals, understands your priorities, and is willing to have honest conversations about budget and expectations can make the entire process far more enjoyable. Final Thoughts: Choosing for Confidence, Not Just Cost At the end of the day, the right builder isn't necessarily the cheapest builder. The right builder is the one who provides confidence, transparency, quality workmanship, and a process that aligns with your goals. Taking the time to choose carefully at the beginning can help create a smoother building experience — and a better outcome for years to come.

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