A builder co-ordinates the materials needed for a building project and the relevant personnel to transforming an architecture or building plan into a home or office.

Builders source their materials, do manual labour, operate machinery and are responsible for the safety of their team and the entire building site. A builder may also knock down buildings, dig and renovate homes. A builder in charge of the construction schedules the building process, manages the purchase and delivery of materials, works within the project budget and inspects the work performed by other tradespeople. A builder in charge of a site also corrects any problems that arise during the building process, is responsible for submitting building plans to council and looks into the submissions up to the issuance of the permits. They further co-ordinate electricians and plumbers as well as organises and supervises the construction crew. A builder keeps the client informed of the progress raising problems that require their input or advice.

What skill set is required to become a builder?

A degree in construction management or building, Vocational Training Education (VET), or on-the-job training is required to become a builder. Usually, people interested in building a career have previous work experience in entry roles. One could have been a labourer or an apprentice that does not require academic qualifications. Building professional associations, trade unions, and employers may offer classroom and on-the-job training for entry-level workers. It could be as apprenticeships that last three to five years. Builders must have a license for them to offer their services in all the states. Those working in the construction sector undergo safety induction training to receive a Construction Induction Card (CIC). A builder can also gain eligibility for being a member of the Australian Institute of Building with appropriate building qualifications.

What is the role of a builder?

A builder co-ordinates the materials needed for the building project and the relevant personnel in transforming the architecture plan into a home or building.

A builder ensures their client's satisfaction by delivering what they envisioned. Builders work with local zoning authorities to secure proper permits once the building plans are complete.

Hire a professional builder with a thorough understanding of the code of conduct and good working relationships with the local authorities.

A builder ensures building materials are available at the expected time and workers report to the site as expected.

A builder organises and adjusts construction timetables in instances of bad weather during an ongoing building project.

Builders also maintain good relationships with other tradespeople such as plumbers or electricians to ensure they deliver quality work.

They ensure compliance with safety regulations that involve wearing protective gear and the safety of the site.

A builder provides their client with the quotes for the project.

They also protect the homeowner by providing the needed licenses and insurance policies, ensuring everyone working on the site is covered.

Is being a builder a good job?

A builder has a strong network of people because they nurture working relationships. Once you become an established builder, it is easier for you to get what you want from your contacts because of your strong working relationships.

Builders tend to have beautiful homes and houses since they use their skills to make their dream homes.

They also venture into the real estate business for extra income because of their expertise in the construction sector.

Builders earn good money both in wages and salaries. Earnings generally increase depending on the years of experience of the builder.

Builders can earn good money, especially when building specialised projects such as residential housing.

You have to be physically fit because the building is very demanding. After all, you spend most of the hours standing and lifting heavy loads using powerful equipment that requires extreme exertion.

Building and construction is a messy and dirty job due to the dust that one gets exposed to while working the whole day.

What's the difference between a builder and a developer?

A developer buys land, creates building lots, obtains the necessary permits, puts in the sewerage, water, and electric lines and the streets whereas a builder executes the plan by building a residential or commercial building. A developer is responsible for the whole project and the building work. A builder is in charge of building materials and their workers. A developer may hire a building contractor to do a residential building or undertake the work themselves. A builder only hires his team for the task. A developer can hire two or more building contractors to undertake part of a residential building project whereas, the builder solely undertakes a project as the only contractor. A developer may also hire a licensed builder to supervise the technical aspects of the project or other contractors to carry out various trades in the building project. A builder does the supervision of the project themselves.

Who is responsible for a building site?

According to the Work Health Safety Act 2011, the builder is obligated to ensure the safety of the people entering the workplace, including visitors, electricians, labourers, painters, plumbers and homeowners. The construction site becomes the workplace of the builder and, the safety of everyone entering the site lies in their hands. The builder must conduct a risk assessment test to ensure the work environment is safe. They should ensure that contractors are provided with relevant safety information, instruction, training and supervision. The workplace conditions and health of the workers should be monitored on an ongoing basis while managing the risk of falls and ensuring equipment safety and workability. You should not enter a construction site without the builder's consent because you expose yourself to safety dangers that could lead to death, injury, or property damage. Breaching the Work Health and Safety legislation by the builder could put on hold the activities at the site.

What's the difference between a builder and a carpenter?

A carpenter carries out erecting, building, or repairing of structures made of timber or steel. They make cabinets, floors, doors, and windows in your home. They install metal and timber windows and doors, erect floor and wall framework, pitch the roof, erect suspended ceilings and lay timber floors. A carpenter also sets an outline of the building on the ground with strings and pegs to allow excavations. However, they cannot oversee building a home or its extension. A carpenter cannot do structural work but finishing the activities of a building. A builder carries out all the building activities from single-storey buildings to higher buildings. Domestic builders do brickwork, cabinet making, joinery and sub-floor works. They also do carpentry, building bathrooms, kitchen, laundries, and structural landscaping. Builders go through university degrees to qualify in their areas of expertise whereas carpenters go through an apprenticeship.