Quality is one of those concept’s which we all think we know, but can we write a definition? The truth is it is different things to different people. What you mean by quality will be a function of your personality, your life experience, your social environment and your wealth.

Your level of wealth is probably the strongest influence on your assessment of quality. What is your definition of a quality car? Is it a Golf, an Audi, or a Rolls Royce? Which definition you choose is likely to be a reflection of your wealth not the actual quality standard of construction. In fact sometimes what we perceive as quality does not in fact have quality construction. Again to use cars as our example a Ferrari is the ultimate quality car for many people, but they are widely famous amongst professional motoring writers for their poor build quality. Yet each car is a quality product within its own market segment. The same is true of your home.

Your personality will influence what you think is important in the home and what needs to be of the highest quality versus material or finishes that you do not consider important. Some people say the kitchen appliances need to be of the highest quality.  While at the same time they may not consider the material in the structure of the walls as being important. It is perfectly reasonable for you make a quality assessment based on your own needs and wants.

Life experience will also impact these considerations. How and where you were brought up will often define for life the way you see quality in housing. If you lived in a simple beach house, but your childhood was fun, you may not see the quality in a glass and marble monolith behind high walls.

Lastly our society will define what is considered quality. In Perth for example we all perceive brick walls and concrete floors as the highest of quality. This is probably not the view in other parts of Australia and is certainly not the view in say the USA. In those places timber stud framing and plasterboards sheeting are the normal quality construction.

So when you consider quality home building in Perth how do you decide which builder will give you a quality product? First you need to set your budget. Then you have to do some legwork. Visit displays, search the internet, read newspapers and magazines. When comparing builders always ensure you are looking at comparable standards of building. The builder’s standard specification will usually give you a guide. Remember there are no magic formulas in building. If something is cheaper it will be for a good reason. Try and narrow your search down to 2 or 3 potential builders and do a more in depth analysis of how they operate what experience they have and if possible talk to some previous clients.

You should always buy the best quality product you can afford. Some 200 years ago Benjamin Franklin said:

  • “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”.

And lastly a quote from William A Foster:

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”

So take the time to make a wise choice of a quality builder. The benefits remain long after the home is finished.