The 5-step method
- Write your brief in one paragraph. Block details, budget band, timeline, must-haves, deal-breakers. If you cannot write it, you cannot shop.
- Filter by capability, not by ad spend. A builder that does not build on your block type or in your budget is not a candidate, no matter how nice the display.
- Get 3 builders to quote the SAME brief. Any fewer and you can’t spot outliers. Any more and decision-fatigue kicks in.
- Speak to 2 recent customers per builder. Not sales references - real recent ones.
- Score on 4 axes: price, communication, capability fit, contract clarity.
Why 3 is the magic number
Behavioural research on shortlisting is clear: 3 real options generates decisive choice. 2 feels like a coin flip. 4+ generates paralysis. Our matcher was designed around 3 for this reason.