Lately, we've spoken with several people who chose a builder without doing their due diligence. After discovering they had fallen victim to a scam, they turned to us, knowing our reputation for trustworthiness and quality.
The good news? Avoiding scams is easy when you know what to look for. By following the tips we’ve outlined below, we hope to help you avoid the same mistake and ensure your dream home is built by a reliable, experienced builder.
A legitimate builder should showcase completed projects on their website, not just computer-generated renders. While some reputable companies may rely on renders—especially if they are newer to the industry—having a portfolio of real homes demonstrates a track record of success. At Anchor Homes, we proudly feature completed projects so clients can see the quality of our work firsthand.
See our finished projects here >
Additionally, while renders can be an excellent source of inspiration and a helpful way to visualise a home before construction, it's helpful if they can be backed up by real-world results. Above, you’ll see a render of our Shoreham 14 design, showcasing just one of the many possibilities. Below, we’ve included an image of a completed Shoreham 14 project (McKenzie Hill), where our clients made their own selections to make the style truly theirs—everything from cladding to a timber slat pergola and more.
A reputable modular home builder should have a physical location where you can meet the team, see their work firsthand, and discuss your project in person. If a builder refuses to provide an address or only offers virtual meetings, that’s a red flag.
Before committing, check if they have a display home, office or manufacturing facility you can visit. You can also verify their business address using an online map to ensure it's real—some scammers list fake locations to appear legitimate.
At Anchor Homes, we welcome you to visit both of our Bayswater and Stratford locations in Victoria.
Explore our four display homes—two at each location—and experience the space, quality, and style firsthand. In Stratford, you also have the opportunity to tour our large-scale manufacturing facility, where our team can walk you through projects under construction and showcase our modular building process. Our offices are based at both locations, and tours are available by appointment. Schedule your visit today and see the Anchor Homes difference for yourself.
Baywater Location: 1 Jersey Road, Bayswater, VIC, 3153
Stratford Location: 55 Industrial Road, Stratford, VIC, 3862
A professional builder will often introduce their team on their website, showing who is behind the business. While not all builders do this, seeing real faces and learning about their experience adds credibility. Scammers typically avoid displaying any personal information.
At Anchor Homes, we proudly introduce our team so you know exactly who you're working with. From our experienced designers to our skilled site managers, we ensure that every member of our team plays an essential role in delivering your dream home.
Reputable builders have a strong online presence, including reviews on platforms like Google or social media. If a builder lacks an online presence or only shares vague, generic testimonials, it’s a red flag. Look for genuine customer feedback with specific details about the build process.
At Anchor Homes, we’re proud to have 70+ reviews across our two locations on Google, along with personal testimonials from our clients that we publish across our social media and blogs. Check out the video testimonial from our Cranbourne South project or read the written testimonial from our Lucknow Project article (pictured above). Our reputation is built on trust, and we’re honored to showcase the positive feedback from our clients.
A reputable builder engages with their audience through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Regular posts showcasing projects, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content help establish credibility. While not every company is highly active on social media, a completely absent or outdated presence can be a sign to proceed with caution.
At Anchor Homes, we keep our clients informed and inspired through our active social media channels. Follow us to see our latest projects, exciting installations and industry insights that keep our community engaged.
If a builder’s price seems too good to be true, proceed with caution—scammers often lure clients in with unrealistically low quotes. A reputable builder provides transparent pricing with clear breakdowns.
At Anchor Homes, we’re upfront about costs, so you know exactly what to expect:
• Step 1: Download our price list, which includes base prices for all designs in our range as well as our standard inclusions.
• Step 2: Contact us to discuss your project's specific requirements with an experienced consultant. We’ll then prepare a detailed sales estimate, factoring in site conditions, access, installation method (e.g. crane or truck), design choices, and more for accuracy. Once you're happy, you’ll proceed with our pre-contract agreement.
•Step 3: During the pre-construction phase, you'll finalise drawings, colour selections, and any upgrades. This phase also includes our team obtaining essential assessments and permits (if required). Once everything is confirmed, your contract breakdown will be updated to reflect your choices. Before signing the final contract, you'll have the opportunity to review all details, make any final adjustments, and proceed with confidence.
At Anchor Homes, we offer transparent pricing and a reliable process from start to finish. You can trust us to protect your investment and deliver a home built to last.
Read more about 'Our Approach To Building In A Changing Market' here >
A legitimate builder will maintain open and honest communication from the initial consultation to project completion. Reliable builders provide clear updates, are available for questions, and ensure their clients feel informed every step of the way.
At Anchor Homes, our clients have a clear point of contact throughout their journey:
• Our experienced Project Consultants guide you through the beginning stages, answering questions about site assessments, refining floorplans, and outlining project estimates. Every project consultant on our team has been with Anchor Homes for 7+ years.
• Once you sign a pre-construction contract, you’re assigned a Pre-Construction Manager who handles everything from drafting and engineering to permits and finalising your contract.
• After the final contract is signed, a Contracts Manager takes over, keeping you updated with weekly photos from our factory and offering in-person visits to see your home under construction.
• Once your home is delivered to site, our Project Manager oversees the on-site installation and final handover of your home.
With clear communication at every stage, we ensure you’re always informed and supported.
Just because a builder showcases real homes on their website doesn’t mean they actually built them. Some scammers steal project images from other companies to appear legitimate. A quick reverse image search can help you check if their photos have been lifted from another builder’s website.
Beyond images, word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the strongest indicators of a reputable builder. At Anchor Homes, many of our clients come to us through referrals from previous homeowners who had a great experience building with us. Their trust in our work speaks volumes about the quality and reliability we deliver. We've also been featured in industry publications, further reinforcing our reputation as a trusted modular home builder.
Reputable builders align themselves with professional industry associations that promote high standards of quality, compliance, and ethical business practices. Membership in these organisations demonstrates a builder’s commitment to upholding industry best practices and staying informed about evolving regulations.
At Anchor Homes, we’re proud members of Master Builders Victoria and Master Builders New South Wales. These memberships reinforce our dedication to quality construction and industry compliance—giving you confidence that your home is built by experienced and trusted professionals.
A builder’s experience can be a strong indicator of reliability and expertise. While not all new companies are untrustworthy, it's wise to be more cautious and do thorough research when choosing a builder with limited history. Established companies with a proven track record offer peace of mind, as their longevity reflects stability, expertise, and satisfied clients.
At Anchor Homes, we’re proud to be celebrating 20 years in the modular home industry. Over the past two decades, we’ve continually evolved, refined our processes, and expanded our capabilities—ensuring we deliver high-quality homes backed by experience and innovation.
Building a home is an exciting and rewarding process, and by doing your due diligence, you can confidently choose a builder that will bring your vision to life. The modular building industry is filled with skilled, trustworthy professionals, but as with any industry, it’s essential to stay informed and make decisions based on credibility, transparency, and experience.
If you're considering a modular home, speak with a trusted builder like Anchor Homes from the start. We’re here to guide you through the process with transparency, experience, and a proven track record of quality builds.