Before you sign anything, judge a Bira boatbuilder on four things you can actually verify: boats they have finished, the timber they can document, the contract they will put in writing, and how openly they let you onto the yard. A builder who is comfortable with all four is one you can trust; hesitation on any of them is the warning sign.
Look at finished boats, not promises
Ask to see hulls the crew has completed and, where possible, talk to the owners. A yard that has delivered charter liveaboards knows how to hit a specification and a launch date. Photos of half-built hulls prove activity, not delivery.
Make them document the timber
The single biggest quality variable is wood. A reputable builder will name species – bitti, ulin ironwood, teak – and show where it came from and how it was seasoned. Sourcing evidence belongs in the contract, not in a reassuring sentence.
Insist on a written, staged contract
Stage payments tied to physical milestones protect you; large up-front deposits do not. The contract should cover materials, change-orders, the class and registration path, and penalties. This is exactly what a build coordinated through the commissioning desk puts on paper as standard.
Watch how open the yard is
Good builders welcome inspection. If you are steered away from the hull or the timber stack, ask why. The questions worth asking in person are set out in a companion guide, and the honest budget picture is on the cost page.
Have the desk vet a build for you or email sales@komodoluxury.com
Frequently asked questions
How do I know a Bira builder is reputable?
Judge finished boats you can inspect, documented timber sourcing, a written stage-payment contract and open access to the yard. A builder confident on all four is a safer bet than one offering only photos and a low price.