FAQ's

This is a tricky question that unfortunately doesn't always have an easy answer.

The biggest thing you can do is choose a builder with very strong relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors and a strong reputation for paying their bills on time.

When times get tough, suppliers and sub-contractors tend to remember who has looked after them and shown them loyalty and respect over the years. Suppliers and sub-contractors will tend to prioritise these people and do their utmost to look after them when it comes to honouring prices that were quoted.

Sometimes there may also be an option to purchase some materials or supplies early and hold them for the build if predicted increases are foreseen.

Once again, choosing a builder with very strong relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors certainly helps.

We've been dealing with the same suppliers and sub-contractors for well over 20 years. The relationships we have are extremely valuable to both parties. We look after them and whenever possible they look after us. They put materials aside for us and ring us if they are getting short of items. They will place orders well in advance and carry extra stock just for us.

Equally, our subcontractors always make an effort to fit us into their busy schedules.

Sometimes we talk to our suppliers before we make product selections and overcome problems by selecting and choosing items that we know are going to be available.

Choose a builder that listens and pays attention to what you want.

We take note of your specific "must haves", and "would likes" throughout the design process. Once again, the key factor is communication, never assume anything. If you have questions, ask them as soon as you have them.

Communication is generally the largest factor in achieving a successful build. It is important to establish a routine for keeping each other updated and bringing into the open any points for discussion.

When weighing up renovating or buying an existing home as opposed to building a new home, if it fits your budget, I would always recommend going with a new home.

You get to design every part of your new home from scratch, so you get exactly what you want, and it is customised to your specific needs, not someone else’s.

The government is encouraging people to build new and as a result banks seem far more willing to lend money to people looking to build a new home, and brand- new homes are typically valued higher.

A new home is built to the latest building code, reducing your living costs as power bills and maintenance costs tend to be significantly cheaper.
A new home is also healthier because it is far better insulated, warmer, dryer and properly ventilated.

The age old saying that today is the cheapest time to build will always be true.
After 33 years in the building game, I have never ever come across a situation where building costs have gone down. Next month or next year will always be more expensive.

When it comes to the best time of year to build, we are lucky to be able to build all year round in New Zealand.

The New Zealand climate is generally pretty mild without too many extremes. For this reason, we generally have no more hesitation building a new home in the winter than we do in the summer.

Always communication and organisation!
It is virtually impossible to foresee everything, so communication is key. For this reason, building is very much
a contact sport, you need to problem solve and trouble shoot - it is important that you and your builder stay in close contact throughout the build. It is critical for both parties (the builder and new homeowner) to work with people they respect and can easily get along with.

When it comes to organisation, figuring out all the requirements and details early on and planning well ahead, generally eliminates any unexpected surprises.