Design & Build

We all have visions of our perfect home and it’s a great kiwi tradition to put these on paper then build our dream home.

Often with a rush of excitement we don’t take the time to consider what possible snags may be encountered during the building process or we think that its fairly basic and will be alright.

As a builder with considerable experience the following are things I would suggest that you consider preferably before you start this adventure.

Everyone has a budget

Everyone has a budget whether you are a first home builder, you’ve been in business for many years or have a successful career and are now looking at building your dream home.  You need to prioritise what is important to you, size, quality, stunning looks, gadgets or finish as examples.

Don’t skimp on quality or features that may represent only a small percentage of overall cost, with careful selection you may be surprised at what you can attain.

Be aware of what may date quickly, I suggest working with a good architect and home builder that can produce a timeless home of enduring quality.

Material choice is important

The materials you choose have a lifecycle cost when performance, maintenance and durability are considered. They can also affect your comfort and quality of life in different ways while having varying effects on the environment.

When choosing the people to build with, it is very likely open communication, a trusting relationship and genuine honest advice are worth more than a few dollars. This applies to us as builders also but a lot more to you the owner. It’s very much a team effort and needs a lot of different skills and expertise to carry out all the tasks well.

If you have plans already

If you have organized your own design and have a genuine desire to work with us, an obligation free consultation to discuss your new home is the first step, an all inclusive quote can be offered if the plans and specification covers all items.

This does however leave less opportunity to control costs through design and material choice.

The best process to get the practical expertise of an award winning builder and the right designer for you.

1. Let us visit you at a suitable time in your own environment. We need to talk to you to appreciate how you live, find out styles and materials you like, how you value quality and space. Your expectations and pictures of features you desire are of great help. An honest indication of your budget will allow us to put some initial ideas on paper.
2. We can work with a designer of your choice or recommend someone we feel suits you, appreciates your preferences and has a compatible personality .
3. Visit or select a site with you. Assessing contour, sun, views, access, neighbouring properties and a raft of site conditions that will impact cost  and potential designs. This is another good opportunity for us to learn what you like and value in a particular site.
4. From here we provide you with a draft proposal. This will include floor layout a perspective and estimate of cost based on your indicated budget. Actual costs will be determined by materials, finish and fittings which can dramatically effect the cost of the same floor plan. Drawings and 3D images allow you to “see” your home and advise of any changes you’d like made.
5. Full working drawings are then prepared with communication throughout to ensure your specifications are met. Architectural design, geotechnical and structural engineering mean it can be costly to make further changes after this point, however interior and landscape design can still be flexible.
6. An accurate quote can now be calculated with your selections of electrical and plumbing fittings, floor coverings and appliances included as provisional costs. Home automation, audio, window glass options and configurations all impact overall cost and need careful consideration.
7. Plans & specifications are then submitted for building consent while contracts and guarantees are read and peer reviewed if necessary before singing and construction can begin.

This process ensures you every opportunity to attain the ultimate home for you and your budget.