How we build you an outstanding home.

This section will help guide you through the build process to turn your concept into reality with a little help from the experts.  This is a typical process for new builds, naturally the process will alter on a project by project basis and for alterations and commercial projects: 

Please note:  If you have plans, please proceed to step 5. 

1. Getting underway  

This is a very significant decision, and to help guide you through this we have constructed a checklist to assist you when selecting your builder.  This should be done contemporaneously with selecting your site. Be sure to select a builder that can offer practical and knowledgeable advice in respect of the site that you have chosen. One with geotechnical knowledge can be beneficial and could unearth potential unwanted costs, even before the first dollar has transferred. We are extremely familiar with the Bay of Plenty area and have huge amount of knowledge regarding Tauranga infill and most new subdivisions. 

Establishing your budget - a critical part of the process. Be sure to quantify this upfront, after all there is no point in incurring design expenses if you cannot afford to build what has been designed. Remember the golden rule of building is to avoid hidden costs, be transparent upfront as it sets the scene for the balance of the project.  Click here for tips on how to select your builder.

2 Integrated Design System

If you do not already have existing plans, we will work through our Integrated Design System.

It can be an overwhelming task designing a home, particularly in relation to the hundreds of decisions that need to be made regarding style, planning and materials.  Our unique Integrated Design System guides the design process, saving you time, money and gives your architect or architectural designer a clear brief from which to work from. The System focuses on the way you and your family live your life ensuring a well thought out home that reflects the needs and wants of your daily lifestyle. The system also develops and  integrates a mood board to give the architect/ architectural designer a sense of the style and feel of the home in your mind. 

3. The Scheme Plan

Scheme Plan: This involves working with the architect to design a floor plan and elevations of your new home

Cost Estimate: Whilst a project cannot be priced with accuracy until a full set of plans is available, We do offer the unique service of a Quantity Survey at this point, to give you an estimate of the build. 

Review and amend the scheme plan:  We will review the scheme plan with you, making sure you understand each aspect of the plan, which may include tasks like measuring out your kitchen to ensure you understand the actual size.

Approve scheme plan: Client to approve scheme plan prior to commencing final plans.

4.  Final plans and specifications

The architectural designer or architect will now produce final plans and very detailed specifications that meet very strict building code regulations.  The final plans are approved by you, the client before being submitted for a Build Consent.

5.  Price

At this point the cost estimate can be firmed up and a more accurate price agreed.  The manner in which the price is presented will take into consideration the preferred payment structure under the contract. For example one might prefer a Fixed Price Lump Sum contract price where others might prefer a Cost Plus payment structure. We will discuss the merits of both with you to ensure you (and your representative) can make an informed decision as to which payment methodology and contract best suits your needs.

6.  Building Contract.

Being a Registered Master Builder we use the Registered Master Builders Federation Residential Building Contract template.  However depending on the nature of the project we may also use NZS 3910 and NZS 3915 contracts. In addition at this point we also register your Registered Master Builder Guarantee. Click HERE to find out more details about the guarantee.

7.  Build Consent

At this point we will submit your application for a building consent with the local city or district City Council. This can take up to 20 working days to issue depending on the nature of the build. Providing detailed plans and specifications to the Council will ensure there are no time delays when issuing your build consent.

8   Develop Materials Board – This is where we discuss and agree all the materials used to build your home.

This process will ensure a methodical approach to creating the fit out of your home, and will ensure critical decisions are made in a timely fashion. For example it may seem to be very early in the process to be thinking about your kitchen design but this is necessary as waste pipes are put in place prior to the floor been poured.    Our interior designer will work very closely with yourself and the kitchen designer to create a kitchen that caters for all your needs and requirements.   We will help as much or as little as you wish to select the materials for your home.  This will involve visiting all major suppliers, we also have a huge selection of materials at our offices which we ensure is always up to date with the latest releases.   Sometimes clients prefer to complete the final finishings further in the process, however as window joinery in some cases is ordered shortly after consent is issued it is critical to get this process underway.  Our interior designers are passionate about ensuring we are aware of new products and colours and textures available.  

9.  Building underway

A standard build process will commence with the process outlined below.  We will provide you with a very specific timeline detailing each stage of the process with the pricing documents. 

Work commences with the digout. This is definitely a significant moment as the digger begins work on your new home. This may involve removing any sub-standard material and replacing with a solid foundation to build your home on.  This will then be signed off by the engineers if required.   

Retaining, Footings & Flooring:  Once the digout is completed we will complete the retaining if required, dig and pour footings and then pour the floor of your home.  This is the first sign of tangible layout of you plans.

Structure: This is a very exciting stage as your building takes shape with frames, structural steel (if required) roof and joinery put in. During this period we will oversee the plumbing & electrical plans agreed with you.

Wrapping your home:  Your home starts to take a clear shape once the house is wrapped in building paper, used to protect the woodwork.

Windows installed and exterior cladding completed. The focus now moves from the exterior to the interior of the house.

Insulation:  Insulation is critical to building a healthy drier home.   We recommend eco fleece insulation, which is a natural wool based product. 

Heating:  Depending on what you have specified, heating options will be integrated into the build. (Central Floor Heating would be added before the slab was poured, so will be discussed at an earlier stage).  Landscape Elements are our preferred supplier of fireplaces, whose expertise at ensuring your heating can also be a design feature of your home, is unrivalled.

Linings & Skirtings:  The walls are lined, all internal detailing (eg recesses etc) are completed and the house is ready for plastering.

Plastering & Painting:  At the pricing stage we will have highlighted areas that will require the highest level of plastering (level 5 - generally light sensitive areas) Of course you can request your entire home is completed at level 5 if you wish !  The painting technique and type of paint that is appropriate for each room.

Cabinetry & Doors:  The Kitchen & Bathroom Cabinetry is fitted and the doors and hung.

Flooring:  This is where your tiles, wood, carpet or other flooring options are installed.  This plan would have been confirmed. Having experts do your flooring is absolutely critical to perfect finishing.

Final Finishing:  Our project manager & construction manager will do a detailed inspection to check for the smallest imperfections.  These will then be corrected and your window coverings will be hung

10.  Landscaping

We are now getting to the end of your exciting journey.  At this point our specialist landscapers will have completed their landscape plan (if this is your desire) that you have signed off.  If you are having a pool (this would usually have been dugout and poured earlier in the process), separate entertaining and garden areas are defined and created, the driveway is poured, areas are tiled and minor retaining is completed if required,  Some people prefer to plant themselves for others they would prefer everything just perfect the day they move in, like everything the choice is yours.

 
11.  Cleaning & Move In Day 

 After our cleaners have ensured your home is spotless, our team will do one more final inspection to ensure everything is just perfect and then the keys are handed over, and one part of this exciting journey has come to end  - now it is move in day and you can set back and admire your new home!

 
CLICK HERE OR CALL US ON 0800 716129 TO BOOK YOUR FREE SITE INSPECTION OR JUST TO ASK US A QUESTION !