Whetheryou’restarting from scratch or renovating, building is an exciting chance to tailor spaces to your lifestyle and needs. It can also be a big investment, so it’s important to be well prepared.
Starting your building project
Whetheryou’restarting from scratch or renovating, building is an exciting chance to tailor spaces to your lifestyle and needs. It can also be a big investment, so it’s important to be well prepared.
“Before a project starts… we may share advice or opinions on buildability, what’s suitable for the site itself, and also cost-related information.”
– Matt Haliday, Master Builders member
See what designs have worked for others and explore what might work for you. Gather examples and note down ideas, questions, likes, and dislikes.
Our House of the Year competition and Pinterest boards showcase new build and renovation projects for a range of budgets and are a great place to start.
There are different ways to approach the planning process, depending on your budget, scope, and type of building partner.
For simpler projects such as bathrooms or kitchens, a draughtsperson or specialist designer may be suitable. Your builder may provide a draughting service.
Volume builders may offer a range of house plans to choose from. Some customisation might be possible.
For more complex or custom new builds and renovations, it is common to work with an architect.
Your designer will let you know if other experts, like a structural engineer, are required. A Master Builders member can also offer advice on the budget and planning for your project.
Allow extra in your budget for variations and unexpected costs.
Renovations can throw up challenges when existing spaces are investigated. Original plans might not be accurate and older construction methods and materials can bring surprises.
You may need to alter your design to work around what already exists. Approach this with a sense of optimism and creativity. Your builder and designer can guide you.
Choose a builder who communicates clearly and is willing and able to have tricky conversations if needed, including about potential price escalations and project delays. This is a sign of a trustworthy partner who can guide you through your project.
Communication is a two-way process. It is important to talk about potential issues and challenges and how you will deal with them if they arise.
Choose a builder who has history with projects like yours. Ask if they have the right technical expertise, experience, and knowledge.
Speak to a builder’s previous clients. This can provide insights into what they are like to work with, their communication and the end result.
Compare quotes before choosing a builder. A quote is a commitment to a price and should not change (whereas an estimate is an approximate price and may change).
Master Builders is a recognised and trusted New Zealand brand. We believe our builder members are the best in the industry.
To become a Master Builders member, quality criteria must be met, including:
building experience
trade and professional qualifications
on-site management experience
workmanship (verified through checks withprevious clients)
Discuss your contract with your builder. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not, including the scope of work, timelines, and payment schedules.
Your builder may request a deposit. This allows them to undertake preliminary work or purchase materials. Typically, a deposit should be no more than 10%.
Allow for price escalations. Fixed-price contracts may mean you are paying too much to cover all the risk of price escalation or paying too little so that your project could become unviable.
The Master Builders Contract (RBC1) is regularly reviewed to make sure itremains relevant for New Zealand conditions and is transparent and fair.
Quality of build
The Building Code sets out minimum standards a builder must work to, and the guide to tolerances outlines acceptable levels of workmanship.
If you require a higher-quality level of workmanship, this may involve more time and cost and should be specified in the contract.
For new builds and significant renovations, your builder must offer a guarantee if one is available.
Only a Master Builders member can offer you the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee. Our Guarantee is one of the most comprehensive products on the market. It provides cover if your builder is unable or unwilling to finish the project or address defects.
A Guarantee is not automatically provided by using a Master Builders member. The Guarantee is separate from your building contract and must be applied for and approved before building starts.
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
Legal advice
A building project is often a big investment. Get independent legal advice, ideally from a lawyer with experience in construction.
A lawyer can explain:
the building contract and guarantee
the key risks you face
your rights and obligations (and those of the builder and any other parties).
Council consent
Before work starts, a new build and some renovations will need a building consent from your local council. Your builder or designer will usually manage this process for you.
The council willrequire proof of ownership, detailed plans, specifications of materials and building systems, and a record of work from a licenced building practitioner.
Provide as much information to your council as possible at this stage to avoid delays.
Once work is completed, you must advise your council and apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Your builder will usually do this for you.
