Tackling a new build is an enormous job but one worth taking on. You might be extending your current property, designing your dream home from scratch, or jumping into an upgrade for an investment build. In all cases, planning is key. A successful new build isn’t just about picking the right materials and builders; it’s also about understanding the process, managing timelines, and balancing your budget with your dream inclusions.
Because it’s such a big undertaking, there are also a lot of common new build pitfalls that people either don’t expect or don’t take the time to plan for. We’re here to help you navigate those. Read on for four vital tips that will keep your new build on track, on time, and on budget.
No matter how good the architects or builders on your team are, you always need to begin with the most important resource at your disposal: yourself. Your vision for the new build will drive the entire process, so take the time to clearly define what you want from your home.
Are you building a high-end architectural home meant for urban living or a lifestyle block with seamless indoor-outdoor flow for your family? The result you’re after will inform a lot of decisions, including everything from the materials you source to the budget you work with your builders to set.
If you’re still trying to clarify your vision for the build, try enquiring with a high-end home builder who specialises in the conceptualisation stage. They can help you tease out the details while bringing a practical, industry-informed mindset to the table.
One of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of residential construction in New Zealand is navigating council regulations. Every region has its own rules around zoning, building consents, and resource consents, and failing to comply can put some serious roadblocks in your way.
You’ll almost definitely require Building Consent from your local council, which can take time, as they require a detailed plan with architectural plans signed off by your Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
You might also need a Resource Consent, especially if your materials, build, or ongoing works will impact the local environment or neighbours. Your best bet? Partner with an experienced building company that can guide you through the process, or connect with a planning consultant early on to clarify your consent timeline.
When it comes to a new build, there are a lot of external circumstances that can change your timeline without your say-so. Processing times for consent, the weather, and even the availability of your chosen materials are just some of the factors that can extend your timeline.
Part of the job here is to pick a construction company that knows how to navigate these issues while keeping the project on track. That said, it also helps to walk into the planning process with your eyes wide open. Understanding that minor delays can occur and including those buffers in the process will make sure that the build is either completed exactly on time or early, both of which are ideal. Make sure to speak with your builder about this so that you’re sufficiently prepared.
Any successful construction project has a rotating team of top-notch professionals pushing it forward. Depending on the scale of your project, you might need:
We recommend taking the time to find a building company that has as many of these capabilities either on their team or in their network as possible. This ensures your project will be completed as seamlessly as possible by a team that already has experience working together on-site.
It’s also vital to check that your builders are LBP-certified. New builds include a lot of restricted and structural work, all of which must be completed and signed off on by an LBP to make sure your consents go through smoothly.
There you have it! With these five essential new build tips in your back pocket, you’ll walk into building your dream home or investment project with everything you need to get it done seamlessly. Remember to set a clear vision in place, plan for minor delays, and partner with the right building company to navigate any potential challenges with ease.
Building a high-end new home in Auckland? Make it the journey of a lifetime with the experienced team at QBS.
We work closely with you every single step of the way to create a space that values your individuality. We’re here from the first step in the building process all the way to key handover, ensuring you have a team you can trust at your side from A to Z.
Enquire about partnering with our team of licensed builders today.
