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Getting to the point in your life where you are in a position to plan your dream home build in Auckland is an incredible milestone. It’s not an easy place to get to, so if you are there, congratulations! At this pivotal moment that so many people dream about, you have an exciting and sometimes daunting process in front of you, but don’t worry; we are here to help.
Building a new home can be a life-changing experience, and it’s important to take control of that experience to ensure that it’s a positive one. So how do you do that? The key to a successful new build is forward planning, relevant knowledge and ensuring you have the right team on your side when it comes time to break ground.
This article is designed to help you understand a few of the essential steps you will need to take as you plan your dream home build in Auckland. We will explore some general processes here so that when you take that first step towards your dream home you have everything you need to move forward with confidence.
While you may have been collecting ideas, images and information for years, once you are ready to commit to your new build, it’s important to distill all of your ideas down to your key needs and wants and your wish list. You will need to factor in things like the size of your section, the goals you have regarding sustainable or high-end materials and the direction your house will face.
Once you have some clarity, you can start working with your architects and your new home builders to discover which elements on your list are achievable within the framework of your budget and the constraints which may be present as realities on your land.
When it comes to your builder, you should be looking for a residential new build specialist, and you need to know that they have multiple successful projects under their belt and a stellar reputation. If you don’t have an architect, the right residential builder will be able to recommend someone who will fit your vision, budget and personality.
The right team will guide you smoothly towards the completion of an initial concept plan. This should include a site plan, a proposal for the floor plan and some basic elevations. The clearer your vision and communication are from the outset, the more accurate your concept plan will be, so take your time and make sure you have incorporated everything that is important to you.
Your team must include a highly competent project manager. This will ensure that your experience is hassle-free, your plans hit the mark, and, importantly, are achievable.
Provisional costing will be drawn up by the builder utilising the concept plan; this costing will include all the trades that will be involved in your project, so choosing an experienced local builder with established relationships with reputable trades and suppliers is absolutely essential. The architect will then use this budget information to make tweaks to the concept according to what initially appears financially possible. This is a process which allows the architect to add more detail to the concept plan and bring it to a stage where the spaces, elevations and floor plans are fairly accurate.
You would also have structural engineers and consultants involved at this point in your planning; they will present their own draft plans, and this provisional stage is an opportunity to make changes before detailed working drawings are created to be sent back to the builder for formal preliminary pricing. The more detail that can be added here, the better; if you can go as far as to identify finishes you want for your internal and external spaces and the appliances and other supplies you want, your builder will be able to really zero in with a precise price.
The building consent process is kicked off after you have signed off on the concept plan. Your builder should submit these forms for you. If you need resource consent, this will also be actioned after the concept plan is drawn up and before the detailed drawings are created. It is up to your architect to investigate the relevant zoning laws; this will help them discover if the project requires resource consent.
Once consent has been formally secured, the builder will review all the required tasks, cross reference all the information available, including the structural plans, and have detailed discussions with the subcontractors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
As you can see, your builder is integral to the success of your project, and getting to the contract stage is a meticulous process that requires an expert hand, so you must choose your new home builder wisely. Trying to skimp here can have devastating consequences. It’s better to pay a polished, professional team to guide you through these essential steps; it will save you money in the long run and also help you sleep well at night!
The contract is drawn up after discussions around fixed price vs cost markup. There are advantages to both parties for both options. However, choosing a fixed price will reduce the amount of leeway the client will have to make alterations as the project progresses without incurring repricing fees. Fixed price works well if there is pinpoint accuracy in scope and the builder is experienced enough to work in smart contingencies.
This period in your life should be exciting, not stressful. The number one factor in the success of your build will be the new home builders you choose. Look for extensive residential new build experience across a range of styles, transparent processes, excellent communication and a commitment to ongoing support, quality assurance and comprehensive warranty services.
For an outstanding result, choose QBS Construction. Along with proven experience, NZCB membership, Archipro awards and a dedication to creating beautiful, cost-effective, sustainable and highly functional spaces, we recognise that your new home build is not just a project; it should be a dream come true.
Get in touch now to chat about how we can help you realise your vision.
