CHOOSE A BUILDER
The construction industry has never been so busy and builders are booked up months ahead, some are booked up well into 2024.
First establish exactly what it is you want building as there are many specialists who excel at their speciality but might not be the right person for your job.
For example, if you are building or renovating a new home you’d select from new home builders. Others may offer standard plans and then work with you to modify them. These are more likely to be turn-key houses sold by national or local franchises.
When embarking on a building project ask around for references and recommendations from friends and colleagues and physically talk to others who have used their services.
The larger the project the more investigation it will require as building a new home and renovating is a major financial undertaking.
You might want a more specific project undertaken such as French windows installing or new windows, a deck or fence. Seek out quotes, look at websites and chat to suppliers about their services before accepting a quote. Make sure you have a contract in writing and don’t accept the cheapest quote before comparing like with like. Also check out guarantees and whether they have builders guarantee insurance.
The Registered Master Builders and NZ Certified Builders Association are the two industry organisations for builders although there are plenty of builders who do not belong to either. Registered Master Builders has a web site where you can search for a member, and they also have a prestigious annual competition in which homes throughout NZ are judged. Every year there are winners from Taupo and the Central regions representing the best available.
You can now check an electronic public register to see if your builder or tradesperson is a licensed building practitioner. Being licensed provides you with an assurance that the practitioner has shown they have the skills, knowledge and experience to meet government-backed national standards.
An important aspect often overlooked is how well you relate to, and communicate with your builder. It’s easy to assume that you understand what has been agreed but always follow up with plans, diagrams and instructions in writing.