We love the design-and-build process. Working with both architect and builder from the outset is crucial to the success of your project. The right people involved early, following a robust design-and-build methodology – that’s what keeps a project on track.
Price the design concepts early. This ensures the design meets your brief and your budget. When it doesn’t, having an experienced builder engaged to cost and offer solutions keeps momentum moving forward. Unnecessary design costs build up when this step is skipped, and frustration sets in at the early stages.
It’s so important to price the design concepts early to ensure the design meets the brief and the stipulated budget. If not, having a willing and experienced builder engaged to cost and offer solutions to meet the budget is an important part of keeping momentum. I noticed that unnecessary design costs are incurred when this is not done, and frustration can creep into a project at the early stages.
We’re a design-and-build company in Auckland with multiple independent architects, designers, and consultants. We connect you with the right architects and experts for your project.
When we do this well early and provide the right expertise, costs, and information along the way, the relationship grows based on results.
The work we put in upfront provides the best foundation for a project. Something I learned early from an experienced quantity surveyor: the five Ps. Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
Quantity surveyors are often asked to price a project. But they don’t build it. Not using a building company to price can mean missing the right building team for your project.
Our guide, “YOURHOME: 18 Steps to the Design + Build Process,” walks you through every stage of your build – from first conversation to your 12-month quality check.
One structured process. One team. Every step documented so your vision is delivered with the standard it deserves.
Building a custom home starts with an architect or draftsman who listens to your vision and translates your ideas into a design that delivers everything you imagined.
Your architect or designer can now draft the majority of your working drawings. Resource consent, a site survey, a geotech report, and engineer engagement may be required before these plans are completed.
These detailed plans show boundaries, dimensions, material types, site contours, and drainage requirements. Appointments between you, your architect, engineer, council, and your builder may be needed during this stage.
Design changes are still possible here. The more you know about materials, whiteware, colours, and finer details at this point, the smoother this stage runs.
Once a full set of plans, details and specifications are prepared, it’s time to submit to your local council for building consent. Consent typically takes six to eight weeks. The council may request additional information before approval is granted.
This part of the process can be frustrating. Being surrounded by the right team ensures issues are resolved quickly. During this stage, it’s a good time to begin detailed pricing for your design and build project.
Once you’ve obtained building consent, you’re on the way to building your new home.
During the build, we arrange regular site meetings and keep you updated through the digital project portal. Schedule adjustments are communicated in real time.
When variations arise, we discuss them with you and agree how to proceed before work begins.
Once the build is finished, we inspect and complete any final touch-ups, along with any last requests you have.
Handing over your completed home is the most rewarding stage. It’s the moment of truth – have we exceeded what we promised?
