We love the design-and-build process, and working with both architect and builder from the outset is crucial to the success of your project. To streamline the process well, having the right people involved at the outset and following a robust design-and-build methodology is a winning combination.
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.
Quite often, quantity surveyors are asked to price a project; however, ultimately, quantity surveyors do not build the project. Not using a building company to price can be a missed opportunity to source the right building team for your project.
We are a Design-and-Build company with multiple independent architects, designers, and consultants. We believe in helping connect customers with the right architects and experts.
When we do this well early and provide the necessary expertise, costs, and information needed along the way, the relationship will grow organically based on results.
The Mahi we put in upfront provides the best foundation for a project. Something I learned early from an experienced quantity surveyor is the five Ps: proper preparation prevents poor performance.
Explore our comprehensive guide, “Your Home: 18 Steps to the Design + Build Process,” meticulously crafted to navigate you through every stage of your construction journey.
From initial concepts to the final touches, trust us to lead you seamlessly through the process, ensuring your vision becomes a reality with precision and excellence.
Your architect or designer can now draft the majority of your working drawings of your house build. It might be necessary to apply for resource consent, have your site surveyed, undergo a Geotek report and engage an engineer before these plans can be completed.
These detailed plans show boundaries, specify the dimensions, material types, site contours and drainage requirements. During this stage, a series of appointments between you, your architect, engineer, council and your builder may be required.
Furthermore, it is still possible to make design changes and amend your plans during this stage of the process. However, the more you know about the materials, whiteware, colours, and other finer details the easier the process is through this stage.
Once a full set of plans, details and specifications are prepared, it will be time to
submit to your local council for building consent approval. You will be given a
guideline as to when you can expect approval. However, the council may request
additional information before approval can be granted.
Because the part of the process can be frustrating begin surrounded by the right team will ensure issues are resolved quickly. During this stage, it is a good idea to start that more detailed estimation or quotation of your build process
Once you have obtained building consent, you’re on the way to building a new home.
During the building stage, we will arrange daily or weekly meetings with you to inspect the building site, and make any necessary adjustments to the schedule.
When variations and changes arise we will discuss these with you and decide together how to proceed.
Once the build is finished we will inspect and complete any minor touch ups that may be necessary as well as any last minute requests you might have.
Handing over a house build project is for us the most rewarding stages. It is the moment of truth – have we exceeded what we promised?