After decades of building innovative, industry-defining homes for New Zealand’s homeowners, Stonewood Homes is able to provide essential insights and practical pre-build tips for first time home investors. We believe that the key to a home that holds its value and integrity lies in taking the time to consider aspects such as land selection, design, financing and much more. If you’re considering building a house, here are 10 things you should know before you start!
Expert Tips for New Build Houses
The time you spend in planning before a home construction begins is just as valuable as the money you invest in the project. Here are our top home builder tips:
Prioritise Land Selection
The topography of the land plays an important role in how cost-effective the construction will be. The greater the slope, the more engineering will be required to make it level. When it comes to ease of construction, a home builder will have to determine whether the site can be easily accessed by heavy-equipment.
Financing for Home Construction
Even a meticulously planned budget can prove to be incorrect when it comes to construction, so always plan for contingencies and work with a reputed professional when building a new home.
Building Type
Most people assume that building a house means sticking to one style of construction. Today, there are number of home types available such as:
- Conventional homes that require contractors. While this is the traditional option that is preferred by most homeowners, it can be time consuming and prone to delays.
- Prefabricated homes are an excellent, modern option. The components are manufactured in factories where each part is made with precision and tested thoroughly.
Design and Layout
Stonewood Homes advises clients to select a design that not only reflects the customer’s personality and present requirements, but also their future plans.
Building Materials
The quality of building materials is perhaps the most important aspect in new build houses. Although quality materials do cost more, they are the only way to guarantee resilience, durability, safety and lower maintenance costs.
Hire a Professional
Experience is a crucial factor when it comes to new home builds. It is best to hire builders and architects who have the practical skills to build on different types of land and take on varied design challenges.
Energy Efficiency
A new build is an opportunity to incorporate cutting-edge energy efficient features such as high-performance insulation, sustainably sourced materials and appliances that use less energy.
Future Maintenance Costs
Owning a home is about more than the initial investment. Homeowners must consider how costly future maintenance is likely to be, as well as potential upgrades they may want to make to the structure.
Permits and Regulations
Building a new home in New Zealand includes all if not some of the following:
- Various building consents
- Approvals for variations
- Geotech and other inspections
- Obtaining a code of compliance
Timelines and Quality Control
House construction is a lengthy process that requires timelines, deadlines and regular inspections to ensure that the project will be completed on time and meets your standards.
Understanding the New Home Build Process in New Zealand
Thorough planning and informed decisions are crucial during a home build in New Zealand. Whether you’re finalising a layout or trying to choose the right financing option, it’s always a good idea to speak with experts who can shed light on the best ways to proceed. Contact Stonewood Homes to begin your home-building journey today.
