New Stonewood Homes franchisees are making the most of exclusive software that helps buyers visualise their designs and better understand their budgets.
Daniel and Kirstie Wells, who bought the Bay of Plenty franchise in early 2024, say the innovative HOMEi software, alongside their wealth of construction industry experience, gives house buyers a deeper understanding of their building projects.
“Rather than the design process taking 3-4 months, it can be decided in 1-2 sessions with the client,” says Daniel.
Sally Chiplin shows HOMEi software to a client at Stonewood Bay Of Plenty Showroom
The Stonewood Homes core range of house plans are loaded into the software where measurements, materials and layouts can be easily adjusted with a click of a button. The live pricing feature shows clients exactly where their money is going and where they can save or spend to suit their requirements.
This innovative process saves the need for initial architect or quantity surveyor consults, and significantly reduces the time and money spent in correspondence with suppliers and contractors.
“We can show clients 20 different claddings in five minutes, and they can see the exact price difference in every option. It saves them from having to go and do the research themselves and they can make their decision on the spot.”
The house plans can be manipulated on the screen so buyers can experiment with different room sizes and usage, wall placements and design details.
“The software can be very effective in managing budgets. Clients might decide that they would rather opt for more cost-effective carpet, and when they see that cost drop down, they realise that they could put those savings into a nicer kitchen.”
The transparency and efficiency of the software integrated process keeps the client engaged throughout.
“Without the software, we would have to get an estimate cost from every subcontractor and supplier and wait to receive their responses, which would often take up to four weeks. In that time, clients might have lost interest or have gone to another builder, so the fact that we can generate a price for them in a few hours is really appealing.”
Making the process even more efficient, Daniel and Kirstie can work through this process entirely online by sending live software links over email, giving the client time and space to explore the 3D render of their new home.
Having previously contracted to Stonewood Homes many times as a builder in Tauranga, Daniel found the franchise model appealing due to the flexibility in design and trusted national service that it provides, so jumped at the chance to purchase the Bay of Plenty franchise in early 2024.
Stonewood Homes Bay Of Plenty is open to the public
“Our extensive construction experience and previous business ownership equip us with valuable insights, being able to offer clients the best value for their money and a smooth building process from design to handover,” says Daniel.
As a part of the trusted Stonewood Homes brand, Daniel and Kirstie are focused on being the most reliable builders that deliver the best quality in the region – not necessarily the biggest.
Originally from Hamilton and spending his 15-year building career in Tauranga, Daniel knows the Bay of Plenty region well and recognises the significant growth surrounding the main city.
As well as retirees flocking to Papamoa to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, a lot of younger people are also searching for a slower pace and are moving from the bigger cities like Hamilton and Auckland, he says.
Stonewood Homes Bay of Plenty covers the areas of Waihi, Tauranga, Rotorua and out east to Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki.
Areas like Te Puke and Ōmokoroa are becoming popular as they are more affordable but still within 30 minutes of Tauranga city. Significant infrastructure improvements like new supermarkets and shopping complexes are being built to support the population growth, as well as improved roads for efficient and safe access to all amenities.
Working together with his wife Kirstie, Daniel will take on the project management side of the franchise while Kirstie will use her quantity surveying expertise to manage the costing process and administration.
The franchise offers a wide range of services in urban and suburban settings, and lifestyle blocks – including knockdown rebuilds, turnkey homes, and house and land packages to suit every budget and preference.
The Stonewood Homes Bay of Plenty franchise is open from 19 September 2024, and Daniel and Kirstie’s new showroom will feature a range of supplier products. Visitors are welcome to experience the HOMEi software in action, with the franchise offering a two-hour free consult as a grand opening offer.
