Here we explain the design and build process further, and what to expect. Whilst we also offer a range of Set Plans that are already designed, our design and Build service gives you a bespoke home.

Some clients choose to get their plans drawn independently, and then tender out for the best price. The problem with this is that if there are any design errors, any costs to correct these in the construction stage are the responsibility of the client - and these costs may run into the thousands. Our input from the start (from a building perspective) ensures that any errors are identified during the design process, so that there are no surprises in the price. We also design to your budget, as we know what things cost.

This means we take care of the all the technical details, which allows us deliver your project faster, better and for the best price. You are dealing with one person, from initial concept through to completion. Here are some of our designs that have become reality.

If you require financial help, we can help provide documents for your existing . We can also recommend dealing with New Zealand Home Loans, see the information below for contact details.

The Process

Whether starting from scratch or adding extra space, new building works are planned. Building is a complex and demanding process, there are hundreds or thousands of details in a typical project and all require thinking about, pricing and getting correct. If it is a new building it may be based upon a ‘standard plan’, which speeds the process up. On the other hand it may involve a completely new design. Elements such as the land contours, access, sun, views etc all impact upon the ideal way of preparing the design plans for your building. And for that reason, choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you will make.

We can arrange an obligation free visit to your proposed building site to establish its suitability for your new home. If you require assistance in obtaining a suitable site for your new home, or finance, we can help and give advice on this. We then start forming a plan of your new home.

Step 1 - Concept plans

The first step in the Design process is Concepts. We have a meeting and discuss the major aspects of your house. This conversation will take into account your 'must haves' - number of rooms required, general style and, most importantly, your budget. This is the time to think about how you want to live in, and out of your house, and a good checklist is essential to ensure that your home meets your current and future needs. We then discuss your 'want list' - things that you would love to have if your budget allows. We are open and honest about what does (and doesn't) fall within your budget, and we will design a house style and size that will fit your budget.

Once we have these basic details, the concept plans are drawn up. This shows you the site plan, the floor plan and how the house will look from the outside (elevations). We also show you a 3D perspective of the house, which allows you to see a virtual model of what the house looks like, and what rooms look like inside. The 3D walk around gives you the chance to ask for and see changes in real time, such as cladding options and roofing, as well as adding, removing and adjusting window and door sizes, and changing room layouts. A small fee is charged for this service to cover our designing costs.

Step 2 - Consent plans

Once concept plans are completed, we give you the cost of drawing up the final consent ready plans. Our aim is to keep this cost to a minimum, but nowadays, with conditions imposed by the New Zealand Building Act and the requirements for compliance with the New Zealand Standards, we will inevitably require the services of a registered engineer to oversee and report on the structural aspects of the proposed building. But don't worry, we organise this for you if an engineer is required. These plans will have all the construction details required for building consent. At the start of this stage you need to also think about and confirm certain elements in your new home that we have to show on the plans - heating, floor coverings, bathroom fixtures and fittings - all of these things that can impact on the plans and the price depending on your choices.

After completion of these plans we also have enough details to finalise the price to build your home. Before we do that we chat to you about any items you want to do or provide yourself. For example some clients like to provide their own light fittings, or have a preferred supplier/subcontractor that they want to use. Plans are then submitted into council, any necessary additions or subtractions are made to the price presentation, and a Master Build Contract is presented and signed.

Step 3 - The Build 

Plans come out of council and we are underway! We give you a product choices list and you select all of your personal colour choices for carpet, paint, kitchen and bathroom joinery. This means that once the build is underway there are no delays in waiting for product to arrive, as it is all pre-ordered. We manage the build from start to finish including all compliance, keeping you well informed along the way.

Whether it is a Design & Build, or Build only option, you will generally choose your builders based on three factors: 

Budget and Pricing
Probably the very first thing you do when you want to renovate or build a new house is to decide on what you can afford to spend. Then you decide on what you consider are the essentials in your new home. Three bedrooms? Five? A media room? This is sometimes when your budget does not match your expectations and you need to balance the needs with the wants. Fixtures, fittings and finishes can also make a huge difference to the bottom line. One of the architects main tasks is to create plans that match your ideas, dreams and budget. Then it's up to the builder to turn those dreams into a reality. We do have more information about pricing on our FAQ's page.

If getting tenders for their new home, some people will choose the lowest price, perhaps at the expense of quality, value and service. At Joseph Builders we will talk you through the pricing process, letting you know where you can save money and what the important things to spend money on are. We will let you know what is and isn't included in the price and to understand what you are getting for your quote. We don't undercut to secure the job and then bombard you with lots of hidden extra costs. The other thing to remember is that you cannot assume that everyone who prices your plans will deliver the same level of quality. That's why the next two points are as important, if not more important than price.

Reputation/Ability
One of the best ways to choose a builder is through word of mouth. Talk to family, friends and neighbours about building experiences. Sometimes someone that you have in mind may not be the best choice for you, or you may hear of another recommendation. At Joseph Builders we pride ourselves on the fact that we have a number of home owners who are happy tell you how they found the experience with us. See one of our references here. We have been in business for nearly three decades, and you do not do that without quality of work.

We don't have a show home, because we want the home we build for you to be your own custom made show home. We have the staff and a trusted list of subcontractors who will do the best job they can to make sure that you are 100% happy with the final product. As Master Builders, up front we offer you a Master Builders guarantee, which for a small amount covers you if something goes wrong.

Trust and Communication
You are about to give a very large sum of money to a builder. So you need to trust them and be sure that they are going to do the right thing. You also want to choose someone who keeps you up to date with how your build (and budget) is going. We pride ourselves on the fact that we do return emails and phone calls, no question is ever too silly and we will always listen to what you have to say.

Our Project Managers keep in constant contact once a project has started, and we electronically document the build process, which is especially helpful if you don’t live near site.  We keep you up to date with the program and arrange meetings with our suppliers when selections are required.  From day one you are kept up to date with what is happening on your build.

The Master Builder website has further information about the building process, further The Building Book is a good guide for what to expect.

New Zealand Home Loans

I started working at New Zealand Home Loans in 2023 following 15 years of working for one of the big banks.  The reason for the move was wanting to get back to building customer relationships and giving customers the care and attention they deserve, rather than just telling them to ‘do it online’.  Buying or building a home is the biggest purchase you will make in your life and it’s only fair that you have someone you can talk to through the process.

I’m known for going the extra mile to try and make a deal work, and if it’s not possible now, I will let my customers know what they need to do to get there.

I will work around the needs of the customer.  My customers are all busy and I will try and accommodate with making an appointment time to suit them.  It’s not unusual for me to have an evening appointment or an appointment over the weekend if during working hours doesn’t work.

I’ve built two houses of my own so have a good idea of the building process and good advice around managing progressive payments.

A long story short, I work very similarly to Joseph Builders.  I want to give you a good quality product, at a good price with no unexpected costs, and be available to guide you through the process.