Your Building Project is a Partnership
Whether you’re building a new home or undertaking a major renovation, this is likely one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. Tauranga is a thriving building market, and with many builders to choose from, the decision-making process can feel overwhelming.
We believe that the relationship with your builder is a partnership. The right fit can make the difference between a stressful, drawn-out process and a smooth, enjoyable journey. To help you make the best choice, we’ve put together a guide on what to look for in a building partner you can trust.
1. Ask Lots of Questions
Before you even get into the details, remember this: there’s no such thing as a “dumb question.” Building can be a complex process, particularly for those with no prior experience. A professional builder will understand this and should make you feel comfortable asking anything you need to know.
We encourage you to be curious and thorough. The way a builder responds to your questions will tell you a lot about their communication style, transparency, and professionalism. The initial consultation should be a two-way conversation. The builder should ask detailed questions about your vision, budget, and timeline, and you should feel completely comfortable asking them about their process, experience, and anything else on your mind.
2. What are their credentials?
This is the most critical checkpoint. With so many builders out there, how can you be sure they are qualified, trustworthy, and will ensure your home is built to the highest standards and legal requirements? Consider verifying these three credentials:
- Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP): This is a legal requirement for most residential building work in New Zealand. The LBP scheme ensures that builders have been assessed as competent and are committed to professional standards. Always ask for their LBP number and verify it on the official public register.
- Registered Master Builders: While not a legal requirement, choosing a Registered Master Builder offers a significant layer of security and peace of mind. To become a member, builders are thoroughly vetted based on their building experience, qualifications, and financial responsibility. A major benefit is the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, which provides comprehensive protection for your investment, covering everything from loss of deposit and non-completion to structural defects.
- Award-Winning Recognition (An Indicator of Excellence): A builder’s success in respected industry awards is a powerful indicator of their commitment to the highest quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. Ask if the builder has won or been a finalist in prestigious competitions, such as the Registered Master Builders House of the Year awards.
3. How long have they been building, and what is their experience?
A builder’s track record is a strong indicator of their reliability and skill. While a new builder isn’t necessarily a bad choice, more years in business often means they have weathered various market conditions and refined their processes.
Crucially, you need to understand their experience with your specific type of project.
- Is your project a renovation or a new build? Renovating an older home, for instance, requires a different skill set than building from the ground up.
- What about the scale and complexity? While many builders excel at standard home designs, these projects often don’t provide the experience needed for complex, architecturally designed homes. Always ask for examples of similar complex work they have completed.
4. Is choosing a local builder important to you?
In a close-knit community like Tauranga, a local builder’s reputation is their most valuable asset. They are known in the community and have a greater incentive to do a high-quality job that stands the test of time.
- Local Knowledge: A builder with extensive experience in the Bay of Plenty is familiar with the unique challenges of the area, from specific soil conditions to navigating the complexities of the Western Bay and Tauranga City Council consent processes.
- Established Relationships: They will have strong, long-standing relationships with local suppliers, subcontractors, and tradespeople. This can lead to smoother project execution and quicker problem-solving.
- Accessibility: A local builder is more accessible for site meetings and quick discussions. They are invested in the community and will be available long after the project is complete. This is not only convenient but can also be beneficial for the budget by reducing travel time and costs.
5. Proof of past happy clients
A good builder should be proud of their work, and their relationships with past clients are the best proof of their quality and reliability. They should be happy to provide you with a project portfolio and client testimonials.
For the most valuable insight, ask to visit a current or recently completed project or speak directly with a past client. This is the ultimate way to get a firsthand glimpse into their professionalism, craftsmanship, and work ethic.
6. Does the fit feel right to you?
While all the technical considerations are important, the final decision often comes down to your gut feeling. This is a long-term relationship based on trust and rapport. You will be discussing your home, finances, and dreams with this person. Do you feel a sense of trust? Do you get a good vibe from them? Do they listen to your concerns? Do they explain things in a clear, easy-to-understand way? Choose a builder whose communication style aligns with yours.
Final Thought: The Whole Picture, Not Just the Bottom Line
When comparing quotes, it can be tempting to simply choose the cheapest option. However, we urge you to consider the whole picture. The lowest quote may be a result of a builder cutting corners, lacking a detailed scope, insufficient allowances, etc. It’s important to check you’re comparing apples with apples.
A mistake in a building project can be far more costly to fix in the long run than paying a fair price for a reputable builder upfront. Choosing the right builder is about securing peace of mind and ensuring the final result is a quality home you will love for years to come.
