Hi there,
Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations on a new home builder in Wellington?
And any advice to look out for when selecting one and throughout the build process.
Thanks in advance

-cloud - 2021-10-02 10:11:00

Double and triple check any contract with your lawyer around the costs and whether fixed or final cost. Ensure there are no clauses that will allow cost increases as material and labour costs are rising and cost overruns are becoming common. Also factor in potential delays caused by material shortages. Some builds are being delayed by shortage of even very basic components or needing substitution of materials, often more expensive.

sparkychap - 2021-10-02 11:53:00

You would be very lucky to get a fixed price to build contract now due the the economic situation .

martin11 - 2021-10-02 14:46:00

sparkychap wrote:

Double and triple check any contract with your lawyer around the costs and whether fixed or final cost. Ensure there are no clauses that will allow cost increases as material and labour costs are rising and cost overruns are becoming common. Also factor in potential delays caused by material shortages. Some builds are being delayed by shortage of even very basic components or needing substitution of materials, often more expensive.

All fair enough, but.....

A tight turn key fixed price contract can have unexpected outcomes. Prices ARE rising, labour shortages ARE a problem, and material Shortages exit.

So common outcomes are:

- builder liquidates company when completion is uneconomic, no end og grief for the buyer, builder moves on with little loss.

- Many contracts have termination clauses if completion date is not meet by weeks or months. This allows the buyer to back out, but it also allows the builder/developer to do the same, then sell on for a higher price.

tony9 - 2021-10-02 18:33:00

Not many fixed-price contracts now, because the QS must include worst-case costs.
It is better to have some type of cost-plus contract; prices will increase and you only pay the actual. But get it checked carefully by a lawyer and have a generous contingency fund.

masturbidder - 2021-10-03 21:05:00

Allow an extra 20% for cost increases and a finish date is impossible to achieve because of chronic material shortages.

bryshaw - 2021-10-04 10:55:00

http://www.buildwise.co.nz/aboutus/
This guy, Simon Middleton, is an amazing builder. I've just read his testimonials and couldn't agree more. He is all those things and more.

Highly recommended. He covers all the bases and thinks of everything. But of course he might be busy - being so good he'll be sought over. All the best and I hope you get him!!

yapper - 2021-10-10 13:01:00

I meant 'sought after' of course! lol.

yapper - 2021-10-10 18:49:00