choosing to build?

Building your own home is a significant decision, but, it comes with a plethora of benefits that can make it an incredibly rewarding experience. From financial advantages to the joy of customisation, here’s why you should consider building your dream home.

Customisation and Personalisation

One of the most compelling reasons build your own home is the ability to tailor every aspect to your preferences. When you buy an existing property, you often have to compromise on design, layout, and features. Building your own home means you have complete control over everything, from the architectural style to the interior finishes. You can create spaces that perfectly suit your lifestyle, whether that’s an open-plan living area, a bespoke kitchen, or a spacious garden.

Financial Benefits

Building your own home can also offer significant financial benefits. While the initial costs might seem high, here are a couple of key long-term savings and potential gains:

Equity: When you build, you often create immediate equity. By the time your home is completed, it might be worth more than the combined cost of the land and construction.
Energy Efficiency: New builds are generally more energy-efficient, incorporating the latest standards in insulation, heating, and appliances. This can lead to significant savings on your utility bills.

Quality and Modern Standards

New homes are built to current building codes and standards, which means they’re often safer, more durable, and more efficient than older homes. Modern materials and construction techniques ensure better insulation, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. Additionally, new builds often come with warranties, providing peace of mind for any potential issues that might arise.

Quality Assurance with Guarantees

Following the leaky home crisis, all new homes built today are required to comply with much stricter guidelines and regulations. This is great if you’re building new as you can rest assured that you’ll be covered should any issues arise. All new homes are covered under The Building Act, which gives you a 10 year implied guarantee. Building companies like Westmoreland Residential also offer comprehensive guarantees to protect you and your home. After you move in you’ll also be covered by a 10 year weather tightness, maintenance and structural guarantee.

Less Maintenance

Being a new build, with properly resourced materials, your new home is less likely to be high maintenance. While some homes require its' materials to be maintained frequently - for example plaster homes needing painting and in some cases recladding - your new home is likely to be built of quality, modern products that are both environmentally conscious and more easily maintained.

Emotional Satisfaction

There’s something uniquely satisfying about watching your dream home take shape and knowing that every corner of it has been designed with your personal touch. The sense of accomplishment and the emotional connection to a home you’ve built can’t be matched by purchasing an existing property.

Over all, there are great reasons to chose to build a home - it is a chance to build your home.

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There are many reasons to look into building your own home - and we make it easy with a conversation to get you started

Why choose us

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at willie@westmoreland.co.nz if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What are the benefits of building a new home compared to buying an existing one?

Add an suit your needs and preferences. New builds often come with modern amenities, better energy efficiency, and fewer maintenance issues. Additionally, new homes are built to current building standards, ensuring safety and durability.

How long does the building process typically take from start to finish?

From the time the building starts, the building process in New Zealand typically takes around 6 to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as factors like weather and the availability of materials and tradespeople. However, it is important to keep in mind that when you are looking to design your own home, and not adapting one that has already received its' consent, your design and decision making process are not included in this timeline and can take anywhere from months to years (if you're indecisive, or have a plan that requires tricky designs and consents).

What is the average cost per square metre for building a new home?

The cost per square metre can vary significantly based on location, design, and finishes. On average, you might expect to pay between $2,500 to $4,000 per square metre. It’s important to get detailed quotes from builders to understand the full cost. If you would like a quote from us, please feel free to get in touch!

Can I customise the design and features of my new home?

Yes, building a new home allows for extensive customisation. You can work with architects and builders to design a home that suits your lifestyle, including layout, materials, and finishes. We can also offer a range of standard plans that can be customised.

What should I look for when choosing a builder or construction company?

Look for a builder with a solid reputation, proven experience, and positive reviews from previous clients. Ensure they are registered with the Registered Master Builders Association or New Zealand Certified Builders. Ask to see examples of their previous work and check that they offer clear, detailed contracts and warranties. We like to keep everything easy to access and so you can see our previous work here on our website by clicking 'OUR BUILDS' or 'CLIENT BUILDS'.

Are there any hidden costs or additional expenses that I should be aware of?

Additional expenses can include site preparation, consents and permits, landscaping, and connection to utilities. It’s important to have a detailed contract that outlines all costs and to budget for contingencies, typically around 10-15% of the total project cost. We have the experience to ensure we really upfront with these costs - if you have received a quote from another builder who hasn't included contingencies, or there are variances between quotes we are happy to offer a second opinion. It is best to know early on what to expect!

How does financing work for a new build, and what options are available?

Financing a new build often involves a construction loan, which is different from a standard mortgage. This loan is typically released in stages as the construction progresses. It’s advisable to speak with a mortgage broker or lender who specialises in construction loans to understand your options and get pre-approved for financing. If you would like some advice, feel free to reach out and we can connect you with some great advisors.

What warranties and guarantees are provided with a new build?

New builds in New Zealand come with a 10-year Building Act warranty, covering structural defects and workmanship issues. Additionally, we offer our own guarantee, known as the Master Build Guarantee, which provides extra protection against defects and non-completion.

What is the process for obtaining necessary permits and approvals for construction?

We would typically handle the process of obtaining building consents from your local council. This includes submitting detailed plans and specifications for approval. The process can take several weeks, so it’s important to factor this into your project timeline!

How can I ensure the quality and durability of materials used in the construction?

We only work with reputable suppliers who use high-quality, durable materials. Ensure that the contract specifies the materials to be used and that they meet New Zealand building standards. Regular site visits and independent inspections can also help ensure quality throughout the construction process.

choosing to build?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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