It’s a dream that many Kiwi’s aspire to fulfill, but the process can be daunting if you’ve never done it before, so in this article, we help explain – how to build a house in New Zealand?
With breathtaking landscapes like the Mangonui harbour seen above, and diverse architectural styles, New Zealand offers an ideal canvas to create your dream home. But what is the process? We’ve gathered together the most common steps and combined them into the below process. From securing the land to the moment you turn the key in your brand-new home.
1) Secure Land To Build On
It sounds obvious, but you must start with a piece of land to build on. Here at Arcline Architecture we sometimes have clients wanting to design their home before they find their perfect slice of NZ. The difficulty is, that every home should be designed to suit the land its situated on, so you’re putting the cart before the horse!
2) Define Your Vision
Begin with a clear vision. Determine your budget, the type of house you want, and the location you desire. Here in Aotearoa we boast a wide range of landscapes, from coastal views to mountain retreats, each influencing the design and style of your home. Your vision will guide your project from start to finish. You can use our ‘Architects Design Brief Template‘ to guide your thoughts.
3) Design Your Dream Home
Once you’ve settled on a location and budget, it’s time to design your dream home. Collaborate with architects or designers like ourselves to create a home design that aligns with your vision, budget, your site and complies with local regulations. New Zealand’s architectural styles vary from traditional colonial designs to contemporary eco-friendly homes, offering ample scope for personalization.
This is also a great time to get input from a builder, if you’ve already decided on one. They can help with accurate costings so you can confirm early on that the design is going to meet your budget.
To view a simple roadmap of the design process, take a look at Our Process.
4) Obtain Resource & Building Consents
Before construction can begin, you’ll need to secure the required consents and permits from the local Council your site is located in. New Zealand has strict building codes and regulations which are enforced by over 60 different District Council’s around New Zealand. This phase involves obtaining building consent, resource consent (if needed), and adhering to regional regulations, such as earthquake codes in specific areas.
Here at Arcline we look after all of the required consents and permits for our projects we’re involved with. We’re familiar with all various Council’s around the country and ensure they have timely and accurate information to process our clients consents and permits.
5) Choose the Right Builder
Selecting the right builder is pivotal to your project’s success. While your consents and permits are being processed, send your plans and specifications to several builders for pricing. Research and interview them, considering their qualifications, reputation, and experience. Personal recommendations and online reviews can help you make an informed decision. Partnering with a trustworthy builder ensures a smooth construction process and a satisfying end result.
6) The Construction Phase
With all the permits and your chosen builder in place, the construction phase can commence. This is where your dream starts to take shape, from laying the foundation to framing, roofing, and interior work. During this phase, you’ll also make important decisions regarding materials, finishes, and fixtures, which contribute to the overall appearance and functionality of your home.
Don’t underestimate the size of this step – it’s the longest step in the process and is where all you’ve learnt about ‘How to build a house in New Zealand’ will come to fruition!
7) Quality Control & Inspections
New Zealand’s construction standards are high, and inspections are conducted at various stages to ensure compliance with these standards. This may include inspections of the foundation, framing, electrical and plumbing systems, insulation, and more. Be prepared to address any issues that may arise during these inspections to ensure the quality of your home.
Although inspections from your local Council can be seen as a hassle, they’re important to protecting you as the homeowner, the builder, the designer and all other trades involved with the project. They ensure that workmanship is up to standard and are crucial to getting the ‘final signoff’, otherwise known as ‘CCC’ or Code of Compliance.
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'52 Tips For Designing & Building Your Home'
8) Landscaping and Finishing Touches
As construction nears completion, focus on the exterior and landscaping. New Zealand’s natural beauty offers a unique opportunity to connect your home with the environment. Planting native trees and creating outdoor spaces can enhance your property’s charm, while concreting driveways and paths can finish the look of your property and protect the inside of your home from stone and mud.
Indoors, it’s time for the finishing touches, including paint, flooring, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures. These elements allow you to infuse your personal style into your new home.
9) Final Inspection, CCC and Handover
Before moving in, final inspections and quality control checks are performed to ensure everything is in order. This includes closing off all building permits and addressing any remaining issues. Once Code of Compliance (CCC) has been received from the local Council, you will receive the keys to your new home!
Ensure you check your new home from top to bottom, inside out, before your builder leaves. Remember – it’s a brand new home so everything should be ‘as good as new’!
So to answer – How to build a house in New Zealand?
There’s one sure way to learn – by starting! Most of our clients have never built a home before, so here at Arcline we’re about taking your hand and stepping you through the process to make it as easy as possible.
It’s not like buying a car where the options and specs are limited. With building a home the options are far greater as you’re completely custom making your next space to call home.
Contact the Arcline Team today to discuss your project further.