I’ve never built before, where do I start?
You can begin by contacting us to arrange your Design to Build session with our Managing Director, Richard Phiskie. Richard will meet with you to assist with getting your dream home plans underway, and there is no obligation to build with us after meeting with Richard.
At what stage do I involve a builder?
This can vary with each person. We encourage utilising a builder’s expertise from the start as their broad knowledge of materials and costings can be utilised in reducing overall build costs, however, we are frequently approached once our clients have already been to their architect and this works well too.
WILL I NEED A BUILDING CONSENT?
The majority of building work requires consent, especially with new home builds, apart from exempt work. Each stage of the building process whether it be structural, roofing or even moving services now require a consent which is why involving a builder early is beneficial.
Do I need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)?
With certain projects that are restricted during a build you’ll need a LBP do complete the work. Work involving the building structure, weather tightness, and design of fire safety systems are all required to be completed by a Licensed Building Practitioner. This covers work that is critical to the integrity of a building, for example its envelope and structure. These changes were made to the Building Act 2004 and were introduced March 2012.
Do I need my builder to be a member of an association?
It is highly recommended. By using a member of Registered Master Builders you ensure they are trade qualified, have suitable references and you receive a 10 year Master Builders guarantee. Being a registered master builder means we have the opportunity to enter the annual Registered Master Builders housing awards. Dimension Building has had great success here and are the proud recipients of five Gold Awards, three Gold Reserve Awards, a Lifestyle Award, three Category wins, a Craftsmanship Award for Dedication to Quality and Overall Supreme Award for House of the Year for Mid and South Canterbury. For us, this gives our crew the recognition they deserve but also our existing and future clients the comfort in knowing we are reputable, first rate award winners that back up their claims of perfection on the NZ stage. This being said it is entirely up to the home owners whether or not their dream home is entered into these awards.
Are all building companies the same?
No. Here at Dimension we specialise in detailed architectural building. This means we have the knowledge to understand and carry out all work related to complicated architectural drawings and the onsite management capability to see these drawings turn into successful projects. Projects that run smoothly, that are delivered on time and that are executed with our award winning standards. It also means however, that because we are used to dealing with such detail oriented projects, when it comes to more simpler construction work, we are a fast, efficient and accomplished
Do I get a guarantee?
Yes. When you build with Dimension Building you’ll receive the best new home build guarantee available so you can feel comfortable that your job will be done right, the first time. By using a Master Builder, you will also be eligible to apply for a 10 year guarantee for further peace of mind. In addition to this you also receive our personal Dimension Building guarantee.
How can I keep the building project within my budget?
Here at Dimension Building we use a 268 Point Quality Control Checklist so that we can ensure every detail of your build is as planned, delivered on time and on budget. Nothing hinders the enjoyment of the building process like costs running high. As with most builds there are sometimes alterations that you may wish to add or change as the project evolves. To accommodate this, we price any changes or alterations to the plans prior to engaging in any of the work related to them. We then require your signature acknowledging any adjustments in price. This way you will know how much any additions or alterations will cost prior to signing off on them and before any of the work related to them has begun. This ensures there are NO hidden surprises and you remain on budget.
Should I request a fixed price or a charge up?
Fixed price can give more certainty at the outset, and works well in new builds. However there is more than likely going to be certain “tagged” items of the build where a price cannot be given, until things such as product selection occurs i.e bathroom tiles. The price will remain an estimation or PC sum until this happens.
