[suebeenz]

I'm finding there doesn't seem to be much bang for buck for houses out there in the area. Building sounds like it could be worthwhile, but I feel pretty overwhelmed with the idea of buying a section and getting a builder. (and plans for that matter)

Can anyone offer any words of advice here? Is it really a money saving endeavor, or is it just being able to get what you want? I work full time, so I don't imagine that I'd be able to spend much time checking up on builders. That makes me think that semi-prefab type houses, like lockwood (http://www.lockwood.co.nz/range/lifestyle/winton.php) might be the ticket, however, I've heard some bad things about lockwood (noisy-creaky being one of them).

Anybody have a favourite planner in NZ, (and builder in Raglan)?

Much appreciated!

[Caroline and Dave]

Hi,
We have looked into this in detail mainly because of the dire state of a lot of property in NZ. That is not to say that there are no decent properties,there are but if you want proper insulation,central heating etc,then buying a section and building your own is a good option and it does work out cheaper.
We have now decided on our builder and the price we are paying we are saving about $300000 dollars than if we had bought straight off the market. Ok this is a luxury house but you will save whatever costings you are thinking of. Marie P is the best person to advise you on this.
We decided to go with award winning buiders and we have also been in touch with people who have had property built and they are very satisfied.
The 3 builders we looked at are
www.gjgardner.co.nz
www.davidreidhomes.co.nz
www.signaturehomes.co.nz
In the end we have decided to go with Signaturehomes as they were really good value and have an extremely friendly team but I have no doubt that the others are as good.
Hope this info helps. feel free to pm us if you want to know more

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[Caroline and Dave]

I forgot to add this which you may find useful
www.buildyourdream.co.nz

Dave and Caroline

[Jules]

however, I've heard some bad things about lockwood (noisy-creaky being one of them).

The new ones are ok, they dont creak. We live in a lockwood but it is one of the older ones and yes it does creak but you soon get used to it!!!!

Jules

[suebeenz]

Dave and Caroline, thanks so much for the URLs.

I had considered Signature Homes, but hadn't really heard about them through network of friends (of friends of friends). So that's great that you're hearing about satisfied customers. I have a natural tendency to not trust the big brandname builders, after hearing stories about similar overseas companies.

I'd be very curious to hear what percentage over estimates your costs end up being. That is, all the extra hidden/unforeseen costs. Also, curious to find out how much of a time drain you guys find it to 'babysit' the build.

One person keeps telling me "Don't build, don't build - it's really time consuming." Another, "Building our house almost cost us our marriage." So, I'm pretty freaked out about the idea now. :laugh

Central heating, ventilation, good insulation, floors that don't creak, double glaze windows, non-leaky roofs. I think it might be worth it. :)

I'll do some more research. Thanks again!