Below is a list of key due diligence and general building questions to ask your builder — along with our answers, so you know what to expect when working with us. We’ve also included thought-provoking questions to help you prepare before meeting with your builder.
Due Diligence Questions
Will you supply a Building Act Checklist?
Yes. You can download a copy of the Building Act Checklist here.
Note: All building contractors are required to supply this checklist under the Building Act 2004.
Will you supply a Disclosure Statement?
Yes. We will supply this at our second meeting.
Note: All building contractors are required to supply this Disclosure Statement under the Building Act 2004.
Will you supply a Building Contract?
Yes. We will supply a New Zealand Certified Builders Association Contract. This will be signed prior to any work starting.
Is your LBP a direct employee of your company or a subcontractor?
Shaun Murphy is the Managing Partner of Vista Homes
What Class Category does your LBP have?
Carpentry and Site 2
Are you a member of a NZ building Association?
Yes. Certified Builders Association of New Zealand.
Does your Company have a Health & Safety System?
Yes. Vista Homes is a member of Hazard Co and we have a Health & Safety Plan for every site.
Is your team Site Safe trained?
Yes. All Vista Homes employees have Site Safe Passports.
In the unlikely event something happens during my building project am I covered?
Yes. We insist that all our clients get Certified Builders Halo 10 Year Guarantee Insurance. The best part is, should you decide to sell, the guarantee automatically passes over to the new owner.
What does the Halo 10 Year Guarantee Insurance cover me for?
As a member of Certified Builders we can offer you the most comprehensive 10 year residential building guarantee on the market, Halo.
Halo is a unique, independent building insurance. You can check what you are covered for here.
Does your company have a 12 month fault warranty?
If you come across any faults after we have finished let us know. We want to remedy these faults for you wherever we can.
*Please note that a fault doesn’t include wear & tear.
General Building Questions
Why are there differences in the quotes I’m getting back from building companies?
Unfortunately, not all building companies offer the same specifications for materials, quality, service and finishes. If you shop around always make sure to compare apples with apples.
How do we ensure that our budget won’t blow out with hidden costs or variations?
Vista Homes estimates don’t have any hidden costs. Our estimates are based on the Building Consent Plans and the known site conditions. Any requested variations to the contract will be signed off by the client prior to any work starting.
What type of variations are typical?
Most variations are upgrades to materials or finishes requested by the client. Occasionally builders may come across an unforeseen cost during the build. If this happens on a Vista Homes project it will be highlighted to the client immediately. A variation would then be signed off so the client doesn’t get a surprise invoice at the end of the build. An example of an unforeseen cost could be asbestos found behind a wall.
How do I know if a building companies service is professional and their work is of a high quality?
Always ask for references and/or speak to previous clients. It also pays to google the LBP and company.
Thought Provoking Questions
Before you talk to a builder you need to ask yourself a few questions first. Use the answers to these questions to shape the discussion with your builder.
What is the main reason behind your project?
e.g. Additional bedroom for the children
How long have you been thinking about renovating?
Lifelong dream, recently inspired…
What must a builder have to become your builder?
Read our Due Diligence and General Building questions to help you decide what is important.
What part of building makes you the most nervous?
We can help alleviate these issues with our extensive experience in project management.
What type of materials and finishes would you like?
Perhaps you have some idea’s from magazines, or online to discuss with your builder?
How much money are you prepared to spend?
Most people hold this card close to their chest as they are worried that the budget will become a target. It’s actually quite the opposite, a good builder will work with your budget to ensure you get your preferred materials and finishes.
Every project begins with a conversation. Ready to start?
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