Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that the choice of building your dream home comes with many overwhelming questions. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked. If you do not find your answer here, please get in contact with our friendly team.
1. At what stage do I involve a builder?
This can vary with each person, some are willing to come up with a plan and design on their own and some are more than happy to have a builders expertise from the start. This can be a good idea, especially with new home builds as there tends to be complications and details that the professionals know. This can help in reducing price of the overall build as well as time.
2. 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 they’ll all need a consent which is why involving a builder early is beneficial.
3. Do I need a licensed building practitioner (LBP)?
With certain projects that are restricted during a build you’ll need an LBP do complete the work. Work involving the building structure, weather tightness, and design of fire safety systems are all required to be completed from 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 brought in on March 2012.
4. Do I need my builder to be a member of an association?
Master Builders offer the most comprehensive and competitive range of guarantee products available in the market. Only a Registered Master Builder can offer them to you the best guarantee products from the best builders. We can also then apply for your 10-year Master Builders Guarantee on your behalf, which without membership you cannot have.
5. Why use specialist architectural home builders?
Building in and around Queenstown is a very different task to building a home in a subdivision in a big city that requires no architectural features or covenants to be adhered to. We have now worked in a number of homes in Queenstown where strict guidelines have had to be adhered to and have become experts in this area.
6. Do I get a guarantee?
Yes. With Ferguson Builders receive the best new home build guarantee around so you can feel comfortable that the job will be done right. We’ll maintain constant communication with you throughout the build so you’re not left in the dark, ensure your home is built on time and to the agreed budget, as well as our team will be respectful and treat your home like our own. By using a Master Builder, you will also be eligible to apply for a 10-year Master Build Guarantee 10 year warranty for further peace of mind.
7. How can I keep my building project on budget?
At Ferguson Builders Ltd Company, we use an online software that is specific to new home builds so that we can ensure every detail is exactly what you had planned as well as managed on time and therefore under budget. After all nothing will lessen the enjoyment of this process for you if costs start to run high.
Of course, with builds, there are unforeseen circumstances or even alterations that you may wish to add, this is why we’ll price up any changes you would like or that are needed prior to starting the work, this way you know how much it will cost and you won’t be surprised.
8. Should I request a fixed price or charge up?
A 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, the price can usually not be confirmed until work begins.
Are you looking to build in Queenstown but are not always here?
Many of our clients are looking to build a dream home, getaway or investment and are not local. We have pulled together the 5 biggest questions we get asked by our clients to help put your mind at ease. Whether you work with us or someone else these are the answers to the questions you will have been asking yourself.
Didn’t Find Your Question? Just Ask Us!
Our director, Rob Ferguson, will personally conduct the session, which is normally valued at $300. However, we are offering the session FREE to people that are
seriously considering building a dream home to help them make informed decisions towards the next step.