My Account
Architects tell you one thing, independent builders something else. Group builders combine the two services and will give you advice based on their specific building styles (and their restrictions), methods and supplier allegiances.
The best way forward is to make sure you find someone who knows how to deal with your land the best.
This is because, while the design and build of your new home can easily be aligned with your needs and budget, when it comes to the section, that’s often where the design and budget can go right out the window!
The section you are building on will have more to say about the design and cost of your home than you would probably imagine. It is critically important that the design is sympathetic to the land in order to manage your budget better.
A sloping section, for example, doesn’t necessarily need a flat building platform (with all its retaining, blockwork, drainage, compacted engineered soil). Rather, it may be better to build the house on piles or even split level the home. Likewise a concrete slab may be a better choice for a dead flat section.
Piles with a wooden subfloor are great if you have a sloping site; want a deck; you’re building on flood prone areas; want easy access to drainage or electrical at a later stage, have plans to add on at a later stage.
Concrete slabs are great if you want patio or deck living only one step or so off the ground. Concrete slabs can be built on a slope with blockwork (which creates its own retaining) but this is very expensive in comparison to timber piled homes.
So many builds end up ‘fighting’ with the land because the “experts” gave the wrong advice, and the customer’s bank account can be the loser. Such advice may be given because it keeps the builder’s costs down and fits within their preferred model, but it’s your right to seek flexibility and make sure you’re happy with the solution provided. It’s your home, after all. So ask around, search online, make phone calls until you find an approach that works for your site.
Building advice on tap
Do you need to re-roof? Are you unsure about building consents? Karen and Nigel are happy to answer building questions or queries from readers. Email karyn@trenzhomes.co.nz and the answers will be included in upcoming columns.
