Home Building Overview

• This guide is designed to be a useful working tool for you, the homeowner, as you go through your building project. We’ve split the website up so that you can think through each item as it comes up and even work ahead so that you’re anticipating each step and are prepared for it when it comes.

  

• Undertaking a building project is a challenging time and can be immensely enjoyable or thoroughly frustrating.

• We hope this guide will help you avoid many of the problems that can crop up and that we help your project be a source of pride for you on an ongoing basis.

• Be prepared for large draw on your time and, of course, your budget.

• Be prepared for major frustrations and stress.

• Make sure your work colleagues know that you’re about to got through this – you will need understanding from your managers because of the time demands on you – be prepared to be called on to site to make instantaneous decisions about things.

• We welcome your input into the website. Remember – this is not designed to be a replacement for a project manager and it is especially not a replacement for building inspections – these are a stipulation of the Building Act.

• Rather, this is a resource with features to help you keep track of your project, stimulate ideas and to remind you of things to look out for.

Chances are it will take longer than your builder estimates and longer than you think. Prepare for delays, frustrations and minor irritations. Hopefully, that’s all you’ll have.

• The length of the project will be affected by availability of the builder and sub-contractors.

• Also, weather and sometimes availability of materials specified can cause delays. Understand and accept that this will happen and you will reduce stress levels in all parties, however, regular followups and meetings with builders and sub-contractors can ensure work progresses as quickly as possible and problems can be identified early on.

• A good relationship with your builder at this stage can be the difference between work going smoothly or otherwise. Ensure lines of communication are regular, clear and courteous.

• Disputes can be dealt with through discussion first, arbitration and mediation second, legally as a tragic fallback position.

Remember – this guide is not designed to be a replacement for a project manager and it is especially not a replacement for building inspections – these are a stipulation of the Building Act. Rather, this is a work book for you to keep track of the project, stimulate ideas and to remind you of things to look out for.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY HOME BUILDING!

From the Publisher