A few things you need to know about and do

1. Home Owner's Checks

Building projects are a substantial investment of your time and money.

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If you are managing the project, you have to keep a close eye on the quality of the work and pick up problems quickly. For example, if the wrong window framing is going in, it needs to be sorted before the wall linings go up.

Even if you’re not the project manager, IT’S YOUR HOME. Make sure you visit regularly to check on quality of work and progress.

You, the builder or the project manager will need to ensure that:

Materials are what is ordered and required.

Timber is at specified moisture levels on installation.

Timber has the correct preservative treatment for its location in the new building.

The house is set out correctly on the site.

Plans and specifications are followed.

Materials are installed to manufacturers’ instructions.

Finished construction is protected from the weather.

2. Bring Problems to the Builder Immediately

It’s far better and easier to replace and fix things now while building is still going on, than wait until the house is finished before pointing it out. Don’t be bullied by the builder or architect. If something is not right, remember - you are the one that has to live with it and it’s amazing how small things over time become big things (remember acorns).
Speak to the project manager (builder or architect or contracted PM) first and let them deal with any problems. It is part of their job and you are paying them for it. This workbook allows you to diarise conversations and decisions in the supplied notes pages following so you can refer to them later, and remember to take photographs, especially of work you’re not happy with.

Important information: the building work to be done will have been set out on the plans accurately, however, boundary pegs get moved accidentally (and sometimes deliberately) so make sure the house is set out correctly before building commences.

3. Managing Your Budget

Make sure you keep a close eye on your spending as work progresses.
Much of the costs will have been covered in assorted quotes from suppliers and your building team, but you may well find that as you progress, you will be making decisions on a daily basis that will have an impact on the costs.
Changing the location of windows, extending eaves, changing a selected material will have major implications for your budget as you will likely have to apply for an amendment to your consent meaning delays in construction, additional council charges – and then you get into buying things like door furniture (not couches for your doors – door handles!). Be prepared!
Try to keep on top of your spend and match it against your estimated costings already done before you start (you DID prepare a budget already, didn’t you?). Go to our Build-Your-Budget page so you can keep on top of things as you go.

A few things you need to know about and do

1. Home Owner's Checks

2. Bring Problems to the Builder Immediately

Important information: the building work to be done will have been set out on the plans accurately, however, boundary pegs get moved accidentally (and sometimes deliberately) so make sure the house is set out correctly before building commences.

3. Managing Your Budget

Make sure you keep a close eye on your spending as work progresses.

Much of the costs will have been covered in assorted quotes from suppliers and your building team, but you may well find that as you progress, you will be making decisions on a daily basis that will have an impact on the costs.

Try to keep on top of your spend and match it against your estimated costings already done before you start (you DID prepare a budget already, didn’t you?). Go to our Build-Your-Budget page so you can keep on top of things as you go.