HOW WE WORK
From first chat to keys in hand.
Building a home should be exciting, not overwhelming. Our process keeps you informed, involved and confident, from the first conversation through to handing over the keys.
AT A GLANCE
Four phases. Twelve steps.
Here's the shape of a Lifestyle Build. The full twelve steps, with the typical timeframe for each, are laid out below.
Design
STEPS 1 TO 5
A free consultation about your land, your budget and what you want. Then we design your home around it, at your pace, right down to the kitchen layout.
Price
STEPS 6 TO 8
Real pricing from our trusted suppliers and subbies, wrapped into one comprehensive fixed-price quote. Then the contract and a 10% deposit.
Consent
STEP 9
We handle the detailed drawings, engineering and council consent, and keep you in the loop the whole way through.
Build
STEPS 10 TO 12
Construction typically runs 4 to 7 months, with weekly updates as a minimum. Then handover, and a maintenance check about 12 months on.
COMMUNICATION
You'll always know what's happening.
We believe clear, consistent communication is one of the biggest reasons our clients enjoy building with us.
KJ is the first person you meet and stays with you through design, pricing and consent. On site, Ian and Lewis lead the build, and Robyn looks after accounts.
Weekly updates, at least.
We keep you up to date throughout your project, with regular updates at least weekly and more often when important decisions or milestones come up. We'll keep you informed about what's happening, what's coming next and where your project is up to.
Questions answered.
Have a question? We'll usually get back to you within the hour. If we're on site or with another client, we'll respond as soon as we can.
Who to call, what's next.
For us, good communication is simple: you should always know what's happening, who to talk to and what comes next.
THE TWELVE STEPS
Every step, with the typical timeframe.
Timeframes are what we usually see. Council processing, weather and your own decisions can move them, and if they do, you'll hear it from us first.
01
FREE
Initial consultation
Every project starts with a conversation. We'll talk through your ideas, your land, your budget and what you're hoping to achieve. It's where we get to know each other and make sure we're the right fit for your project.
02
AROUND 2 WEEKS
Site information
Before design begins, we arrange any site investigations council requires: geotechnical reports, surveying and flood assessments where needed. While those reports are underway, we keep other parts of your design moving.
03
AT YOUR PACE
Designing your home
This is where your vision starts taking shape. Together we refine the floor plan, exterior cladding, colours, flooring, ceiling heights, door heights and the site layout. There's no fixed timeframe for this stage because every client is different. We work at a pace that lets you make confident decisions rather than rushed ones.
04
2 TO 4 WEEKS
Concept plans
Once the design direction is agreed, our draughtsman and engineer prepare concept plans ready for pricing.
05
BEFORE PRICING
Refining the details
We work through the finer details: kitchen layout, plumbing fixtures, interior selections and any final design adjustments. Taking the time here avoids surprises later.
06
5 TO 6 WEEKS
Fixed price quotation
Your completed plans go to our trusted suppliers and subcontractors for detailed pricing, which usually takes 4 to 5 weeks. We then prepare a comprehensive fixed-price quotation, which takes about one more week. Then we walk through everything with you so you understand exactly what's included.
From plans on paper to boots on site.
STEPS SEVEN TO TWELVE
STEPS 7 TO 12
From signed contract to keys in hand.
07
BEFORE CONTRACTS
Refinements
If you'd like to adjust the scope, finishes or budget, we work through those changes together before anything is signed. Our goal is that you're completely comfortable before moving forward.
08
PROJECT BEGINS
Contract and 10% deposit
Once you're happy to proceed, we prepare the contract and collect the agreed 10% deposit. At this point your project officially begins.
09
3 TO 4 MONTHS
Detailed design and building consent
We complete the detailed documentation and manage the building consent process, which typically takes 3 to 4 months depending on council processing times. If you'd like to make changes during this stage, we can still accommodate them. Any changes are documented as variations or credits so everything stays transparent.
10
4 TO 7 MONTHS
Construction
Once consent is approved, construction begins. Typical build time is 4 to 7 months, depending on the size and complexity of your home. Throughout construction you'll get regular progress updates, weekly communication as a minimum, prompt answers to your questions and honest conversations if anything changes. You'll always know where your project is up to.
11
THE BEST PART
Handover
We walk through your completed home together, explain everything you need to know and hand over the keys so you can start enjoying your new Lifestyle Build.
12
ABOUT 12 MONTHS ON
Twelve month maintenance check
Our relationship doesn't end at handover. Around 12 months after completion we come back to inspect your home, address any items that need attention under our obligations and make sure everything still meets the standard we're proud to deliver.
Let's talk about your build.
Whether you're ready to go or still weighing up options, we're happy to have a yarn. Free, no-obligation consultation at your place or on your section, anywhere in Canterbury.
Or give us a call 03 925 7726
Family-owned Registered Master Builders based in Selwyn, building new homes, shed homes and kitsets across Canterbury.
Proud supporters of Darfield Primary School, Rolleston Playcentre, KidsCan and the Barbarians Rowing Club.
GET IN TOUCH
LICENCED BUILDING PRACTITIONER
