Descriptive text for the Building process overview diagram

The building process: an overview

The information is displayed as a system of boxes with information in them, linked by lines with arrows drawing the reader to the correct information. 

As you read the information in the boxes, you can choose which lines to follow based on the information you want to find and based on what type of building project you’re doing. For instance, if you’re using a designer, you follow one line of information, if you’re not using a designer, you start at a different point in the diagram.

The diagram uses the building performance orange and blue colour palette, and there is a picture of pink fibreglass insulation, a ladder and an open power outlet giving the impression that the diagram is drawn on an interior wall under construction. The building performance logo is in the top left-hand corner, and the MBIE logo is located in the top right corner.

Planning home building work? 

Using a designer

• Look for a designer
• Work with the designer to create concepts and get detailed plans drawn up

Not using a designer

If you’re using a designer, or the first step to take if you’re not using a designer, is to get detailed quotes from building contractors or a ‘design & build’ company. Get recommendations from your friends or family, and don’t forget to ask for references. A quantity surveyor can give you a reasonable idea of costs. You will need to use licensed building practitioners for most building work. 

Need resource consent?

You may need a resource consent. It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to check this, but sometimes the designer or building contractor will do this for you. 

Get quotes back from building contractor

Look at the scope and the type of materials/fixtures they’re suggesting. Most homeowners find that the quotes are over their budget, sometimes by 100% – but don’t just take the lowest quote. Check that you’re happy with the quality and style of what is being suggested, and that you’re comparing ‘apples with apples’. Make sure to read the disclosure statement and the consumer protection standard checklist your contractor has provided. If they haven’t provided these, ask for them.

Do the quotes meet your planned budget?

Once you have the quotes back, you need to decide if they meet your planned budget. 

The quotes meet your planned budget

Select a building contractor and sign a contract

The quotes don't meet your budget

Re-think, re-scope, and re-finance. 

Need building consent?

Like the Resource Consent, this is the responsibility of the homeowner but is sometimes done by the building contractor. 

Get ready and start building

The next step is to get ready and start building. 

Building work underway

Once building work is underway, be mindful when making decisions along the way – whenever you make a change to what’s been specified and agreed in the contract, you’re actually making a change to the contract (a variation). 

Final code compliance certificates

Get any final code compliance certificates or records of work and the dwelling is ready to be lived in. 

Are there still small jobs to finish?

There may or may not be small jobs to finish. 

Yes - you have small jobs to finish

Make a list, get the jobs completed. 

No - you don't have small jobs to finish

If there aren’t any small jobs to finish, or when you’ve completed the small jobs, the House is finished!