Building a home on your own patch of NZ has long been the Kiwi dream. And while making your mark is an incredibly exciting prospect, it can also be a bumpy ride if you go in with rose-tinted glasses.
As Master Builders, Ihaka Construction has helped hundreds of families build their dream homes. We pride ourselves on supporting our customers through the journey from pre-construction to moving in. In this article, we’ll share insights into the different stages of home construction so that you can understand typical timelines and have realistic expectations for your build, regardless of which building company you work with.
The Pre-Construction Phase
The first step in building a home is acquiring the perfect piece of land. While it can be tempting to settle for “good enough” to get the ball rolling on your dream build, choosing the right location is crucial to achieving the end result you have your heart set on. Consider your budget, zoning rules, ease of access, and, of course, how convenient the location is to your needs.
Once you’ve secured your land, it’s time for the fun part—designing your home. You’ll collaborate with designers, architects, and engineers to create a detailed plan that matches your vision and budget. The right building company can also help you with any permits and approvals relevant to your build. Then, when all the paperwork is in order, you’ll be ready to source finance in the form of a construction loan or mortgage.
The Construction Phase
The footings being planted on your site is a landmark moment in your build. The foundation and framing are significant steps toward your future home, providing the “bones” that you’ll call home for many years to come.
Once the framework is in place, we’ll install the roofing, cladding, windows and doors before moving on to interior elements like plumbing, electrical and insulation. Throughout the process, various inspections will ensure the build complies with regulations. If you are working with Ihaka Construction, we manage this process for you to eliminate any extra hassle.
Completion & Move-In
Once the structure is built, it’s time to personalise. From painting and flooring choices to landscaping and decking, there’s no better way to make a house a home. Ihaka Construction can carry out all aspects for you, down to constructing your fence and shed. Then, before we hand over the keys, you’ll have a chance to do a final walkthrough inspection, ensuring every element meets your standards. This is one of our favourite parts of the process, as we get to see the look on your face as you see your vision realised. There’s no better feeling.
Start Your Build with Ihaka Construction
Building a new home is by no means a simple process, but with the right team behind you, it can be an enjoyable one. As home construction contractors and Master Builders, Ihaka Construction are the trusted partner in any new home construction.
Want to get inspired? Take a look at some of our past projects, or contact us to discuss a project of your own.