HOME P rep Your guide to a great home building experience.
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Home Prep Your guide to a great home building
experience.
Our teams guiding vision:
“To have every customer
recommend us to
their closest friend.”
Grant and Ellie Porteous
NZ Master Franchisee for
G.J. Gardner Homes
IntroductionHello and welcome to the exciting journey of building your
new home. We have labelled this booklet “Home Prep”,
as its purpose is to be a practical guide to help you build
the home you really want with no regrets, and importantly,
to help you enjoy the process. It is created from 20 years
personal experience, research, and feedback we have
gathered from the most important people in our industry –
you, a person wanting to build a new home. Be it for your
family, a holiday retreat, an investment property, or just
to have the fun of creating your own unique home in
New Zealand’s wonderful landscape. We hope you find it
informative and helpful in having the courage to ask the
right questions and make good decisions, whoever you
choose to build with.
A little about our leadership team:
Ellie and I (Grant), after successful corporate careers in
various industries, took on the leadership of G.J. Gardner
Homes New Zealand in 2002, shortly after the business
started in New Zealand in 1997.
Born in the Hawkes Bay, my grandfather had run one of
Hawkes Bay’s leading residential building businesses, and
I always had the desire to follow in his footsteps. Ellie, born
in Northland from a farming background, came with senior
experience in accounting and systems, and together we
felt our combined skill sets suitable to lead this business.
From the outset we had strong ideals on how the business
would operate, a business built from its clients’ needs and
wishes. Hence the franchise model being perfect, giving
clients the best of both worlds. Meaning local builders in
their community, husband and wife teams with local
knowledge and a sense of community, building not spec,
but custom designed homes of unbelievable value for their
clients. This being made possible through being supported
by a team with the best systems, proven processes, support
and training, and buying power of a national group.
The vision was for the team to grow its reputation by its
customers’ satisfaction. To be revered for our integrity,
commitment, and dependability, for our service focus and
for delivering great homes, while also providing a fun and
enjoyable building journey for customers to their new home.
In an industry often beset with negativity, we are proud to
have created a team renowned for those qualities. A team
passionate about delivering great homes and having great
ongoing relationships with their customers.
The New Zealand Master Franchise for G.J. Gardner Homes
is owned by myself (Grant) and my wife Ellie. Today, 14 years
on we remain working full-time in G.J. Gardner and are
proud to be part of such a great team. The pictures on the
adjoining page are of our own home designed and built
by the Rodney G.J. Gardner team 10 years ago, and is where
we live with our four daughters.
Grant Porteous Managing Director, Deacon Holdings Ltd
NZ Master Franchisee for G.J. Gardner Homes
1
2
3
4
5
7
Beginning Your Journey
Choosing the Right Builder
Deciding Your Needs
Planning Your Home
We couldn’t leave without
a little about us
Furniture Planning
Contents
4
7
12
20
30
44
8 45
Legal Information
6 41Understanding
Construction Drawings
Welcome to your first step
of realising a dream many
Kiwi’s hold dear – creating
their own home.
Answering questions you didn’t know to ask.
Let’s get down to workThe information provided in this book is by no means exhaustive. In some
cases, you may want more detail which is available on our website. But
sometimes, talking to someone about things is a lot easier, so if you want
some advice about any aspect of building, feel free to give your nearest
G.J. Gardner Homes franchise a call.
We hope this booklet helps you on a great journey. It is not designed to
sell to you; it’s to help, inform, and encourage you to get the most out of
the process and ensure your finished home is the best it can be to meet
your requirements. We want you to feel in control, to know the questions
to ask, so you will have no regrets, with this leading you to having fun
and loving your new home.
You probably expected lots of glossy photos, gorgeous kitchens and
the word “dream home” on every page. Sorry, as the cover suggests,
this booklet is about doing some homework early to help you with your
decisions in building your new home.
In fact the time you spend now, learning the questions to ask, working
through your ideas and building options, will give you a huge advantage
when you get down to the nitty gritty.
This book should help crystallise your ideas and help you understand
the building process a lot better. You’ll be more informed about things
you need and can have in your new home, along with knowing what
you wish to spend and what your priorities and must-haves will be.
And importantly, you’ll know how to make the right choice when
deciding on a builder.
1. BEGINNING YoUR JoURNEY
4
“It was actually fun, they made
what could have been a very
stressful situation, very easy.”
Tom and Sue Monkman
Firstly, a frequently misconceived view is that only really well-off
people should build new. The answer to who can build a new
home is simply anyone who is in the financial position to buy
a home. Young singles on the investment trail, young couples,
and first home buyers right through to 70 years plus looking to
build their final dream home or smaller easy care home. Often
it’s more affordable to build new than buy existing, and you may
require a smaller deposit. New homes are also built to modern
standards and come with an independent 10 year warranty
for extra peace of mind. Plus, you get to choose the home you
really want, with the things that make it your home.
Should you build a new home, or not?
Things you will need to be able to do to enjoy the experience:
Listen and work with experts in various fields.
Invest some personal time to create your new home.
Make decisions individually or mutually with your partner.
Trust people and accept good advice.
Be realistic and understand things aren’t always perfect.
Have a team attitude, a win/win focus to find solutions and a
positive outlook to ensure it’s a fun journey.
5
“Really nice coming
straight into our new home
after our honeymoon.”
Nigel and Jessica King
“Every single target we were
told was achieved, it just
flowed from start to finish.”
Steve and Nicole Banks
“The biggest day of our
lives, when they handed
the keys over.”
Neelesh and Vandhana Ram
“It’s both our workplace
and home, G.J.’s took the
stress out of it.”
Robin and Tania Randall
“We wanted a house
to accommodate us and
my elderly dad.”
Ashley and Jenny Brown
“This is the fifth house we’ve
built. Better than anything
we ever planned on really.”
Raymond and Joan Mason
Where to start – what first?Do I first find land, or an
architect, or a builder, or do
I go to the bank, or a real
estate agent – what first?
Answer: Find the right builder.
Why? A good builder can help in all these individual
areas with insightful advice. Immediately seeing things
that can greatly affect a build that you don’t know
to think about, as they live and breathe these things
everyday. An architect is often not needed, as a good
builder can customise or design and build. You may
even be saved going to a bank, as builders can have
access to preferred finance companies. For example,
G.J. Gardner Homes franchisees have a preferred
supplier relationship with onion Home Loans, which
provides an independent service for you, the home
buyer. onion is a specialist in construction finance
and will deal directly with the banks on your behalf.
A good building company can:
Instantly give you an idea of the real
cost to build different types and sizes
of homes.
Help with finding the right land and advise
you on any issues with sites you like that
can reduce or dramatically increase the
cost of the finished project/build.
In most instances, remove the cost of
an architect. otherwise they can advise
on a good local architect if required.
Provide a good range of plans to inspire
your imagination and provide ideas.
Help with finance by providing an idea
of what mortgage payments could be,
and connecting you with suitable
finance providers.
Answer all your questions, and even
ones you didn’t know to ask.
Importantly, make you feel confident you
will get the home you set out to achieve
by enabling you to deal directly with the
team building your home.
6
Find the right builder Types of homes and budget Finding a section Help with finance Answering all the questions
7
Do some sound research by
basing your decisions on real
information by asking good
questions rather than relying on
pretty brochures, or slick sales
agents. Remember that lovely
showhomes are designed to
look their best and be a show
piece. They should not be the
sole reason to choose a builder.
Keeping the following things
in mind will enable you to make
the best choice on the most
important decision you’ll make
in building a new home – who
your builder is.
We suggest you should:
Ask people you know for their opinion on builders
they’ve worked with. If they have built a home with them,
was the project completed on time? If not – why not,
and importantly, would they build with them again?
View construction sites of different builders. Is the site tidy,
and progressing as it should? Have the confidence to
approach the owners if you see them and ask their opinion.
Look at builders’ websites for ‘real’ customer testimonials,
and genuine claims to a company’s market position.
Ask your potential builder’s suppliers and trades for
testimonials. Ask specific questions, i.e. is the builder
organised, are they paid on time, is the builder what they
claim in relation to market position and size? How many
projects have they worked on for them?
Ask your potential builder for five customers they are
currently, and have previously built for, to see their journey
and hear their thoughts. Any good builder can supply this
in an instant. You may only call one or two but the fact they
could give you five live customer testimonials, shows the
builder is confident of a good report from all their customers.
For a builder, a reputation is not built off having
one amazing showhome. If customer home after
customer home is consistently great, that builds
a strong reputation.
When asking friends and colleagues about builders,
ask them to be honest (but understand that people
do like to support their own decisions, whether
good or average). In some cases people may have
had to use a certain builder as the builder owned
the land. Also be careful to ask the customers
relationship to the builder, a cousin will normally
say good things about a cousin, as will a mate.
Additionally, suppliers and sub-contractors will
also be wanting to maintain a working relationship
which may influence their voiced opinion to you.
So ask for important reasons to back up the
opinions they have. When looking online at
builders’ websites use some discretion with
testimonials and awards that some builders claim
to have. Simply, some may word things cleverly
or may make claims they cannot support. Live
customer testimonials from your builder are the
real gold in assessing the builder’s performance.
If this sounds a bit over the top...
...some disappointed people
have told us they chose a
builder purely because they
went to the same school
20 years ago, even though
they didn’t know his building
credentials, or based on
the fact that a showhome
kitchen had soft close
drawers when the others
didn’t, or the showhome
was a plaster finish, while
the others were brick.
Scarily, many have admitted
they spent more time
reviewing the specifications
of a new TV than choosing
their builder!
Sadly, most regretted not
doing sound “Home Prep”
when choosing their builder.
It’s easy if you follow this
simple guide and advice.
Do your research – don’t sell yourself short, don’t sell your family short!
2. CHooSING THE RIGHT BUILDER
Ask for real information from your builder
8
Be confident to ask for real
information, it’s easier than it
seems and only takes a small
amount of your time. And
remember that it’s time well
spent and is vital in your
decision to choose a builder.
You are placing your trust,
perhaps your life savings, into
your builder’s hands. Not only
to complete your home, but to
do so on time, on budget, to a
great standard, and with your
personal “Wish List” included.
A good builder/good company
will respect you for asking these
types of questions, and will quickly
and easily provide answers with
supporting evidence.
How long have they been in business in this industry?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Who are the actual owners of the building company, who are the
directors, etc.? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Have they ever had financial difficulties in the past, been adjudicated
insolvent, had a company fail, or been adjudicated bankrupt?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
How many projects have they completed in the last 2 years?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
How many projects do they currently have being built?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What and who makes up their team? What is their resource
capability, i.e. number of staff/construction supervisors, etc.?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What would happen if your builder, especially if a small operator,
was injured or sick or someone in his family was and he had to
take time off work. What contingencies are in place for projects
to be completed? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Do they carry insurance, i.e. professional indemnity, public liability,
builder’s risk, contract works and who provides this?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Do they provide a guarantee on your project? Does it
cover loss of deposit, completion guarantee, structural
and workmanship? Who provides this? Do they have
construction insurance? What cover is included for each area, what
limitations exist on any areas? Ask for a policy document for you
to look over before you make a decision. Be wary of self insurance
schemes and certain bonds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
If the insurer is some obscure name or not a multinational insurer,
who are its owners and directors, what reinsurance is in place
and who by? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ask them to provide:
5 current clients they are building for as a reference
5 past clients they have built for as a reference
Ask them to provide key supplier information and contacts
and trades, and ask:
Are they:
Well organised, jobs completed in good time?
Known for quality workmanship?
Do they:
Pay on time?
Have a sound credit history?
How long have they worked with/supplied by suppliers?
Choosing a great builder makes building your new home a fun journey. Life is all about fun on the journey . . . and getting what you want.
Here are a few questions you should ask, plus others you will wish to add:
Note: a tear-outcopy is at the backof this book foryour reference.See page 37.
A balanced and fair building contract, setting out the building
company’s responsibilities.
This contract should include a set payment schedule protecting you,
so you do not pay at any progress stage more than the agreed price
for the stage of work completed on your home. The process to deal
with variations or changes should also be set out in the contract.
A comprehensive and detailed schedule of every item supplied and
all product and materials to be used in building the home.
Any engineering designs or engineering reports for your project.
A full set of detailed plans that show the floor plan, elevations, cross
sections and site plan, and may also include drainage plans.
A clear list which includes your personal options and choices above
their “normal” specification.
A set price covering the full contract with scheduled progress
payments, and clarity of any works or items not supplied under the
contract (if any).
An explanation for any PS sums in your price/contract. How much has
been allowed and why?
Proof of insurance cover for: Professional Indemnity, Contract Works.
A Building Guarantee by a recognised provider, i.e. Certified Builders
or Registered Master Builders.
Note: be very wary of self provided insurance or guarantees.
An agreed build time and move in date. Time is your money, and it
should be an efficient, fun journey. (The contract should provide for
liquidated damages if your contract runs past the agreed date of
practical completion.)
Protect yourself and your family by taking the time to ask questions and make sure the paper work is provided so the builder is committed to providing you with what you agreed.
PC and PS Sums
PC Sums: The builder may set aside a fixed sum for smaller costs. These fixed sums are known as prime cost (PC) sums and enable you to choose items as needed during the project.
PS Sums: Provisional Sums are an estimate if there’s an unknown factor in the pricing, i.e. difficult site works. Ask for details regarding PS Sums to help ensure they are adequate with no potential large short falls. Some builders deliberately under assess to make their contract price look more competitive.
The following “must-haves” a builder should provide:
Comparing prices can be fraught with difficulties and mystery. How much does a square metre cost?
The cost per square metre can vary hugely for genuine reasons. So you need to make sure you are armed with as much information as possible. Don’t allow yourself to be misled.
10
Similar to a car, the price of a house varies by
the quality and specifications of what it is built
from, including its engineering and design
elements. Therefore, making a decision to build
a house based on the cost per square metre
could be akin to buying a car based on the price
per kilo. One could have leather seats, the 4WD
option, sunroof, metallic paint, high performance
brakes, etc. A Ferrari weighs less than a Jeep
but it is built of more expensive materials, higher
specifications, with more complexity. Simply put,
not all houses are created equal, and quality is
not explicitly considered when you talk about
the cost per square metre.
There are hundreds of components that go into a home, and changing any one of them can affect the price. Some
reasons why there can be such large variations in the cost
per square metre are:
Design – A simple square shaped home with four corners
requires a lot less labour to build, has less prenail
complexity, pre-engineering and design requirements,
than a complicated single or two storey home with
multiple corners, angles and a complex roofline.
Materials, fittings and décor – Vinyl costs a lot less than
timber flooring or carpet or slate. Ditto with kitchen and
bathroom finishes, with different styles of taps, lights,
showers, toilets, doors and appliances. These choices will
have a major influence on the cost per square metre.
Size – Large houses can often appear to cost less per m2
than a smaller house with equivalent material specifications
and fittings. Large homes can have three and four car
garages where the interior fit out is minimal (e.g. no floor
coverings or cabinetry), where a small home can have a
similar amount spent on the two most expensive rooms
– the kitchen and bathroom (which can be 75% more
expensive per m2).
Kitchen – A hugely lavish kitchen will increase the cost
per m2 of the home, yet the difference will only be seen
in the kitchen itself. Even just the finish on cabinetry;
from three layers of paint to basic laminate with PVC
edges, can make a significant difference in cost per m2
in kitchens of identical size.
Bathroom – A m2 of bathroom will cost a whole lot
more than a m2 of bedroom because of the cost of
bathroom fittings, tiles, plumbing, and waterproofing
membranes, etc.
Your section – A flat section on solid
ground suitable for a concrete slab
foundation will require minimal
excavation or engineering work.
A sloping section where
the ground conditions are
unknown may require
significant excavation and
geotechnical evaluation.
We’re happy to be compared if it’s “apples for apples”
Sometimes people get two or three estimates or quotes for
their new home from different builders. However, it is often
difficult to compare one quote with another because builders
use different systems for preparing their quotes. Sadly, some
use potentially misleading practices. For example, some
quote a per square metre rate based on the interior space of
the home whereas others calculate it based on the exterior
footprint and include patios and decks. Some underestimate
PS Sums for engineering or earthworks, or kitchen and
drainage allowances – but these costs will be added later for
you to pay. Make sure you have complete and accurate
specifications and everything is included. If you are unsure we
are happy to help explain any differences. Alternatively, you
can download our Comparing Apples for Apples Builder
Checklist from our website or pick up a copy from one of our
franchise offices.
With most reputable builders, once your plans and detailed specifications are finalised, a contract is prepared which sets out both parties responsibilities, and
importantly, a progress payments schedule to follow.
A G.J. example of a payment schedule consists of:
10% required within 5 days of
signing the contract.
15% required within 5 days of
completion of the Slab Down Stage.
15% required within 5 days of
completion of the Frame Up Stage.
20% required within 5 days of
completion of the Roof Stage.
15% required within 5 days of
completion of the Lock Up Stage.
15% required within 5 days of
completion of the Fixing Stage.
10% or balance to be paid
within 5 working days of Practical
Completion or at Possession Date,
whichever is earlier.
Make sure that your building contract includes a clear, staged progress payment schedule, and you have
absolute clarity what is allowed for . . . and what is not.
11
You will no doubt have a budget in mind for your
new home and will want to stick to it as closely as you
can. You may find that you need to make some
compromises along the way. If needed, the best advice
is to compromise on the things you can change later.
For example, it’s better to settle for less expensive
fittings (such as a particular kind of tap or fancy bath)
than cut corners on things you can’t change later (such
as the size or shape of a room, extra garage space,
or a scullery to the kitchen).
Do’s and don’ts to maximise your resources and to get the most from your budget
1. Don’t commit to buy your section until it’s been closely looked over by
your builder. Location is everything, but sometimes issues with a site far
outweigh its location. Getting a geotechnical report is an important way
to start, as is an accurate measurement of any slope.
2. Make sure your builder checks out the section thoroughly to make sure it is
suitable for building the kind of house you want, and that your plans are
achievable within the local council regulations, or development covenants.
3. Be aware of other sections around you and how the homes that will be
built might affect the value of your home.
4. Get the layout right, build for the sun, views, natural advantages, indoor/
outdoor flow, and privacy where you want it. Spend time reviewing your
layout and get good advice from experienced people.
5. Never skimp on the kitchen. It’s the first thing most people look at and
comment on when they’re buying a home and real estate agents
universally agree that it is the most important space in the house and
can often dictate the value of the home.
6. Take care with the living rooms. Whether it’s an all purpose family room
or formal living room, make it a good functional size and even consider
a higher ceiling. It’s a place where people gather and a sense of
spaciousness can make a huge difference to the feeling of the house.
Get some ideas from other people.
It could be helpful to sit down with
someone you know and trust who has
built a home themselves, to go over
what they did or didn’t do and
what they might do differently should
they build again.
12
3. DECIDING YoUR NEEDS
7. Bathrooms and master bathroom: make these a good, functional
size, even at the expense of sacrificing your favourite fittings or the
bedrooms being slightly smaller. You can always upgrade taps and
vanities, but it’s not easy to make a bathroom bigger. A cluttered
ensuite can be frustrating to use.
8. Make sure that you include the living spaces you want. For example,
a walk-in-wardrobe, or a spare guest bedroom. If need be, check
what’s more important when it comes to special features or finishes
versus making the rooms as spacious as you want.
9. Storage and space. Never underestimate the value of a central storage
space – large wardrobes, utility cupboards, room for sports gear, a
hobby room or workshop, extra parking for a boat or another car.
10. Energy efficiency. orientation to the sun, quality insulation, and
heating and cooling appliances, can all affect ongoing costs and
comfort of your living environment.
11. Plan for your hobbies, from soundproofing to extra storage.
The time you spend planning up front will pay off in the long term.
“The boys were all starting to leave
home, so looking for something
that was smaller, but also something
they could come home to if they
wanted to. The other important
thing was something for my
mum as well, but something that
would still be quite separate,
and still be like her own home.”
Rick and Tania Limmer
It can be common for some
first time home builders, to
build a home they love, but
still have a few lingering
regrets about things they
didn’t know to think about,
or ask a builder about.
A good builder, having built hundreds of individual homes should be
able to eliminate this feeling, by getting everything covered on your first
home building experience.
Some things that you should consider when deciding your needs, may
initially seem irrelevant. For example, you may have never considered
the need to mention your pet dogs. Pets can often be considered as a
member of the family. With your pets in mind, specific sized pet doors, or
even pet areas and showers can be uncovered as features quite important
to you. As with most features, it is a lot easier and cost effective to have
these things in the plan before building begins, than to make allowances
later on. (You’d be surprised how many heated outdoor showers we
create, and special beds hidden in self-access and ventilated cupboards
for four legged family.)
Another aspect that is beneficial to consider, is how will your life be in
seven years time? Will you be living in the same house? What age will
your children be? When they’re young, it’s good to have bedrooms close
to the master bedroom, whereas when they’re older, greater separation
and privacy are more desirable.
Identifying the needs of your family and your personal situation in the
future is crucial to getting a home you can enjoy no matter how
circumstances change.
In a two storey home, give consideration to having at least one bedroom
and a bathroom downstairs. So no matter how circumstances change,
you can still enjoy a degree of separation (guests or teenager downstairs,
parents upstairs). Having a bedroom and bathroom downstairs will also
cater for an injured family member rather than them having to risk the
stairs, even if it’s a short term injury. It can also provide convenience and
privacy for guests, or an older family member coming to stay longer term.
Questions you didn’t know to ask
While you are
designing and
building...
...your new
home exclusively
for you, it’s important to
use outside people as a
sounding board to ensure
your home will also appeal
to the wider market.
A very good sales
consultant can give you
independent advice
about market trends and
the features new home
buyers are looking for.
You can also check with
a trusted real estate agent
to get their views.
14
15
Some things you might not have thought about.
Is having a low maintenance home
a priority, versus having finishes that
require more regular maintenance?
Would you want any areas of the
home more isolated, to create
privacy?
Do you want the home to include an
outdoor area for entertaining, and
is it important for this area to be
protected from the prevailing wind?
Would better sound insulation in a
room for music practice or a home
theatre, increase your enjoyment
of a home.
Do you like early morning sun in
your bedroom or do you prefer
bedrooms to be darker with less
direct sunlight?
Do you need to incorporate extra
storage areas for any equipment
you have for your interests, sports,
or hobbies?
The “where-will-I-be-in-seven-years-time” checklist. Which of the following could happen to you over the next seven years:
Will you have grandchildren?
Do you have extended family who may
join you? You might want an ageing
parent to live with you?
Will the children leave home? And will
they come back?
Do you plan to be in the same house?
What about resale?
How will your home stack-up when it
comes time to sell?
Are you down sizing, heading towards
retirement?
Will the stairs become problematic?
If you regularly entertain friends, would
a scullery (a second food prep area),
be a good idea?
Do you need a dedicated guest room
or could kids bunk up when guests
occasionally visit and that space be
used as a living area?
Do you need space for a hobby room?
Will it need good natural light?
or other extras to account for?
Somewhere to park a jet ski, or store
paddle boards, etc.? or an additional
car for your son or daughter?
The kitchen is the hub of the home,
should there be a computer area close
to order groceries, pay accounts, or
help kids with homework?
Will your work commitments change
in this time period, would you like to
work from home in the future?
How will your children’s schooling and
transport needs change?
other: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
This is really important, take time to consider your life moving forward. Thinking soundly now will leave you with no regrets.
Note: a tear-out
copy is at the back
of this book for
your reference.
See page 38.
Things to consider
Write down what you really wantWhen people come to
talk to us about building
a house, it’s funny how
often each partner has
different ideas, but each
always assumed they had
the same shared vision.
one of the first steps to take before talking to your builder is to
distinguish between your wishes and your needs. Then you can decide
the master list of must-haves you both, or all the family, agree on.
Getting your brief right with both of you in agreement before you see
your builder is rule number one and will save a lot of time. It’s a simple
process. Each of you should write down on a piece of paper the 15 or so
most important features you want in your home. Think about what you
love in past homes or homes you have seen.
Also list what you don’t like about your current home or past homes i.e.
a step down into a living area causing near trips and spills, a garage so
small you could not open the car doors with two cars parked, an internal
bathroom with no natural light, a lack of windows for fresh air, no private
spaces inside or outside.
once you’ve done that, rate them, with the must-haves in your view from
1 to 15 in order of importance. Then copy them onto the next page
under the his and hers headings.
It’s important to take notice of the whole family’s needs and talk about the things that you all want.
“Because Bob wanted the chefs
kitchen, I wanted the entertainment
area outside the family room.”
Rob and Cheryl Blake
Sit down together and make your lists.
Most likely there will
be different priorities for
each of you, and this is
the time to sort them out.
The final list you agree
on will be a valuable aid
for your builder to
understand your needs
and develop costings so
you can determine your
priorities with knowledge
about the likely costs.
Keep a wish list also –
just in case the budget
has room to spare.
16
17
A home that is special to you, meeting many of your family’s needs not only helps provide a great family environment - it will often appeal to others when or if you ever decide to sell.
OURS:TOP 5 “MUST-HAVES”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Note: a tear-outcopy is at the backof this book foryour reference.See page 39.
MINE:TOP 5 “WANTS”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
e.g. frost free mirror/extra lighting in my bathroom
e.g. storage and shelving for my paddleboard
e.g. built-in storage shelves – shoes
e.g. my own vanitye.g. multi-room sound system and centralised house automation controller
YOURS:TOP 5 “WANTS”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
e.g. noise controlled games room
e.g. work study/computer nook by family living
e.g. raised garage door – future boat
e.g. reading retreat
e.g. covered alfresco area
e.g. toilet separate from ensuite
e.g. pet doors laundry & built- in bed cupboard
e.g. built-in BBQ and sink
If you prefer to do things online.
If you find that sitting down and cutting and pasting pictures by hand into
a physical scrapbook takes too much time, there is another option.
our website includes a handy feature that allows you to ‘favourite’ images from
all over the site and collate them into your own gallery. Simply go to our website
www.gjgardner.co.nz and register for an account, once you’re logged in then you
can pin images to your gallery by clicking the heart icon on any photo.
A good place to start is our Inspiration collection, which has 1000’s of beautiful and
inspirational images just full of great and practical ideas. You can go in and out as
often as you like, adding and changing images as your ideas and inspirations grow.
A picture is worth a thousand wordsStart by collecting pictures of your
favourite ideas.
With visual things, sometimes trying to get your ideas
across in words just doesn’t work. There’s too much
room for misinterpretation. “When you said that,
I thought you meant this” kind of stuff. Additionally,
because things are often referred to in building jargon,
this can add to confusion. Which is why builders and
architects all over the world encourage you to put
together a Project Scrapbook.
It doesn’t have to be meticulously organised, just
think of it as a collection of your ideas and wants.
Add your clippings, photos, sketches, kitchens, tiles,
patios, colours, textures…anything that could inspire
or form your decisions when it comes to building
your new home.
Your scrapbook of ideas will be an absolute treasure
for your builder because it gives them a feel for
what you want.
“I photocopied the plans and
cut and paste, stuck them down
with cellotape, and then drew in
extra lines, so we added the
scullery in behind the kitchen.”
Darryn and Pam Anderson
18
Be inspired, ideas for your new home.
Check out our Home Show magazine.
It features customers homes, a selection of
our favourite showhomes,
colour themes, styles,
sculleries, vanities,
cladding and more!
For your free copy ask your
G.J. representative or call
us on 0800 30 30 60 today.
The following are some heading ideas to organise
your scrapbook. Remember that these are only a
starting point so feel free to add as many categories
as you need.
overall Look/Theme/Feel: Will it be country, modern or a classic
contemporary themed home?
exterior Looks: Cladding types, roof types, entranceways, frontdoor styles,
garage door looks, chimney shapes and cladding, special features.
Indoor/outdoor Areas: Built in fires/BBQs, covered outdoor living areas,
pool/spa pool, and landscaping.
Kitchens: Appliance style and type, benchtop hob, under bench or wall
oven, benchtop colours, scullery or butlers pantry, fridge, tapware, lighting.
Bathrooms: Vanity styles, colours, bath styles, tapware, shower enclosures.
Dining Room: Table sizes, lighting.
Family Room: Furniture size, favourite fabrics, blinds/curtains, colours,
ceiling features (vaulted, raked), fireplace type.
Technology: Plan for the future and think about home automation.
What should my home do – security, lighting, music, wi-fi, data storage.
media Room: Home theatre projector type, or just separate room with
games control, movies ready to run. Soundproofing.
Home office: Are we working from home or is this better to be a computer
study nook close to living/control centre and save this space for extra living.
Snap p ictures of homes and things you like with your cellphone, grab some housing magazines.
Making a scrapbook helps bring your ideas and vision to life, for you and others.
Floor plan first, looks secondDon’t fall in love with the
look of a house and then
try and adapt the floor plan
to suit. Start the other way
with the floor plan first.
Make sure it fulfils all your
practical needs, and then
consider the look. We can
provide a range of designs
to fuel your ideas.
You’ll find they provide for a
range of living needs with
seamless flow, plus with practical
cost engineering built-in.
But let your imagination take
over, cut and paste parts of plans
you like, think about sun, privacy,
functionality and living flow, your
hobbies, etc.
“It was the process and the
patience that was really good
for us, nothing was forced,
it was just easy.”
Bryan and Annie van der Bergh
4. PLANNING YoUR HoME
20
Remember Rule No. 1 : Floor plan and living space first, exterior look second.
An example of the same home clad in plastered brick veneer
and weatherboard with a concrete tile roof, and schist features.
Additionally, the roof has gable ends providing a strong, more elegant
look with the ability to have features included. It has a strong country
flavour and again is a proven high performance building envelope/style.
Remember the painted surfaces do need more regular cleaning
partway through the year.
In this example, the home features a concrete tile roof with
brick veneer cladding.
The roof has “hip ends” which both limit its presence on a big home
and reduces cost to build. This traditional style home is very cost
effective to build and maintain with brick and tile roof only needing
annual washing. It’s also high performing with a low risk roof design,
good soffits and brick cavity. A proven performer.
Another example of the same home, now with a mono pitch
long run roof with stack bonded brick veneer, weatherboard
and plaster cladding.
This design is also based on the same floor plan, but with a more
beach or modern minimalistic style, and the weatherboard creating
the same style. Still a great performer, but the painted surfaces also
need cleaning partway through the year.
Changing the outside
appearance of a house
is much easier than you
probably think.
The following are some good
examples. While these three
homes look completely different,
they all have the same floor plan
(shown on the left).
Many different style homes can be built using the same layout.
21
Master chef or kitchen hand?You can spend as little as $6,000 all the way up to $100,000+ on a kitchen
and that’s not including appliances! In fact, the kitchen is pretty much
always the most expensive part of a home and unquestionably the most
important, so it deserves special attention.
To help you with your planning ideas, we have illustrated on the facing
page the three most popular kitchen formats. one of them might suit
you, but if not, there are many other options.
Here are some other things you should give special thought to:
Will the kitchen be an integral part of your home’s entertainment area
or somewhere more separate where you can be a “master-chef” in
private? If you have a big family or do a lot of entertaining, you might
consider a larger than standard oven and cooktop. Additionally many
new homes nowadays have built-in water filters and waste compactors.
An important aspect is storage space, some find drawers better than
cupboards and shelves. open shelving in sculleries are now the rage –
everything can be seen at a glance.
Lighting is especially important, it’s better to have too much than not
enough. The same applies to powerpoints; in a kitchen, you can never
have too many. Most people spend a great deal of time deciding on the
type of benchtop for their new home, the tapware and appliances but
equally important are less obvious things. For example, if your kitchen
has a view or is north facing, your choice of window treatments will have
a large impact on its functionality and your comfort.
As New Zealand becomes more cosmopolitan, there is increasing
demand for specialist kitchens, provision for separate work rooms,
a scullery, even somewhere to prepare kosher food.
What is a G.J. Gardner Homes kitchen like?
With each G.J. Gardner architectural plan, a range of kitchen
fitting options is provided which include cabinetry, benchtops,
tapware, appliances, lighting, floor coverings and such like.
These are our standard specifications, and are handy as a
benchmark to help you get an idea of costings. of course you
can upgrade or change anything, and find out quickly how
much extra any upgrades will cost. (There is only one rule – we
will only fit quality materials and appliances, etc., from highly
regarded manufacturers.)
“We have an extra sink in our
kitchen, it’s really good for
entertaining, great for putting
in ice or drinks.”
Sarah and Gradon Conroy
22
List the 5 things you want most from your kitchen
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Some things to think about
Is having a view important?
Do you prefer morning or afternoon sun?
What about a separate scullery or
walk-in pantry?
Is having a computer workstation nearby
important? Think about ordering groceries
or supporting your kids while they do
homework.
Do you want your kitchen to be the control
centre of your home?
Do you want colours and finishes that help
hide daily life, e.g. a black bench is stunning
but shows every finger print or crumb.
U-Shape Kitchen Galley Kitchen with Scullery
Island Bench Kitchen
A walk in scullery off the kitchen is a great
option when you want extra work space and
storage hidden from the main view of the
kitchen. An extra sink, dishwasher and fridge/
freezer can be incorporated into the design
plus windows if situated on an external wall.
The u-shaped kitchen works well for a square
shaped space. The option above has made use
of the two walls with plenty of vertical storage
on one, the hob, oven and fridge space on
the other. There is a great range of hardware
available for accessing the corner cupboards.
The island kitchen design is popular these
days with the kitchen being the hub of the
home. This is great to prepare food while
family or guests can sit and chat, and the
fridge and pantry can be accessed without
needing to walk through the whole kitchen.
23
Private Spaces
Bathrooms and ensuites are
spaces that soak up a greater
percentage of your budget
than most of the other rooms.
A bathroom, complete with
fittings, costs more than an
equivalent sized bedroom.
Your choices here will have a big
effect on your overall budget.
once again, if you find that your
fitting choices are stretching
your budget, it’s better to
compromise on some of them,
(you can upgrade them later),
rather than reducing the size and
functionality of the room.
Think about storage, you can
never have too much space in a
bathroom to accommodate all
the shampoos, soaps, cosmetics,
towels, etc. Minimalist bathrooms
look chic in magazines but can
be impractical with little storage.
“We upgraded our ensuite, that was
our little treat, because you actually
spend a lot of time in the bathroom,
and I wanted to have something
that was just a little bit different.”
Helen and Barry Osborne
Before you get carried away choosing tiles, taps and vanities, here are some basics to consider:
Careful layout design and the use of noise control walls can
make a huge difference to neighbouring rooms.
A separate toilet is often desirable because it allows both
facilities to be used simultaneously. Ensure you don’t face the
toilet opposite the entrance in an ensuite!
In two storey homes, a downstairs toilet and wash area are essential
even if all the bedrooms and main bathroom are upstairs.
Consider underfloor heating, using heating lights or some
form of heater on timers, frost free mirrors and good lighting.
Heated towel rails can keep your towels warm and dry, while
helping remove some moisture from the bathroom.
Think about low-flow shower heads.
Do you want a bath as well as a shower? Perhaps a spa bath to
help soothe away aches and pains?
Lights that come on automatically at night to just 20% luminosity.
How much storage do you need? Think about cupboards,
freestanding vanities.
Layout, flow, and easy access are important, you don’t want to
be bumping into each other when sharing a bathroom.
24
What is a G.J. Gardner bathroom like?
With each G.J. Gardner architectural plan, a range of
bathroom fit-out options is provided which include shower, toilet,
vanity, tapware, lighting, floor coverings and the like. These are
our standard specifications, and are handy as a benchmark to help
you get an idea of costings. of course you can upgrade or change
things and find out quickly how much extra any upgrades will cost.
We can move things around, even in our various designs, talk about
your ideas and ask questions about layouts. It’s your home.
Your bathroom wish list
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25
Get Creative
Now comes the exciting time when you finalise all the
things that go into your new home, make decisions about
colours, materials, lights, fittings, window treatments,
floor coverings and all the other little details.
It’s your chance to really make your new home personal to you.
All those things you put into your scrapbook; magazine clippings, photos
of showhomes; the fabrics, the finishes, the clever little features. Here’s
where you can put all those design ideas into practice.
It’s among the most exciting parts of the journey, but it can also seem
daunting at times.
It can sometimes also be a reality checkpoint. Some of the choices you
make can have a significant effect on your budget, while they also need
to be practical and add to the living environment. Dark timber floors for
example look great but show all the dirt, as do black carpets, plus hard
surfaces create echo and noise. And of course children love to lie around
and play on carpet. Another example is blinds which look great but are
cumbersome over entry and exit doors and sliders.
If you’re not 100% confident about making these kind of choices, one of G.J. Gardner’s colour consultants will be happy to give you guidance on your style and the look you want to create.
26
Home Automation
Architraves and SkirtingsFloor Coverings
Window Treatments Roofing Materials
Tiling Landscaping
Cupboards and Storage
When you choose a G.J. Gardner design plan, you will find that all our homes are
fully “spec’d,” meaning that all the components such as
tiles, kitchen appliances, light fittings, etc., are all included in the price.
Most of our plans include recommended options; we choose
different specifications to suit different styles of plans and the cost
of the home. This also enables us to provide you with a preliminary
estimate of what your home will cost, because all the components
are contained in our computer system.
If you want to change out individual items for things that you have
chosen independently, it’s easy to substitute those products or
components (taps, sink, benchtop etc.). The same applies to your
exterior choices. Please note, we only use proven products and
well-known sound manufacturers, and will not take responsibility
for customer supplied materials and fittings.
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Your “must-have” features
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Decide all the details that will make your home
uniquely yours.
Lighting and Light Fittings
Exterior Cladding
Door Handles
Windows and Doors
Ceiling and Wall Features
Powerpoints and Switches
Entrance Doors
A healthy and efficient home
Of course you want a house that is healthy for you and
your family, and you also want it to be built with materials,
fittings and appliances that are energy efficient and
planet friendly.
Little things are the important things... that make a home...your home.
Plan to position your home on the section in a
way that maximises the natural warmth from the sun
and views.
Ensure that the main living areas face north or north west.
Plan outdoor living areas to face a northerly or westerly direction.
The majority of entertaining will occur later in the day.
Bathrooms or utility rooms should be on the south side
where possible.
Take account of prevailing winds and plan a shelter belt if needed.
Work out your heating plan before you build, think about what
system and location would best suit your needs.
If you’re close to a busy road or certain rooms need privacy,
consider noise control walls. Bathrooms can provide privacy
breaks between rooms.
If you live in one of the colder parts of the country, it could be
worth upgrading your insulation. Remember it works all year,
keeping the home warm in Winter and cool in Summer.
Could water shortage be an issue in your region?
Would waste-water reuse be helpful?
Work through an energy efficiency plan to save you money and
increase the value of your home.
Research solutions for ventilation, ones that balance the air
temperature within your home and reduce condensation.
Is a garden possible, or fruit trees?
Let’s get the little but important things right now.
“one of the main requirements
we wanted was a northerly aspect
so that we could incorporate
the solar panels and hot water on
the roofline. And it was important
that we made the most of the
sun with the living rooms at the
front of the house.”
Ian and Angela Cree
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Energy efficiencyThe current Building Code sets minimum energy performance
standards for new homes. The main areas of energy usage
are heating, hot water and lighting. New technologies are
continually evolving, therefore building a new home gives
you the perfect opportunity to incorporate energy saving
features and eco friendly initiatives right from the start.
Here are some things to consider:
The home of the futureIn the last 20 years, home design and technology have
come together in new and exciting ways, offering options
for comfort and convenience never before possible.
While the stereo and TV were traditionally found in the
lounge, many homes nowadays have dedicated home
theatre rooms, and sometimes a home-wide audio system
with individual controllers in each room.
As more and more people choose to work from home,
wireless connectivity and sophisticated home office set-ups
are more common.
Another very strong trend is the move towards home
automation where many of your home systems can be
controlled from one source. From your smartphone or
laptop you can turn heating on and off, set or unset alarms,
activate appliances during off peak energy times and even
view the amount of energy being used at any time. Some
systems can provide blind, curtain and shutter control to
give a secure impression even when you’re not home.
These options are endless and base systems are more
affordable than you might think. Imagine letting friends into
your home remotely, turning the alarm off, and heating and
lighting on as they arrive.
Solar panels for hot water and/or electricity.
Rainwater harvesting – it can reduce your water bills
by as much as 40%.
Use low-flow showerheads and water efficient toilets.
Low energy lighting.
Thermal curtains, blinds or even an insulated
garage door.
Ceiling ventilation system.
Heat pumps.
Appliances with maximum energy star ratings.
Increase insulation.
Low E Glass and thermally broken joinery.
Surfaces that absorb sun heat by day and retain to
emit later (high thermal mass).
Aspects to sun.
Smart technologies.
Your energy choices.Did you remember space for a washing line? Drying clothes outside
is still a healthy great option . . . and remember the letterbox!
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Ideas to note down
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Working with G.J.’s – home building made simpleIf you’re new to building
with G.J.’s (many of our
customers or their families
have built three or four
homes with us), you won’t
know how our system works.
It’s straight forward, just
follow these simple steps.
1. Bring us your wish list
Plans, scribbles, a scrapbook or just a mind
full of ideas. We’ll listen and show you the
possibilities for your new home.
2. Let’s check out your section
We’ll take a look at your section, and what it
means for the design of your home, or help
analyse and find land options that will suit you
and your needs. We can also organise the land
reports you need.
3. Decide what kind of home you want
Be inspired by our wide array of plan ranges,
these plans can also be simply adapted and
modified without great expense. Meaning plans
can be customised for your section without the
need for extensive additional designs and costs.
We often build from original designs created
by architects, and can also assist in developing
plans from rough concept scribbles.
4. Plans, specifications and quotes
Most of our existing plans are pre-priced so you
can quickly get an idea of the home you can
have within your desired budget. our prices
show precise details, so you know exactly what’s
provided, or we can price your design in 24 hours.
We can add or delete, it’s all possible.
5. Finance, contracts and paperwork Your local G.J. Gardner team will liaise with your
lawyers, banks and other advisors to ensure all
paperwork and any issues are dealt with.
6. Permits, consents, red tape We deal with councils and building authorities
every day, so we make sure we are familiar with
local requirements. We can take charge of all
the paperwork and help with prompt approvals.
7. Fixed price once your plans have been finalised, we will
provide a comprehensive set of specifications
“No question was too stupid,
because it was a first time build
for us; we had plenty of questions
that were building 101.”
Simon and Becs Kirkman
A LITTLE ABoUT US5. WE CoULDN’T LEAVE WITHoUT
30
so you know exactly what materials, fixtures
and fittings will be used in your home. Most
importantly, we will provide a fixed price under
the terms of our building contract so you know
exactly where you stand.
8. Detailed timeline Your G.J. builder will also provide a detailed
timeline so you know what will be happening
when, along with a pre-agreed move-in date.
9. Warranties and guarantees Building with G.J. Gardner Homes carries both
Public Liability and full contractors indemnity
insurance, alongside an industry leading
build guarantee provided through Certified
Builders. This independent guarantee covers
loss of deposit, non-completion and defects,
underwritten through Lloyd’s of London, an
A+ (strong) rated insurer.
10. Trusted quality G.J. Gardner builds more homes in
New Zealand than any other builder, and our
reputation for quality, integrity and reliability
is second to none.
11. Trusted service and proven performance It’s a fact that in the last 20 years no builder has
built more homes and delighted more Kiwi’s
than G.J. Gardner Homes. We leave nothing
to chance including getting your feedback.
At the end of the day, it’s what you say and
how you feel about us, your new home and the
experience that counts.
Get fully involved, or sit back and let it all happen
A significant number of homes we build are for absentee
owners who live in other parts of the country or overseas.
With G.J. Gardner Homes, you don’t just get a builder. You get
a full project management team.
And in the digital age, you can be fully in touch with what’s
happening on your home from anywhere in the world.
The “Progress on My Home” section of our website allows you
to view photos of your home throughout construction process.
We will update it with photos of your home as it progresses from
the initial site works all the way to completion.
31
G.J. Gardner Homes acknowledge that customers
determine our success and that excellence in
customer satisfaction is our highest priority and will
never be compromised.
Our VisionTo have every customer recommend us to their closest friend.
Our Values Committed to fulfilling customers’ dreams and exceeding their
expectations.
Driven to strive for continual improvement.
Determined to lead the industry in providing superior quality and value.
Dedicated to demonstrating genuine respect for each other, our
customers and our responsibilities to the community.
Empowered to generate new initiatives to enhance our reputation as
New Zealand’s favourite home builders.
Disclaimer: G.J. Gardner Homes franchisees offer a fixed contract price under
a building contract. This will be the price you pay unless you want to change
the scope of the build or something arises in the course of the build that is
outside the franchisee’s control that impacts on the price. Franchisees do what
they can to limit what is outside their control but the reality is that changes
can happen in the construction of a home. If something happens outside the
franchisee’s control that will impact on the price, they will tell you what has
happened and explain why it has happened. G.J. Gardner franchisees know
customers don’t like surprises and aim to be open and transparent at all times.
How soon can I move in?
With some of our Express plans, the consent
process is generally faster so we can usually get
up and running in a few short weeks.
While we have plans that can be built very
quickly, most of the homes we build take
around 6 – 9 months from the planning stage
to being ready to live in.
once the permit has been issued, many of
our homes are completed in 14 – 20 weeks.
We have a range of pre-selected material
and interior fit-out options that are pre-priced
ready for you to select colours.
once plans are finalised, we will provide a
building contract including a fixed contract
price and a pre-agreed construction time
with all the details about your new home.
A Simple Guide to finding the right plansG.J. Gardner concept plans are categorised into a series of
collections, grouping homes according to style, size, number
of bedrooms, layout, exterior finish and other variables.
The plans are available throughout the G.J. Gardner
Homes network, or can be viewed on our website at
www.gjgardner.co.nz
our plans give you real flexibility because they are
designed using a system that allows them to be
easily modified, without incurring huge expense.
For example, you may want a purpose-designed
home theatre room or a larger garage to
accommodate a boat. In most cases, designs
can be modified for little cost.
32
We build more individually designed homes in New Zealand than any other builder. Bring in your p lans, use our p lans or design your new home from scratch!
Your G.J. Gardner Homes franchise is an
independent, locally owned and operated
business, making them part of your community
and providing you with direct access to the
owner of the business responsible for building
your home.
During the planning stage, we’re happy to come
and see you after hours at your place so there’s
no disruption to your work schedule.
Two-day quotation – once you have decided
on the design of your home, your G.J. Gardner
franchise can usually provide a comprehensive
quotation within 48 hours, if not sooner. This can
include concept drawings showing the floor plan
and elevations, a site plan, and a full schedule
of what’s included.
Proven value – we have excellent relationships
with some of New Zealand’s most respected
building materials suppliers. We are the country’s
largest residential building group and are able
to purchase materials and fittings at a more
favourable rate, passing the savings on to you.
All inclusive – your local G.J. Gardner Homes
franchise will provide a specification covering every
detail of the items in your home, including any
extras you require such as a fire sprinkler system
or landscaping.
No surprises – the G.J. Gardner Homes system
ensures that you are provided with precise details
of every aspect of your project.
Detailed plans, comprehensive specifications,
and a reliable schedule for completion of your
home. We leave nothing out. We will not use
deceptive pricing methods to win your business.
You have our commitment.
We project manage everything, every step of
the way with a building contact covering costs,
workmanship, material guarantees, completion
dates and other key issues.
Reliable back up – G.J. Gardner franchises
operate highly structured business organisations
with proven systems and back-ups to manage
the construction of your home in an orderly,
professional manner.
The final assurance you have is: more New Zealanders choose G.J. Gardner
to build their home than any other builder.
Why choose G.J.’s
“Building a house and having
a baby can be the most stressful
things you do, we did both
at the same time! But the house
wasn’t stressful. G.J.’s looked
after everything for us; we didn’t
have to worry about the house.”
Greg Cozier and Janelle Hopkins
Your only surprises will be
happy ones.
33
So get started. It costs nothing.
Talking to your local G.J.’s
franchise costs nothing.
You’ll quickly know where
you stand with costs, and
if you don’t feel things are
going in the right direction,
you can easily walk away.
At the very least, you will
have a good understanding
of the whole process.
Your G.J. Gardner TeamThe difference between G.J. Gardner and other builders is that
we have the people and resources to do everything to get your
home sorted. Throughout our franchise network, we have experts
in pretty much every facet of building.
Our Colour Consultants
Colour consultants help you
choose colours, materials etc,
that will work for the style of
home you want. Plus, they can
give you an idea of what the
associated price may be.
Our Administrators
The administration staff ensure
our offices run smoothly.
They will also be your point of
contact during various stages
of your build and will often
be there to help you with
the details during planning
and construction.
Our Estimators
An important aspect of the
journey is knowing the amount
of investment you will need to
put in to build your new home.
Estimators, do exactly what
the title suggests – but more
than estimate the amount that
it will cost to build a home.
They make sure every item for
every object, to the last tile
is ordered and delivered on
the day required.
Our Draughties
our draughties and architects
are great at coming up with
plans that will work for you
and your family. If you already
have a plan or like one of
our designer plans but want
to make changes, this won’t
be a problem.
Our Frontline Builders
and Subcontractors
All our builders are
professional tradespeople,
and our preferred sub-
contractors have been carefully
selected for their expertise,
reliability and commitment
to quality workmanship.
Many work exclusively for us
and have done so for close
to two decades.
Our Site Supervisors
The boss on the job
who takes care of detail and
workmanship. on time,
on budget, no excuses.
Our Sales Consultants
These people are your first
point of contact during your
entire build journey and
will guide and help you right
from the first step. They will
help you ask the questions you
didn’t know to ask.
34
With G.J. Gardner Homes, you don’t just get a builder.
You get a full project management team with a long
established track record of success.
Working with G.J.’sG.J. Gardner Homes is like your local builder, with local owners in your
communities, proud to support local causes, and employ local people.
This comes with the added benefits of having the proven systems and
processes along with buying power of a nation-wide group. Not to
mention the well-known reputation to uphold!
The main reason for this booklet is to inform and help anyone planning
on building a home, whoever you choose to build with. And there are
many great builders in New Zealand. We are happy to be compared, and
are confident of how we will stack up, if you objectively compare builders
and ask the questions we have introduced throughout this guide. We
can’t build everybody’s new home, but want everyone to love doing so,
and improve our industry’s reputation.
Sadly, we also wrote this booklet to hopefully stop the number of
disappointed people who call us wanting help, who have made a bad
decision choosing a builder and later regret it.
As stated in the introduction to this booklet, our guiding vision is:
“To have every customer recommend us to their closest friend”.
This focus on the customers, the people who matter, will always remain
our guiding vision. This is because we understand that we build homes
and our customers build our reputation. Integrity, respect, hard work and
absolute commitment to you we promise. Don’t just love your new home,
love the experience.
In closing, we hope you have learnt exactly what you want in your home,
and how to choose a great builder. Plus now having a clear idea of
the path to travel in order to make it happen. So take the next step
– the journey begins!
The G.J. team, made up
of 27 franchisees, includes
many husband and wife
teams. In selecting our
team, we look for honest,
good people, who we
know will do the right
thing by any one of their
customers.
And of course we would love to build your new home . . .
Joining a successful team.Nick and Charlotte Tapper first came into contact with
the G.J. team through their business in the film industry.
They had been working with the G.J. team at a national level, filming
testimonial adverts of real customers for the G.J. website and the
very successful TV campaign.
Despite being very successful in the marketing and digital film industry,
Nick and Charlotte had been looking for a new challenge. After meeting
so many delighted customers around New Zealand as they filmed the
testimonials, and meeting many of the husband and wife G.J. franchise
owners, they knew the team they wanted to be part of. They approached
Grant, the M.D. at head office, about opportunities. It was an easy
relationship to form. Nick and Charlotte knew first-hand G.J.’s was a
high performing business with great customer relationships. While G.J.’s
knew Nick and Charlotte were passionate about customer service and
ran a great business with a great team in the film industry. So when the
opportunity of the Queenstown/Wanaka franchise became available,
and Nick could return to where he grew
up, nothing was stopping them.
They now live and breathe G.J.’s
in the Queenstown-Lakes District,
and have created an extremely
successful business, while enjoying
everything the region has to offer
with their children in tow.
Nick and Charlotte Tapper Queenstown/Wanaka Franchisee for G.J. Gardner Homes
36
So finally, please be brave.
Build not just your new home, but get exactly
the home you want.
Plan and make great choices.
Love the experience.
Remember: a great builder makes it easy.
Use the following pages as your guide, ask the
right questions and make great decisions.
G.J. Gardner Homes . . . answering questions you didn’t know to ask.
Grant Porteous Managing Director, Deacon Holdings Ltd
NZ Master Franchisee for G.J. Gardner Homes
A final thank you for taking the time to
read “Home Prep”. We hope you join the
G.J. family. And a special thanks to over
12,500 New Zealanders who have trusted
our G.J. team to build their new home.
You have made our journey possible.
Ask for real information from your builder
How long have they been in business in this industry? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Who are the actual owners of the building company, who are the directors, etc.?
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Have they ever had financial difficulties in the past, been adjudicated insolvent,
had a company fail, or been adjudicated bankrupt? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
How many projects have they completed in the last 2 years? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
How many projects do they currently have being built? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What and who makes up their team? What is their resource capability, i.e. number
of staff/construction supervisors, etc.? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
What would happen if your builder, especially if a small operator, was injured
or sick or someone in his family was and he had to take time off work. What
contingencies are in place for projects to be completed? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Do they carry insurance, i.e. professional indemnity, public liability, builder’s risk,
contract works and who provides this? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Do they provide a guarantee on your project? Does it cover loss
of deposit, completion guarantee, structural and workmanship?
Who provides this? Do they have construction insurance?
What cover is included for each area, what limitations exist on any areas?
Ask for a policy document for you to look over before you make a decision.
Be wary of self insurance schemes and certain bonds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
If the insurer is some obscure name or not a multinational insurer, who are its
owners and directors, what reinsurance is in place and who by? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ask them to provide: 5 current clients they are building for as a reference
5 past clients they have built for as a reference
Ask them to provide key supplier information and contacts and trades, and ask:
Are they: Well organised, jobs completed in good time? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Known for quality workmanship? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Do they: Pay on time? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Have a sound credit history? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
How long have they worked with/supplied by suppliers? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
37
Some things you might not have thought about.
Is having a low maintenance home
a priority, versus having finishes that
require more regular maintenance?
Would you want any areas of the
home more isolated, to create
privacy?
Do you want the home to include
an outdoor area for entertaining, and
is it important for this area to be
protected from the prevailing wind?
Would better sound insulation in a
room for music practice or a home
theatre, increase your enjoyment
of a home.
Do you like early morning sun in your
bedroom or do you prefer bedrooms
to be darker with less direct sunlight?
Do you need to incorporate extra
storage areas for any equipment you
have for your interests, sports, or
hobbies?
The “where-will-I-be-in-seven-years-time” checklist. Which of the following could happen to you over the next seven years:
Will you have grandchildren?
Do you have extended family who may join you?
You might want an ageing parent to live with you?
Will the children leave home? And will they
come back?
Do you plan to be in the same house?
What about resale? How will your home stack-up
when it comes time to sell?
Are you down sizing, heading towards retirement?
Will the stairs become problematic?
If you regularly entertain friends, would a scullery
(a second food prep area), be a good idea?
Do you need a dedicated guest room or could kids
bunk up when guests occasionally visit and that
space be used as a living area?
Do you need space for a hobby room? Will it need
good natural light? or other extras to account for?
Somewhere to park a jet ski, or store paddle
boards, etc.? or an additional car for your son
or daughter?
The kitchen is the hub of the home, should
there be a computer area close to order groceries,
pay accounts, or help kids with homework?
Will your work commitments change in this time
period, would you like to work from home in
the future?
How will your children’s schooling and transport
needs change?
other: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Things to consider
38
A home that is special to you, meeting many of your family’s needs not only helps provide a great family environment - it will often appeal to others when or if you ever decide to sell.
YOURS:TOP 5 “WANTS”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
MINE:TOP 5 “WANTS”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
OURS:TOP 5 “MUST-HAVES”
1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WISH LIST
6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
11 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
12 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
13 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
14 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
15 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
39
40
NoTESScale 1:100 (1cm = 100cm, i.e. 1 metre)
41
As you shape your building project with your own ideas and
creativity you will be presented with construction drawings
detailing the necessary elements for us to successfully
translate your concept in to reality.
The complicated appearance of these construction drawings can often
cause confusion and be hard to interpret for the uninitiated. on the next
pages are some brief guidance on understanding the various drawings
you will be presented with.
There are three basic construction drawing views: floor plans, elevations
and site plans. Let’s look at each of the functions they serve.
Floor PlansFloor plans provide a bird’s eye view of the house, removing the roof
and looking down on each floor separately to show the internal layout.
Details shown include walls, room sizes, fixtures and often furniture
examples. Floor plans can often indicate finishing level detail, with
windows and doors, flooring types, cabinetry, sinks, toilets and kitchen
appliances shown.
6. UNDERSTANDING CoNSTRUCTIoN DRAWINGS
Don’t be afraid to ask . . . your local G.J. Gardner New Home Consultant will be happy to help walk you through all of the above construction drawings, so please don’t be afraid to ask at your next meeting.
42
The use and frequency of these symbols is dictated by the individual specification of the build.
Given the internal layout is the functionality of your home, it is often easiest to start by
focussing your thoughts here.
Service elements:
HWC
Various symbols are used on floor plans, with the following key containing many of the
elements featured:
Structural elements:
Elevation DrawingsTo begin visualising the built form of your home we can refer to the elevation drawings.
These will provide you with an idea of how the home will externally look from each side.
It is typical for construction drawings to contain four elevational drawings, one for each
external wall of the house – front, rear and the two sides. This does of course depend on
the complexity of the building shape. An elevation is shown in two dimensions with no
perspective, meaning the building is drawn completely flat. Generally information such as
building height, exterior claddings and roofing details are included.
Whilst a major function is to provide you with a view of your house, the elevations are also
used to check the house will adhere to any local planning regulations, key to the building
consent process. Building trades also use the plans to ensure their exterior finishing matches
your intended appearance.
Toilet
Sinks
Vanities
Cooker
Shower
Water Heater
Bath
Laundry Tub
Doorway Tiled Area Stairs
Exterior Wall Window Exterior Sliding Door Exterior Stacker Door
Living Room
Framing
Cladding Cavity
Type C600 x 1,800
D1012,150 x 2,700
Type D2 - 2,150 x 3,900
860
860
Linen
Type C1,800 x 900
Type C600 x 1,800
Type C1,350 x 1,800
860
860
7/2047/2
WR
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Ensuite
21.5/15 SD
21.5/30SD
15/18 15/18
760 017
760 067
STORE
DININGKITCHEN
ENTRY
LOUNGE
GARAGE
BED 4/STUDY
1.0m x1.0m SH
CEILINGACCESSPANEL
W.R.
WC
710
Wardrobes
810
2/810
810
2/760
A Question of ScaleAll three construction drawing types are
drawn to scale, as if shrinking a photograph
down on a photocopier. This means that they
match the intended final proportions of the
completed home.
A scale key is often included, represented as a
‘1:xxx’ format, signifying that a single centimetre
on the construction drawing represents a
certain number of centimetres on the final build.
For example, a common scale of 1:100 is utilised
on floor plans, with 1 centimetre representing
100 centimetres (1 metre) in completion.
Scale rules are a handy tool to help convert
construction drawing sizes, although it should
be remembered that these provide only an
approximation guideline.
Site PlanThe final type of construction drawing you will be provided with is a site plan, showing a bird’s
eye view of your section.
Detailed within this will be major features of the land, any existing structures and the proposed
new dwelling. The site plan allows you to view driveways, paths, easements, may include
stormwater drainage and septic systems, and also identify section boundaries and aspect.
Many builders include additional supplementary plans, detailing specific site elements,
for example required earthworks.
The lines which traverse a site map are called contour lines, signifying points of equal elevation.
The spacing of these lines is key to understanding the topography of your section, with closer
lines denoting steeper terrain, and wider spacing showing flatter sections.
44
G.J. Gardner Homes is a franchise network comprising a number of
independently owned and operated businesses. Each franchisee is a
party to a franchise agreement with Deacon Holdings Limited (Deacon)
and has a right to use the G.J. Gardner brand in connection with its
business under that franchise agreement.
All dealings by a consumer during a building process are with an
independently owned and operated G.J. Gardner franchisee and all
building contracts are entered into between the customer and the
G.J. Gardner franchisee. Deacon is not a party to any building contract
and no franchisee nor any director, employee or contractor of a
franchisee has any authority to act on behalf of or bind Deacon.
This booklet is intended to provide general information with respect
to the process of building a home and includes statements of opinion
personal to the authors. This booklet is not a comprehensive or
exhaustive analysis of the subjects covered and does not constitute
professional advice. Users of the booklet should obtain independent
advice in relation to all matters arising out of and in connection with
the subject matter covered in this booklet including, without limitation,
relevant financial, accounting, investment, business or legal advice. Any
user is solely responsible for the actions and decisions made in reliance
on the content in, or accessed through, this booklet.
No warranties or representations are made regarding information in this
booklet in terms of their accuracy, correctness, reliability or otherwise.
No liability is accepted for any error or omission including typographical
errors and/or technical inaccuracies. Changes in circumstances after
publication may affect the information in this booklet and additions or
deletions may be made at any time without notice.
All intellectual in this booklet including all designs, plans, photos and
illustrations are the property of Deacon or its licensors. No material
from this booklet may be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified,
uploaded, re-posted or published without the prior written approval
of Deacon. Deacon grants you permission to download a copy of this
booklet solely for personal non-commercial use (including printing a
hard copy of the booklet for personal non-commercial use).
7. LEGAL INFoRMATIoN
8. FURNITURE PLANNING
45
Functionality of rooms is really important, so for information and to help when planning your new home, use some of these scaled furniture samples to set out rooms. Cut-out the images below or take a photocopy to cut-out and arrange on your floor plan. The grid on page 40 is the same scale.
The scale is 1:100 (1cm = 100cm, i.e. 1 metre), and sizes are
approximate centimetres only, and may vary from your own furniture.
Space for walking around and sitting room, needs to be taken into
consideration. Not only do you need access around the furniture but
also think about accessing the rooms such as carrying beds up and
around stairs in a two storey home, doorway and halls. Carrying large
items to the upper levels, for e.g. a piano or large dresser. Have fun
setting out your rooms and spaces, and enjoy moving in!
Beds
Dining Table and Chairs, Buffets
Sofas and Armchairs
Dressers
Don’t forget to allow for extra
height garage doors for a fishing boat with rod racks or
vehicle roof storage or racks.
Coffee and Side Tables
Vehicles
Desks and Bookcases
Outdoor Sets for Upstairs Decks/Balcony
To find out more
call us today on
0800 38 48 48or visit our website
onionhomeloans.co.nz
Home Loan Finance
Insurance• Mortgage protection
• Income protection
• Home, contents and vehicle
• Life insurance
You can own your own homeand showcase your style.
...together with G.J.’s, making home ownership easy.
Thanks G.J.’sand Onion, for help ing
us build the homewe wanted!
Onion is the creation of G.J. Gardner Homes NZ.
Onion’s key purpose is to make buying or building your new home
easy by providing skilled specialists in finance and insurance with extensive
knowledge of the housing market and home building sector – to work for you.
Talk to the Onion team today on how they can provide an extra
layer of service through your home building journey.
Onion is the trading name of Porteous Fraser Dent Limited. The controlling interest in this company is held by parties who also own
a controlling interest in Deacon Holdings Limited, which is the New Zealand Master Franchisee for G.J. Gardner Homes.
GJBG003/1216
> 0800 42 45 46 > www.gjgardner.co.nz
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