- At What Stage Do I Involve a Builder?
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This can vary with each person. Some clients are willing to come up with a plan and design on their own, then involve an architect. Some like the assurance of a builder’s expertise from the start. This can be a good idea with both house renovations and new home builds as there tends to be complications and details that the professionals know to look out for, as well as opportunities for significant cost savings. Involving a builder from the beginning can make a big difference in reducing the price and timeframe of the overall build. If you’re not sure, get in touch for a chat.
- Will I Need Building Consent?
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The majority of building work requires building consent. Each stage of the building process whether it be structural, roofing or even moving services may all need a consent. This is another reason why involving a builder early is beneficial.
- Do I Need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)?
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With certain projects that are restricted during a build you’ll need a Licensed Building Practitioner to complete the work. Work involving the building structure, weather tightness, and design of fire safety systems are all required to be completed from a Licensed Building Practitioner. This covers work that is critical to the integrity of a building, for example, its envelope and structure. This legislation has been in effect since March 2012.
- Do I Need My Builder to Be a Member of an Association?
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Not necessarily. Pharaoh Construction is not a member of the Master Builders Association or Certified Builders Association and while some builders see the benefit in this, we prefer to independently offer you the same reassurance and quality. Being a member of the Master Builders Association or Certified Builders Association simply means:
- They will check whether any of your builders are trade qualified. Pharaoh Construction has a number of employees who are trade qualified.
- They have references. Pharaoh Construction will happily provide suitable references.
- You will be entitled to apply for a 10-year Master Build Guarantee or Halo 10-year Residential Builders Guarantee, which are provided by these associations. Pharaoh Construction offers you guarantee service as standard practice, as stated in the ‘Pharaoh Construction 4 Star Guarantee’.
- Do I Get a Guarantee?
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Yes. With Pharoah Construction, you’ll receive the best new home build guarantee around so you can feel comfortable that the job will be done right. We’ll maintain constant communication with you throughout the build so you are not left in the dark, and ensure your home is built on time and to the agreed budget. Our ‘287 Point Quality Control Checklist’ will be used as an internal quality check, and on top of this our team will be restful and treat your home like our own.
- How Can I Keep My Building Project on Budget?
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At Pharoah Construction we use a ‘287 Point Quality Control Checklist’ that is specific to new home builds, so that we can ensure every detail is exactly what you had planned as well as managed on time and therefore on budget. After all, nothing will lessen the enjoyment of this process more than if costs start to run high. Of course, with any build, there can be unforeseen circumstances or even alterations that you may wish to add, which is why we will price up any changes you would like or that are needed prior to starting the work. This way you will know how much it will cost and there will be no surprises.
- Should I Request a Fixed Price or Charge Up?
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A fixed price can give more certainty at the outset, and works well in both new builds and home renovations. However, some home renovations may require certain ‘tagged’ items of the build where a price cannot be given. This pricing can usually not be confirmed until the work begins. Charge-up can also work well in more complex projects that may have a high degree of detailed tasks. Sometimes during complex projects, if a fixed price is required, the builder may estimate high to cover all potential outcomes, and you may have ended up paying more than if it was charged up. If you are not sure, please contact us and we will be happy to help you work out which option suits you best.