FAQ

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AThe approach to your project can vary significantly. You might already have a clear plan and design in mind, or you may benefit from the professional expertise of a builder right from the start. Opting for the latter, especially with new builds, proves advantageous as certified builders like Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. bring years of experience to foresee potential complications and address crucial details. Engaging their expertise from the outset ensures your project stays on schedule and within budget. By entrusting Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. with your project from start to finish, you’re assured a seamlessly executed build with step-by-step guidance.

AEvery high-spec new home and large renovation will require a building consent (depending on the project, it may also require a resource consent) from the Auckland Council because it involves:

Structural changes or additions
Electrical or plumbing modifications
New decks, retaining walls, fences or swimming pools
Land use

You can find further information on building consent specifications on the Auckland Council website. As far as lodging consents this is usually covered by your architect or designer as part of their proposal. However if this is not the case, we offer a full design, consent and build service meaning you won’t have to do a thing. Alternatively you can choose to take on the consent process yourself, where you will need to follow the 12 step process outlined by the council.

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Cost Plus – A cost plus contract includes the price of all materials plus the builder’s margin. Although this type of contract does not offer a fixed price, it allows you to take advantage of builder’s discounts on materials and trades as well as input new things as the project progresses. Under Cost Plus the building company will also organise everything from contractors to the final inspection.

Labour Only – This type of contract only covers the costs of the builder’s labour, meaning you have to arrange contractors, inspections, materials and everything else yourself. This process is very costly and time consuming unless you are able to hire an experienced project manager to take on the task of organising your project.

APayment options depend on the type of contract you choose. With a full contract you only make payments to one company, with payments made either fortnightly or at set milestones. When you receive your contract from Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. we will provide you with a payment schedule and also a project schedule which will give you an overview of what to expect with your build and then we will provide you with a full contract with a agreed upon quote. We are also happy to refer you to a trusted financial adviser if you need to apply for a loan.

ATasks related to building structure, weather tightness, design, and fire safety systems necessitate the expertise of a licensed building practitioner. This directly benefits you, as all the crucial work conducted for your new build or renovation is covered by our LBP license. Furthermore, the LBP license provides an additional layer of assurance, signifying that Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. exclusively employs experienced and expert professionals. Each staff member holds their LBP license, ensuring your build is executed with the highest level of professionalism and expertise.

AYES! Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. will give you a 287 Point Quality Assurance Checklist, so even the smallest details of home construction are checked, ensuring your home is built to the highest quality. We will also give you a 12 month maintenance period guaranteed, with a guaranteed call back within 72 hours during the maintenance period if anything is wrong. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call us, one of our friendly office staff will get on to whatever you have an issue with, either by calling me directly or the project manager in charge of your build. Lastly we will give you an annual 20 point Building Warrant of Fitness check, with a written report for 5 years after your build, just to make sure you are totally satisfied with your home.

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Proactively address potential concerns by identifying them before they become issues. Seeking expert advice that considers all aspects of building and renovations, including topography and local by-laws, is crucial for a comprehensive and informed approach.

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The Auckland City Council introduces new rules and regulations all the time. They may emphasise one thing this week, e.g. provision for parking, then new sewerage requirements the next. It can be overwhelming for the average homeowner to keep up. Also bear in mind, Council can come back on plans it has already passed, requiring that additional requirements are met. You can minimise hassles and stress by working with someone who is an expert in current requirements and process.

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Old villas and bungalows were built on the imperial system with hand-cut native timbers, often unique to each build, so it’s very difficult to match timber sizes and finishes. This applies to things like windows, skirting and balustrades. Your design and plans will need to account for these differences, to avoid unexpected issues or unmatched finishes. The good news is that Henry Brown & Co. Ltd. still has some of the old patterns and designs from having built so many villas and bungalows at the turn of the century, and excellent contacts and resources to source matching timbers. If we are able to source native that match up to your original villa or bungalow finishes, you may be able to retain some of the native wood.