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Hi all. Well, I after reading many of the comments here, I am now VERY confused...

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Nadia

Hi all. Well, I after reading many of the comments here, I am now VERY confused about choosing a building company! We are in the process of purchasing a section of land in the Christchurch area. We would love to have an architect designed house, but worry about the cost. We are now thinking of going with one of the “Signature” type companies offering a fixed price, but with the option of making some changes (obviously with additional costs for that). We will be building in a windy area and worry that an “off the shelf” design may not suit our site. Reading through these comments, I was crossing off the “baddies” from my list and have now ruled out everyone I was considering! I’m not sure if anyone can recommend a “design to build” company or an architect that will not cost a fortune, or do we just accept that we pay a fortune for an architect design and then try to find a reasonable builder? Thank you.
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David

Hi Nadia, what part of Christchurch are you looking at building? I’m about to start the process of building in Church Bay (Diamond Harbour) which is also very windy. We are avoiding the larger building companies and going with a smaller company (Strategic Homes) who actually use Paul McStay Homes for the build. From everything I have read I would recommend considering some of the reputable smaller companies, and they can still offer a fixed price.
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Source detailsComment #70348Reply to #70347Thread #70347Source link

Sally

Hi Nadia – I would agree with David and recommend using a smaller builder. I can also recommend Paul McStay – they are a trustworthy builder several friends have built with him and very pleased. Can also recommend Greenland Homes – we have built five places with them now – he uses a very good designer called Jeff Mason who can do all kinds of designs and has some great ideas. The other builder I would recommend who is actually a bigger one is Peter Ray – we have built with them before and they are very trustworthy on price – they always tell you if something will cost more and their show homes are up front with pricing too rather than you thinking you are getting something you are not. So hopefully that will give you something to think on. Good luck. 🙂
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Source detailsComment #70352Reply to #70347Thread #70347Source link

Tracey

well I have perused website, and found that feedback good and bad, is helpful. I have also picked up on a number of ideas re contracts, and that thing called addendum. so have never built before so sifting through info has been a little labour intensive however have found informative. one of my observations from this site is a lot of comments made upon building companies – does not always state which franchise, people are having difficulties with… I find it such a shame that one franchisee owner can have such a negative impact on the whole franchise… at this stage, we are looking at landmark in whangarei does anybody have any comments good or bad. which would give some insight thanks…
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Source detailsComment #70355Reply to #70347Thread #70347Source link

Chris

I am thinking of getting GJ or A1 to build my place in rural Dunedin. Is it a good choice l? Any other recommendations? Thanks lots!
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Source detailsComment #70364Reply to #70347Thread #70347Source link

Kelly

Hi Nadia, Did you end up finding a builder in North Canterbury? I would be interested to hear who you chose as there are a number of smaller builders around (and personally I’m not that keen on the larger building companies, too many horror stories and too little control over who you get as your contractor). Thanks, Kelly
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Source detailsComment #83423Reply to #70347Thread #70347Source link

Nadia

Hi David. We are looking to buy a section in Loburn at the top of a hill with little protection, so don’t want wind to make our lives a misery. I think we may have to consider your suggestion. Thanks.
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Source detailsComment #70349Reply to #70348Thread #70347Source link

Nadia

Thanks Sally. I have looked at a few of them already, so will have another look. I appreciate the advice!
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Source detailsComment #70353Reply to #70352Thread #70347Source link

Phillipa

The guys at Landmark Whangarei asked if I would discuss my experience with them in reply to your comment. I moved in to my home in February 2015 and found the building experience with Landmark to be very positive overall. There were a few minor ups and downs but the staff were great to deal with and once the build got underway the house went up very fast and with few dramas. I love my home and would definitely recommend using Landmark Whangarei. I’m also happy to discuss the experience with you personally if you would prefer. Just ask Clint at Landmark for my details.
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Source detailsComment #70373Reply to #70355Thread #70347Source link

Singh

Hi, How did your journey go with Strategic (now Touchstone) Homes? We are consideraing thema long with Parklane/Faye and would like your input please? Thanks, Singh
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Source detailsComment #116118Reply to #70348Thread #70347Source link

Chris

Hi Nadia, and others who wrote about windy sites. Just a brief comment on this. If you’re talking about windy in the sense of being somewhere (eg hill or clifftop) where you can expect occasional very strong winds, bear in mind your architect/engineer will need to design for this in terms of possibly special window flashings and stronger framing (ie extra cost). But if you’re talking about life frequently being made a misery by wind, then you need to design the whole layout to try to put areas for outside use on the sheltered side of the house. Unfortunately that can mean they don’t face the views. All things to think about before buying the section.
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Source detailsComment #70350Reply to #70349Thread #70347Source link

robynne

We are considering Landmark Whangarei. Was the build on time. Is there good insurance to cmlete the build. Did you get any nasty surprises with costs during build or was it fixed price. Thankyou.
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Source detailsComment #81206Reply to #70373Thread #70347Source link

Nadia

Thanks Chris. Good point.
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Source detailsComment #70351Reply to #70350Thread #70347Source link