New Zealander’s are known for many things. We’re known for our love of the great outdoors, our sporting prowess, our can do attitude and number 8 wire mentality; we’re also known for embracing life, and there are certain rites of passage that many young Kiwis still fulfil today. The great OE is one, and with that done and dusted, many New Zealander’s return home with pockets full of pounds or US dollars to settle down in the best country in the world… Home. Queue your second right of passage, becoming a homeowner, or if you’re hard-core Kiwi, building your own home!

Building a home is a big step, and there’s lots of research to be done. As is so often the case it’s likely that much of your initial research will take place online, so we thought we’d share five websites for you to visit, that will help you build your dream.

1. Explore your options. There are several routes you can take when considering your build. A home and land package where design and build companies usually manage the construction process from start to finish. A kit set home, which usually comes with the plans and materials you need to build your home, leaving it up to you (or your builder) to manage the construction process. A customised home, where you work with an architect or draughtsman, and your chosen builder and tradespeople, this method will often result in you managing the entire project yourself. There are pros and cons to each option, and ASB Bank has written a blog which explores these. Read it HERE.
2. Think about finishes. Go to as many homes and building expos as you can. The Auckland Homeshow, one of the largest in the country, takes place in September over five show days at the ASB Showgrounds. Over 500 exhibitors will showcase the latest products, services and trends in renovations, building, furnishing, home improvements and outdoor living. Visit their website.
3. Consider due process. The Marlborough District Council website has all the local information you’ll need on building consents. Here’s the page you need to visit.
4. Crunch your numbers, then crunch them again! Set a realistic budget, and include an overrun contingency. You may find a subscription to the New Zealand Building Economist helpful.
5. Find a dream section. Stage 6 sections at Boulevard Park on Taylor are expected to be released in October 2017. Visit www.boulevardpark.co.nz for absolutely everything you need to know. Or register your interest with your preferred Bayleys salesperson today.