FAQ
Building a new home or taking on a renovation brings up a lot of questions — especially if it's your first project. Here are the ones we get asked most often. If you don't see your question below, just get in touch and we'll talk you through it.
How does the building consent process work in Dunedin and South Otago?
Every new build, and most renovations, need a building consent from the Dunedin City Council (or the relevant district council if you're in South Otago) before work can start. In short: we design and document the project, submit the application on your behalf, and the council checks it against the Building Code. Straightforward residential projects are typically processed within a few months, though it can take longer if the council requests further information or if your site has specific engineering requirements. We manage this process for you from start to finish, so you're not stuck dealing with council paperwork on your own.
How long does a new build usually take?
For a typical new home in Dunedin, you're generally looking at somewhere in the range of 8 to 12 months from the day the ground is broken to the day you get the keys — depending on the size and complexity of the design, the weather, and how quickly consents and inspections come through. Steeper sites, custom architectural designs, or larger homes can take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your project once we've been through the design and site details together.
How long does a renovation take?
It depends entirely on scope. A bathroom or kitchen renovation is often done in 4 to 10 weeks, while a full home renovation can run 6 to 9 months, and a second-storey addition can take 8 to 12 months. Renovations are naturally less predictable than new builds — once we open up an older home, we sometimes find things (like dated wiring or moisture issues) that need addressing along the way. We build contingency into the programme and keep you posted every step of the way.
What does “Licensed Building Practitioner” (LBP) mean, and why does it matter?
An LBP is a builder who has been independently assessed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment against a national competency standard, and is legally allowed to carry out or supervise restricted building work — the structural and weathertightness-critical parts of a home. Working with an LBP means you're covered by a formal accountability framework, not just a verbal assurance of quality. It also matters for insurance, resale, and council sign-off: restricted building work carried out without a licensed practitioner can cause real problems down the line. Our team holds current LBP licensing and BCITO-qualified apprenticeships, so this is all handled properly from day one.
How does getting a quote or estimate work?
We start with an on-site conversation about what you're picturing, your budget range, and your site. From there we put together a detailed, itemised estimate — not a vague ballpark figure — so you know exactly what's included before you commit to anything. For larger or more complex projects, we recommend a short design/pricing phase before the final fixed quote, since it lets us iron out the details (finishes, site conditions, consent requirements) that most affect the final number. There's no cost or obligation to have that first conversation.
Do I need a building consent for landscaping work?
Often, no — general landscaping like planting, paving, and simple garden structures usually doesn't need consent. But retaining walls over a certain height, decks attached to the house, and anything that affects drainage or the building's structure generally do. We'll tell you upfront whether your landscaping plans need a consent, and handle the application if they do.
Can landscaping be included as part of my build or renovation project?
Yes — and this is one of the things that sets us apart from a lot of other Dunedin builders. Rather than handing you over to a separate landscaper once the build is finished, we manage the full picture: from the first plans through to the final landscaping touches. That means one point of contact, one team accountable for the whole result, and a section that's actually finished — not just a house with a bare yard.
What happens if something changes once the project has started?
It's normal for small changes — a different tapware choice, a moved power point — to come up once you can see the space taking shape. When that happens, we put together a variation with the cost and time impact clearly laid out before any change is made, so there are never any surprises on your invoice. Bigger changes get the same treatment: clear numbers, discussed with you, agreed before we proceed.
Still have a question? Get in touch and we'll give you a straight answer — no obligation, no pressure.