The Path of Planning with Gubb Design
In the intricate world of home building and renovation, thorough careful planning is your greatest ally. At Gubb Design, we believe that investing time in researching materials, gathering ideas, and connecting with the right designers is essential. Taking the time to get these elements right ensures you're building with intention rather than rushing ahead and facing future regrets.
Your Essential Planning Tool
Our guide is crafted to serve as an invaluable resource for homeowners embarking on their building journey. We've broken down the process into manageable sections that allow you to think through each component as it arises. This approach encourages proactive planning, helping you anticipate steps and better prepare for them.
5 Key Things for Your Building Project
Active Involvement is Crucial
Building a new home or undertaking a renovation involves a significant investment. While it’s tempting to leave everything to your designer, builder, or project manager, we strongly recommend staying engaged throughout the process. Frequent site visits and active supervision can help prevent and resolve mistakes. Your involvement is key to a successful project completion.
Prepare Before Work Begins
Before any construction starts, ensure you have all necessary consents, including resource and building consents, if required. Fully understand the documentation—consult with your designer or builder to clarify plans and specifications to your satisfaction. Discuss contract details with a lawyer and confirm that the site is ready for work to begin, with clear access for your builder.
During Progress: Stay Engaged
Cultivate a good working relationship with your builder and address any concerns immediately. Keep changes minimal and document all variations in writing, including costs. Approve materials and finishes beforehand, and ensure appliances and fixtures are available as needed. Stick to the payment schedule and keep your architectural team engaged throughout.
Completion: Final Steps
Once work is complete, promptly report any urgent defects and list non-urgent ones for resolution. Sometimes, retaining funds until satisfactory completion is agreed upon in the contract. Applying for a Code Compliance Certificate is your responsibility, signifying the official completion of the work.
Mindful of Changes
Avoid making changes to plans during construction unless absolutely necessary, as they could incur additional costs and time. If changes are made, they may require an amendment to your building consent. Clearly document all changes in writing and discuss potential costs to maintain transparency and manage expectations.
Beginning Your Building Journey
Embarking on a building project is a unique experience—filled with both excitement and challenges. It's essential to acknowledge that it will demand significant time and budget commitments. Be ready for the ups and downs, and remember, each step forward is progress toward creating something you'll be proud of for years to come.
Expecting the Unexpected
Realistically, your project may take longer than anticipated. Whether due to the availability of builders and subcontractors or unpredictable weather and material delays, patience is key. Embracing these possibilities can ease stress and facilitate smoother project progression.
Regularly meeting with your builder and subcontractors is vital. It not only maintains momentum but also allows for early problem detection and resolution. Building a strong, communicative relationship with your builder can significantly influence the success of your project. Begin with open discussions, and resort to arbitration or mediation only if necessary—legal action should always be the last resort.
Gubb Design: Your Partner in Planning
This guide aims to demystify the steps and requirements of your new build or renovation project. We are here to inspire ideas, and to ensure you're reminded of what to watch out for. As you set out on this journey, think deeply about what you want to create and how it reflects your vision. With careful planning and dedicated partners like Gubb Design, your dream home is well within reach.
Contact Gubb Design today and start walking the path to unlocking your property’s full potential!