Plan the whole investment in your home, alongside the architectural investment that supports the success of your project. Allow separately for construction, specialist consultants, council charges, site investigations, service connections, external works and contingency. Check GST and whether each allowance is included in the building contract or paid directly by you.
Specialist advice and site information
A project may need a measured survey, geotechnical investigation, structural engineering, planning advice or other specialist input. The right team depends on the site and proposal. Request a defined scope and fee from each consultant, including whether later revisions and construction visits are included. Avoid assuming that a simple floor plan means the site will require little investigation.
Approvals and infrastructure
Building consent and resource consent charges are separate from the work involved in preparing their applications. Other costs may include development contributions, infrastructure charges, service connections, drainage approvals and title or legal work. Not every item applies to every project, so establish a site-specific schedule instead of adding a standard percentage without checking.
Work outside the main house
Retaining, excavation, driveways, fencing, decks and landscaping can be significant. Confirm which items sit within the builder’s price. Appliances, curtains, loose furniture and specialist interiors may also sit outside it. During a renovation, allow for demolition, investigation of concealed conditions and any accommodation or storage needed while the home is unavailable.
Keep a clear investment budget
Record an allowance, GST basis, responsible party and confidence level for each cost. Include contingency suited to the remaining uncertainty and update the schedule as quotations arrive. Modal coordinates the design information and relevant consultant input within the agreed service. Our process explains the stages, and our services can help you identify the work your project is likely to need.
