Thinking of building in summer? Might want to start planning now

Renovations, additions, and alterations are all jobs best done in summer. My optimum time to build, considering weather and daylight hours, is October through to April. Something about longer days and sunshine just makes the process of construction a lot more enjoyable. But what not many know is that if you want to get your project underway in the summer months, then you need to start planning and organising now. In fact for some bigger jobs, it’s probably already too late! 

PLANNING

A big job will require a permit, and that requires a plan. The council only accepts plans from licensed designers and registered architects, so choosing one of these is your first step. Unless you know exactly what you want, the design and final consent drawings can take up to six months. But don’t let that put you off; a simple bathroom remodel or deck plan can be turned around in as little as four weeks. 

APPROVAL

Once you’ve got your plan, the council has to approve your proposal. This should take twenty working days, but usually takes about five to six weeks, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time. 

FINANCES

To get accurate pricing from builders and sub trades, it’s best to supply them with consent drawings. Preliminary plans and sketches may give you the overview, but it’s the detail and finishes that sets the price. If you are using a lending facility to fund your project, they may need a valuation – and it’s those finer details that’ll be the key to making sure it’s accurate. I have seen jobs get this far and not go ahead because the numbers didn’t add up. It’s disappointing for the home owner, which is why it’s better to have all your “T”s crossed and “I”s dotted. 

MATERIALS

All this needs to be sorted by you and/or your designer before construction starts, because lead times for some items can be months, not days. I’m waiting on nine tiles for a job that I ordered over three weeks ago, and a granite bench top can take three months from order to delivery if the stone you’re after isn’t in the country.

STARTING

Giving a builder a start date is near impossible unless the permit is issued. We’ve all stood around twiddling our thumbs, “just waiting for the permit.” Ever the optimist though, so get out those home magazines, cut out some pretty pictures, choose a nice wallpaper, a shiny tap, a neutral carpet, curtains to match, find a designer, and get on with making your dream laundry, kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom a reality. 

We want to hear from you

GoodHome should be an enjoyable and worthwhile place to visit filled with information that helps you to be the smartest homeowner you can be. We want to hear about anything you found useful or anything you didn’t, and anything you want to see more of that would help make this the perfect site for you - email us at goodhome@bnz.co.nz

This article is intended as a general discussion only. BNZ recommends the recipient get independent advice. The views expressed are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent those of BNZ or its related entities.