New Build, Renovation and Extension Specialists

We understand that the building and renovation process can become a confusing and stressful time, brought on by the fear of the unknown.

You shouldn’t need to fear price, quality, or time management – Building your family home should be an enjoyable and rewarding process.

Building Committment

At Vista Homes, we’re committed to reducing your building project stress.

We do this through a clean building site and regular progress updates.

We hope that you choose us when building your next project but even if you don’t, please feel free to use our Fear Buster Checklist to ensure that you and your builders expectations are aligned from day 1.

Remember that your building project relationship will only ever fail if you and your builder get into a position where you have differing expectations.

Fear Buster Checklist
for your next Building Project

Below is a list of Due Diligence and General Building questions you should ask your builder. We’ve attached our answers so you know what to expect when choosing to work with us.

We’ve also included some Thought Provoking questions you should think about asking yourself so you’re well prepared when you meet with your builder.

Due Diligence Questions

Yes. We will supply this at our second meeting.

Yes. We will supply a New Zealand Certified Builders Association Contract. This will be signed prior to any work starting.

Shaun Murphy

Shaun Murphy

Shaun Murphy is the Managing Partner of Vista Homes

Carpentry and Site 2

Yes. Certified Builders Association of New Zealand.

$5,000,000.

Yes. Vista Homes is a member of Hazard Co and we have a Health & Safety Plan for every site.

Yes. All Vista Homes employees have Site Safe Passports.

Yes. We insist that all our clients get Certified Builders Halo 10 Year Guarantee Insurance. The best part is, should you decide to sell, the guarantee automatically passes over to the new owner.

A full breakdown of our warranty & guarantee can be found on our website.

Yes. A full breakdown of our warranty & guarantee can be found on our website.

General Building Questions

Unfortunately, not all building companies offer the same specifications for materials, quality, service and finishes.

If you shop around always make sure to compare apples with apples.

Vista Homes estimates don’t have any hidden costs.

Our estimates are based on the Building Consent Plans and the known site conditions.

Any requested variations to the contract will be signed off by the client prior to any work starting.

Most variations are upgrades to materials or finishes requested by the client.

Occasionally builders may come across an unforeseen cost during the build. If this happens on a Vista Homes project it will be highlighted to the client immediately.

A variation would then be signed off so the client doesn’t get a surprise invoice at the end of the build. An example of an unforeseen cost could be asbestos found behind a wall.

Always ask for references and/or speak to previous clients. It also pays to google the LBP and company.

Thought Provoking Questions

Before you talk to a builder you need to ask yourself a few questions first.

Use the answers to these questions to shape the discussion with your builder.

  • What is the main reason for your renovation / extension?

    e.g. Additional bedroom for the children

  • How long have you been thinking about renovating?

    Lifelong dream, recently inspired…

  • What must a builder have to be your builder?

    Read our Fear Buster Checklist to help you decide what is important.

  • What part of building makes you the most nervous?

    We can help alleviate these issues with our extensive experience in project management.

  • What type of materials and finishes would you like?

    Perhaps you have some idea’s from magazines, or online to discuss with your builder?

  • How much have you got to spend?

    Most people hold this card close to their chest as they are worried that the budget will become a target.

    It’s actually quite the opposite, a good builder will work with your budget to ensure you get your preferred materials and finishes.

  • Is there anything else that you would like to discuss?

    Give us a call today to set up a free, no obligation meeting.

As well as being a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) Vista Homes is also an active member of the Certified Builders Association (CBNZ).

It should be noted that unlike some other associations CBNZ require all members to be Trade Qualified.

We also pride ourselves in giving back to the industry by always having apprentices as part of the team and participating in high school gateway programs.