Understanding the Costs of Your Home Renovation

If you're thinking about renovating your home, one of the first questions that probably pops into your head is, "How much is it going to cost?" At Our Projects, we know this can be a bit overwhelming, but we're here to help you understand and manage those costs from the very beginning.

The Preliminary Build Process: What's Included in the Costs?

Before we start swinging hammers, there's an important phase called the preliminary build process. This is where we do all the groundwork for your project. When you're planning a renovation, you'll need to consider several costs beyond just the construction:

• Architectural Fees: For designing and tweaking your home's new look
• Engineering Fees: To make sure your modified home is safe and sound
• Council Fees: For processing your building consent and keeping an eye on construction
• Surveying Expenses: If you're changing your home's footprint
• Planning Fees: For getting resource consent if you're pushing site coverage limits.

These preliminary costs can add up fast, often hitting tens of thousands of dollars before we even start building. That's why it's crucial to factor them into your budget from the get-go.

Our recommended approach: concept and price first

To help you avoid unexpected costs, we recommend starting with a concept and getting it priced before diving into detailed plans. This approach is cost-effective because creating a concept is typically less expensive than full architectural plans. It provides a rough idea of the project's cost early on, enabling you to make informed decisions about whether the project fits your budget.

By spending a smaller amount upfront—around $5,000—you can gain clarity on whether your renovation will cost $100,000 or $300,000. Ultimately, it’s all about ensuring you have the information you need to make the best choices from the start.

Watch Nathan explain it...

To get a better understanding of how we handle preliminary costs, check out this video where Nathan, our director, breaks it down in detail:

Why Our Projects Works Differently

At Our Projects, we're not just another building company - we're your renovation partners. When most builders only focus on construction costs, we take a comprehensive approach to help you understand and manage your entire project budget. Here's how we're different:

• Clarity from the Start: We help you understand all potential costs upfront, not just the build itself
• Ballpark Estimates: We provide rough estimates for every aspect of your project
• Strategic Planning: We start with a concept and price it before diving into expensive detailed plans.

Our goal is simple: ensure your project stays within budget while still helping you achieve your dream home. If you decide to invest more along the way, we'll guide you on where that extra spend will have the most impact. We believe in transparency, trust, and supporting you through every step of your renovation journey. By making you aware of potential fees and giving you clear, upfront information, we help you make informed decisions from day one.

So if you're ready to begin your renovation journey with confidence, get started here. We're here to answer your questions and help you kick off your preliminary build process. Let's turn your renovation dreams into reality, one well-planned step at a time.