Building vs Resource Consent: What Every Kiwi Homeowner Should Know
If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or new build on your property, you’ve probably heard terms like building consent and resource consent thrown around. But what do they really mean, and which one do you need? Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid delays, fines—or worse, having to undo your hard work. Here’s a breakdown […]
86% of New Homeowners Call Their Builder Back. Here’s Why.
A recent NZ Herald article shared a shocking stat: 86% of new homes in NZ have defects. Why? Because the building industry has been taken over by salespeople — not actual builders. What Most Kiwis Don’t Know: Many “home building” companies are run by sales teams, not tradespeople. Once you sign a contract, they find a builder later, offer […]
Do I need building consent?
Do I Need a Building Consent for My Project? If you’re thinking about doing some work on your home — whether it’s a full renovation, building a sleepout, or putting in a new deck — one of the first questions you should ask is: “Do I need a building consent?” The short answer? It depends. […]
How customizable are your plans?
Customisable Home Plans: Building Your Way with RB Thomas LTD At RB Thomas LTD, we know no two families — or homes — are the same. That’s why we offer fully customisable home plans and the option to design your dream home from the ground up. Whether you’ve got a clear vision or just a […]
Are you a licensed builder?
Are you a licensed builder? RB THOMAS LTD has had an LBP in charge from day one, back in 2015. When You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) Thinking about building or doing up your place? Before you start swinging the hammer, it’s important to know if your project involves restricted building work — and if it […]
Building a Granny flat is about to get easier…
Keen to Build a Granny Flat? It’s About to Get a Whole Lot Easier Good news, homeowners — the Government’s making it simpler (and cheaper) to build small standalone homes, often called granny flats. These changes are all about giving Kiwis more affordable housing options and helping families make the most of the land they already […]
How soon can we start building?
How Soon Can You Start Building Your New Home? Here’s What to Expect If you’re thinking about building a new home, one of your first questions is probably: “How soon can we start building?” The good news is that, in many cases, you could be ready to break ground within as little as 2 to […]
What is included in the price?
The price of a typical new build home in New Zealand generally includes several key components—though what’s included can vary significantly depending on whether you’re choosing a house and land package, working with a custom builder, or managing a design-and-build project yourself. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included in the base price of a new build […]
What materials will be most energy efficient?
How to Build a Warmer, More Efficient Home: A Homeowner’s Guide to Energy-Smart Materials in New Zealand Thinking of building or renovating your home? If so, there’s one thing you don’t want to overlook: energy efficiency. Not only can it save you money on power bills, but it also means a warmer, drier, and healthier home […]
How long does it take to build a new house in New Zealand?
How Long Does It Take to Build a House in New Zealand? The question “How long does it take to build a house?” doesn’t always have a simple answer—much like asking “How long is a piece of string?” The timeline can vary widely depending on several factors. However, having a general idea of what to […]
