The good news is you don’t need to find a skilled guy for every single repair or household work that crops up. More often than not, all you need is one reliable handyman.

Truth is not all jobs around the house require a contractor. Many of these can be done by a highly skilled person or a handyman who typically handles a wide range of common and even not-so-common household work. Handymen are considered ‘jacks of all trades’ because they are well-versed in a variety of tasks. Their well-rounded knowledge base is often the result of years of experience in dealing with many different minor challenges.

Handymen come from all walks of life. Some of them are semi-retired professionals; others are highly qualified and experienced workers that have no licence or certification. While most of them have all-around skills, some handymen prefer to specialise on electrical, plumbing or construction-related work.

What jobs can a handyman perform?

Generally, many handymen are equal to contractors in terms of skill and qualification but they differ in terms of the size and scope of work that they perform. Whereas a contractor focuses on larger projects that require a lot of coordination, consent and licences, a handyman typically works on a project basis for individual customers. Many others work as paid staffers for property management companies, building maintenance companies and the like.

Projects, such as a kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation, that take weeks to complete and involve special machinery and several staff will often require multiple types of licensing and varying levels of expertise. You’ll obviously need a contractor for these. But if you only need a skilled person to re-tile your kitchen or to replace your toilet, you can trust a handyman to do it with the same quality results.

Specifically, handy tasks include trade skills, maintenance work, repair work and light plumbing or electrical jobs, both interior and exterior. These tasks include:

• Painting / paint removal
• Door repair and installation
• Furniture assembly
• Gutter cleaning and repair
• Pressure washing
• Drywall repair and installation
• Drain cleaning
• Lawn care / landscaping
• Shelving
• Septic system repair
• Changing light fixtures
• Fixing leaky toilets
• Tiling
• Fan installation
• Concrete work
• Cabinet refacing
• Air conditioner installation
• Waste removal
• Window cleaning
• Sealing driveways
• Garage doors
• Soundproofing
• Heating system tune-up
• Foundations
• Fencing
• Remodeling
• Safety modifications
• General maintenance

Why hire a handyman?

If you don’t have the time to sort out your growing to-do list or you don’t have the skill to get the job done, then hiring a handyman makes sense. If you’ve ever taken a DIY route and ended up in a mess that cost you more, you’ll understand the value of knowing a good handyman.

It’s like paying a good friend to do the job for you, but better. That’s because you are paying someone who is actually knowledgeable and skilled in that type of work. No need to figure out what to do. No need to read the manuals, whatsoever. They’ll understand the situation right away and solve it in the quickest time. And you know time is money, so you save a lot. They do a great job for a lot less, too.

Moreover, if the job does not require consent or a special skill/machinery, choosing a handyman make practical sense. You may not realise it but handyman services are actually growing in demand due to the growth in home construction and home repair and maintenance needs.

All you need is to find a reputable and reliable one. You’ll know one is if they service an extensive clientele and get a lot of repeat business. Good quality work never fails to cultivate a following.

Every handyman will charge differently based on their experience and acumen. Nevertheless, the price is often cheaper than that of a licensed professional. The price will also depend on the nature of the job.

It goes without saying that you need to do the same vetting process as you would when hiring a contractor or licensed tradesman. Sounds like a chore? The good news is Builders Ltd have both fully vetted tradesmen and handymen to ensure you’re only one call away from having your dream home built or having those peeling walls fixed.

Truth is it’s not all black and white when it comes to choosing between one and the other.  There are certainly merits to hiring either type of worker.

It’s also great to know that whenever you need one, you can find them right here. Just call us any time of day!

The post Handyman Services Are Popular appeared first on Builder Ltd.

Over 25 years ago, the Master Builders Association was set up as a wholly owned of the Registered Master Builders Association, collaborating with the government and the entire sector to uphold safe, sustainable building practices and the highest possible building standards. It also helps members to stay abreast with modern technology and new industry regulations to ensure they are and will remain the ‘cream of the crop.’ The association sets the standards for professionalism and a code of ethics for its members.

The association aims to shape the future of the industry by providing its members a comprehensive suite of business resources and support, including:

• tailored education and training courses,
• development of policy submissions and reports,
• information and research on various industry issues,
• expert advice on a broad range of topics,
• representation at all levels of government bodies and industry organisations.

In addition, the association also provides networking opportunities and tools to help builders run and grow their business. Moreover, the association helps home and business owners find the right professionals for their new build or renovation projects. Hiring an accredited builder gives property owners peace of mind, knowing that their property meets a range of market requirements and are compliant with the Building Code.

Builders have a range of qualifications and experience. In other words, not all builders will provide the same level of workmanship and service quality. By choosing a builder accredited by the Master Builders Association, you will have the assurance that your builder is qualified, licensed and properly insured.

More importantly, your builder will demonstrate a high level of workmanship as association members are required to act in a manner that promotes the industry. They face accountability if they do not comply with the association’s Code of Conduct. If you are not happy with the quality of your builder’s work, you can write a complaint to the association and they will investigate the issue to decide the corresponding action to take against the builder.

As a homeowner, you can purchase the Master Build Guarantee for less than 1% of the build cost, when working with a Registered Master Builder. The Guarantee offers a layer protection against any problems that may arise during construction, including non-completion, loss of deposit, structural defects, and defective materials or workmanship. In addition to full-contract and labour-only residential building coverage, the Guarantee may also cover work done by subcontractors, fungal decay, rot, and other issues not included by general house insurance. The Guarantee will cover you for ten years starting the time you sign the contract.

Builder.nz is a proud member of the Master Builders Association. We can offer you the assurance of the Master Build Guarantee and all the benefits of our affiliation with the association.

The post Master Builders Association: Who, Why, When appeared first on Builder Ltd.

Not only should your builder be competent to carry out the required work, but they should also possess standard qualifications, certification and experience. Licensed practitioners will give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is designed and built in compliance with the standards. They are also bound by a code of ethics so you can expect professional behaviour from your certifying builder. Furthermore, holding a license allows a builder to supervise or carry out Restricted Building Work (RBW). This criterion is important if your project involves critical residential building work.

The question now is how do you find a qualified builder?

A good place to start is the Registered Master Builders Association NZ website. They have an online form where you can simply input your location, the type of work you want to do and your contact information, and then you will receive a list of names and contact details of all the builders in your area who fit your criteria.

Please remember that just because the ones on your list are registered master builders doesn’t mean they provide the same quality of work or dedication to the project. A licensed building practitioner only means that the builder meets a minimum standard of competency in the area they are licensed to work. To ensure stellar service, go one step further in choosing your builder by doing a reputation check.

Find out what previous clients have to say about your potential building company or tradesperson. You can get a sense of how they handle a project as well as their clients by looking at their customer testimonials. Do they explain the scope and limitations of a project? Are they honest when it comes to pricing and budgeting? Do they answer all their client’s questions? Are they always on time? Are their clients happy with their workmanship and customer service? Do they finish the job within the agreed time period? These are all important questions to ask.

If you are building or renovating in Auckland, the best company you can call is Builder Ltd. From new builds and renovations to restorations and multi-unit developments, we can do it for you. We have an experienced team with an established track record and are known for delivering innovative designs and the highest quality workmanship.

All jobs we manage, big or small, are given the same level of dedication and attention to detail. You won’t find too many building companies who take customer satisfaction seriously. We at Builder Ltd are committed to doing our best until their clients are satisfied. We also offer some of the most competitive rates around. Considering our expertise and excellent track record, you can expect to get the best value for your money.

Call us to see whether we are a good fit to you, or check out the Builder Ltd website for more information about their previous works and qualifications.

The post How to Find a Certified Builder appeared first on Builder Ltd.

When it comes to building work, the local builder is always the one most trusted to get the job done well. Being a local, they are more familiar with the laws and regulations in the area. They will also know where to best source materials from, whether you are looking for top quality or best price, or both. They know the tricks of the trade and will do their best to make sure you are happy with their work, which will also help their reputation with the other locals.

We at Builder Ltd are your local builder, no matter where you are in New Zealand. We have teams of expert locals all round the country who know their areas inside out and are there to make sure your build goes as well as it can. No matter whether you are in Auckland or in the South Island, we have locals who are ready for your project.

What can our local builders help you with?
All of our local builders are specialists in complete home builds as well as renovations, extensions, deck and fence installs, and anything else you may need around the home. So no matter whether you want to renovate a single room or build a new house, our local builders are ready to get started.

Why can you trust our local builders?
Our teams are all fully qualified and registered Master Builders who have years of experience in both their areas of expertise and areas where they work. Having been involved in many projects all over New Zealand, our builders have the experience needed to complete your project to your satisfaction. Check out our previous projects for examples of our previous work.

Get started on your build today!
If you are ready to get started on your build, now is the time. Our builders are ready to begin your project today. Get in contact with us and let’s begin planning your build.

The post Looking For A Local Builder? appeared first on Builder Ltd.

What is plaster?
Plaster at it’s simplest form is a white pasty composition made of lime or gypsum, water, and sand that hardens when it dries. It is used for coating walls, ceilings, and partitions. Plaster is one of the most anience building techniques known, with evidence of very early buildings containing plasting techniques, and even the ancient pyramids in Egypt contain plastering done at least 4000 years ago that is still hard and durable today.

Why go with plaster?
Plaster walls come with a range of advantages including both aesthetic and practical positives. One main plus point of plaster is the durability. When properly mixed and applied, plaster creates and strong and durable wall finish with strong bonds in the mixture that are resistant to knocks and dents. When modern metal laths or tough backing boards are used the finish can be even stronger.

Costs
The cost of plaster can range greatly depending on the job. How much you will pay will depend on whether you are getting a single room or whole house done, and the amount of plastering which will be required. You will most likely be quoted on a per square meter basis. This will include the materials needed and the labour to get the plastering done. Occasionally some plasterers will quote based on room size, but this is usually an estimate and not a fixed quote. Another factor will be whether it is a fresh plaster job or if it’s a replaster and if there are any repairs to be done.

Approximate cost of plastering to standard quality finish in New Zealand including painting and skirting is as follows:

• 10mm thick plaster board – $54- $62/m2
• 13mm thick plaster board – $56-$65/m2
• (Gib) stopping the wall to a higher standard (F5 finish) quality – Add $6-$9/m2

Ready to plaster your home?
If you are ready to plaster your home, get in contact with our team today to begin discussing your project. We will be able to point you in the right direction as far as types of plaster required and the best way to go about getting your project done, as well as a quote for the work.

The post Plastering Pricing And Costs appeared first on Builder Ltd.

Many builders choose to specialise in particular types of projects, such as custom homes, green homes, patios, housing developments, etc. But in general, builders coordinate the entire construction process.

Typically, work for a master builder starts with checking the blueprints with you, your designer and architect. Before getting any actual building work done, they will help you with securing building permits and consents and sorting out the land survey to make sure nothing goes in the way of drainage, etc.

Depending on the scope of a project, they will need to organise a team of tradespeople including plumbers, electricians, painters and landscapers. As they will oversee all work on site, rest assured that a builder knows a lot about these different fields to know that each job is being done properly according to plan. Builders who have been in the trade for a good amount of years will have connections with reliable tradesmen or have an in-house team. It’s good to have a team of tradies who share the same work ethics in order to avoid clashes in personalities, attitudes or ideas.

To ensure seamless project management, a builder will also be doing these tasks:

• Prepping and cleaning the construction areas
• Laying the foundation or groundwork
• Delivering and distributing supplies
• Assisting workers with equipment
• Helping on small tasks
• Ensuring different jobs are done in the correct order – even a small mistake could easily blow up your costs or cause delays.

That’s a lot of responsibility to entrust to someone, hence the need to be critical in hiring a builder.

Home improvements can be expensive, and you don’t want to waste any dollar on a low quality or half-finished job. If you want to ensure good results, hire a fully qualified and certified master builder. A good builder will tell it to you straight if your budget or time frames are unrealistic and will help you find ways to get the job done without compromising quality.

When selecting a builder, try not to be too price-led. You almost always get what you pay for — insisting on a low budget is where things usually fall apart. It’s always a good idea to talk to a master builder about your project so they can explain to you the full scope of the job and how exactly it will be carried out step by step.

This may include things that you might not have thought about while planning your new home design or renovation. For example, a project may include pipework or reinforcement for existing structures. An experienced builder should also be able to explain complications that may realistically arise with projects like yours. All these will add to your total build costs.

Choose your builder carefully. They are the people who will make (or break) your dream home.

The post Why Builders Look After All Trades on a Large Job appeared first on Builder Ltd.

Confidence

Some things to consider about the builder you are choosing:

• Does your builder have any failed or folded businesses?
• Has your builder bankrupted in the past?
• Does your builder work with quantity surveyors and construction managers that have experience in overseeing and working with tradesman, sub-trades and the council?
• Does your builder have connections to reputable building industry consultants such as landscapers, interior designers, valuers, geotechs, structural and fire engineers, surveyors, town planners, mortgage brokers?
• Does your builder manage a team that understands the construction process and will communicate with you regularly?
• Does your builder have professional systems and procedures?
• Does your builder have the support of a large governing body?
• Does your builder keep up-to-date with New Zealand legislative changes such
  as the building act?
• Does your builder talk in plain language and explain building jargon?
• Does your builder give you confidence that they can complete your building contract without running into financial problems?

About Your Section

• What’s the slope of your section?
  Sections that are not flat may need extra retaining work or more expensive foundations, so this needs to be accounted for.
• Do you have a Geotechnical report on the soil quality?
  The site may require expensive foundations for stabilisation.
• Will the site require specific additional engineering due to being in a high wind zone, technical category of the land or potential thermal activity?
• Are there any restricted legal covenants associated with the site which may impose minimum building standards or have limitations?
• Are the site’s boundaries restricting the house’s shape?
• Will it meet all Council planning regulations, such as backyard size, turning bays or boundary setbacks.
• Will you require resource consent from the Council?
• Is your section likely to flood or is it on a 100-year flood plane?
• Will you need an engineered storm water disposal system?
• Is there a sewer connection on site?
• Is there a water meter on site?
• How far away from the site is the phone and internet connection?
• Does the  street have gas supply?
• Where is the location of power in regards to the building site?
• How accessible is the site for building materials to be delivered?
• Will you require a new driveway and what is the cost?
• Are there any protected trees which are illegal to remove?
• Are there any trees you want to keep which may create a dripline over the building site?
• Is the direction of your home facing north to capture the sun?
• Can you locate all the boundary pegs?
• Does the Purchase Agreement of your section have a “cooling off”, ‘due diligence’ or finance clause?
• Is your land title “Limited as to Parcels” or “Limited as to Title”?
  The council will not process requests to undertake building works in these instances.
• Do you have a LIM report?
• Do you have a pre-approved loan from the bank for the build which they will need to approve?

 
Specification

When receiving quotes from builders, you need to make sure you know exactly what you are getting. You should receive a schedule called a Specification that outlines exactly what is being used to build your home. Another thing you need to be aware of is the Provisional Cost Sums. Builders often use PC Sums to estimate the price of an item when they are not sure of the exact cost. Some builders use PC Sums to lower the overall price of a building contract by underestimating unknown costs to make the quote look cheaper, but this results in breaking their budget due to higher actual costs.

For Specification, check the following:

• Does your quote include a complete, comprehensive specification?
• Has your builder thoroughly explained what’s included in the specification and what’s not included and why?
• Are the standard foundation costs included in the specification?
• Have provisions been made for a geotech report if required?
• Do you have water, telephone, gas and power available at the site and, if not, is it included in the specification?
• Has you builder allowed for a water meter if your section doesn’t have one already?
• Does the specification allow for full drainage costs including sewer pumps and retention tanks if needed?
• Does your quote or contract include a full kitchen up to your standards?
• Are there underground services that cross your site and does the design accommodate these?
• Does your quote allow for correct wind, earthquake and/or corrosion zone requirements?
• What is the specification of the framing?
• How many nogs are being used?
• What level of insulation is specified?
• What thickness of gib is specified for the ceiling?
• Is your builder using a quality paint system, including paint brand and application method?
• What sort of electrical allowance is there including lights and power points per room?
• Are all floor coverings included?
• Are excavation, foundations, driveways and paths included?
• Will the site get leveled with topsoil and spread with grass seed?
• How many lineal metres are allowed to get services on site including power, phone, gas, water?
• Is the site Rural?
• How much is allowed for drainage, stormwater, services and so on?
• Is the cost of working drawings included?
• Does the total price included all engineering & consultants fees required?
• Does the price include all the council fees such as Building Consent, Resource Consent, and Development Contributions?
• Will your builder provide a handover programme?
• Will your builder include a 12 month maintenance programme in the quote?
• Will your builder honour any ongoing building responsibilities after finishing your home?

 
Design

• Will your builder meet you on-site and explain any problems, leading to potential costs that the section may have?
• Will your builder provide a full, comprehensive design service that allows your home to fit both the section and district plan requirements?
• Does your builder know the right people who can advise you of potential design issues regarding your section?
• Will your builder work with you to transform your ideas into a design that is functional, realistic and retains the aesthetics you have been looking for?
• Does your builder give you a good range of choices through access to a wide range of products?
• Will your builder ensure that your title is clear?
• Does your builder know what covenants and restrictions have been placed on your site which may prevent your plans being realised?
• Will your builder ensure that your home meets all council standards?
• Will your builder include only reliable, trade suitable, quality materials which meet or exceed NZS3604 building code in your plan specification?

 
Credibility

• Is your builder a Registered Master Builder?
• Is your builder able to provide an independent Master Builders 10 year warranty?
• Is your builder consistently winning awards within the trade?
• Is your builder using the industry standard Master Builders contract agreement?
• Can your builder show you some of the homes they’ve previously built and provide written and verbal testimonials from past clients?
• Can your builder show you projects they are currently working on/have just finished where you can check the quality of workmanship?
• Can your builder demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge, ability and team to build your home?

 
Compliance

Building compliance can be a minefield and if handled incorrectly will lead to major delays and budget overruns.

Some key points to look for:

• Partnerships with reputable advisors in insurance,
  guarantees, health and safety, legal firms and accounting
  bodies.
• Having systems for tracking and taking care of
  documentation.
• Does your builder provide the internal controls necessary to meet requirements
  imposed by government bodies and industry regulators?
• Does your builder provide a Master Builders 10 year guarantee?
• Does your builder provide contract works insurance?
• Does your builder provide public liability insurance?
• Does your builder provide a health & safety system run by an independent third party provider?
• Does your builder provide a Code Compliance Certificate?

 
If all the points on this list are covered, it is safe to say that you have found a builder who will be able to deliver on your build. We at Builders NZ ensure the we tick every box on this list and that you will be 100% satisfied with your new home. Contact us today to discuss your building project.

The post Will You Be Paying Hidden Charges? Use This Checklist appeared first on Builder Ltd.

If you are stuck on selecting the right carpet, these tips will help you. The right carpet can make or break a home, so careful consideration should be made to what carpet you go with.

Before you select a carpet, you need to consider things such as which rooms will it be used in, how much traffic does it need to withstand, will it be a family room or entertainment center, will it have direct access to outdoor areas and will it receive direct sunlight. The answers here will narrow your choices down to colors, construction type of the carpet and more. Other things you should consider are pets, children, elderly, heating flooring and high traffic, as these will also have an influence.

Once you have made your choice, you will no doubt want the installation to be a quality one. Your carpet needs to be installed correctly so that there are no visible seams and joins, bubbles and lifting, and that all the edges are clean. If an installation is not done correctly, over time the carpet can start lifting, stretching and showing signs of deterioration, which is why a quality installation is just as important as is the carpet you choose.

We as builders are also expert carpet layers in Auckland, and we will ensure that your carpet installation is of top quality and will last for years to come. We specialise in all types of carpet and can help you decide which option is best for your home depending on your circumstances. Talk to us today!

The post Carpet Laying – The Whats And Hows appeared first on Builder Ltd.

If you live in Auckland you would have noticed how many construction cranes have gone up in town, over 100 of them and there is still a shortage!

With the building industry pumping, more and more developments are taking place. Especially in the residential sector ahead of foreign ban.

Purchasing a residential property In Auckland and any upcoming areas such as Tauranga and Wellington which are hitting an all record high can still be challenging.

If you own a home but need to purchase a new one due to space constraints, be very careful to not make your next move an economic disaster by selling and trying to purchase in the same market. Often getting less quality for your money!

Have you considered renovating?

• Extending your home.
• Subdividing and building a larger home while the other collects rent.
• Adding an additional level.
• Reconfigure internal areas to suit your demands.

People are shocked when they are shown what is possible with their existing space. Whether its adding an additional bedroom, converting your garage or even extending most homes that that were purchased over 5-10 years ago will have more than sufficient equity to finance these changes. If you re-mortgage in smart manner you may even get away with maintaining your repayment amount.

So how much does a renovation (extension) cost?

Depending on where you live in Auckland, in 2018 we estimate costs to be between $2200 – $3400 per square meter.  

Costs can be broken down as follows:
(based on our previous 10 renovation averages)

Costs will always depend on the level of quality and selection of materials. Ask Builder Ltd to put a budget estimate for you. With a budget estimate and concept plans, you will be able to preliminary evaluation which will open the doors to your dream home! Talk to us.

The post Auckland renovation costs appeared first on Builder Ltd.

Gib stoppers in Auckland have been very busy in recent years and the demand for them has not let off in the new year. As more houses are being finished off, gib stoppers are being called upon to complete the interiors of homes. Tasked with the finishing of the walls, their job is crucial to the completion of a home that not only looks the part, but functions as it should for the new occupants.

With more and more homes being built and coming to a completion, the pressure is on gib stoppers now more than ever. Gib stopping is one of the last steps to completing a home, so a gib stopper can hold up the process of a home being ready for the market or new owners if he does not work within the time allocated.

Gib stopping involves everything from applying the gypsum to finishing of the intricate details of skirting boards. The job begins by applying an even coat of gypsum to the wall or ceiling face, creating a surface to which plaster will adhere. Gypsum is especially useful for concrete walls, though these are not so common in New Zealand. Once this has been done, the finish coat can go on. This is usually a lime based plaster, and is applied using a hawk. This will give the plaster a smooth texture.

A gib stopper can also accentuate your rooms by creating designs in the plaster to enhance the look. This can include everything from chair rails to recessed designs in the plaster. This can add a lot of character to a home when done correctly as is something a professional gib stopper can help you with.

If you are in the process of building your Auckland home, now is the time to secure a gib stopper to complete your project. We have a team of gib stopping professionals who will bring the finish you are looking for to the walls in your home. If you are unsure of what you want in your home, our team can make recommendations based on the design of your home and work with you to achieve the overall look you want. Speak to us today and let’s get gibbing!

The post Gib Stoppers And Plasterers In Auckland Are Busy! appeared first on Builder Ltd.