Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Coastal series be customised/altered?
Yes, of course they can that is the ethos behind David Reid Homes -Customised building. As you can appreciate any changes may alter the pricing.
What if any is the cost to customise or alter a plan?
There is a cost to customise or alter; this is a minimal charge of approximately $1200 for major changes (adding or deleting rooms). Please check with us first because if it is a minor change (changing a wall or door) this can be completed at the working drawings stage at no cost.
How do I know if a Coastal Series plan will fit my site?
We will, as part of our service, visit your site to run through your requirements, we will take site levels and other relevant site information and compile this information on a site plan which will show the plan onsite with FFL & boundary set offs etc.
If I don’t like a product or construction material can I change it?
Yes you can however the change may affect the final price. You can use our competitive supplier network or hunt out that special piece, the choice is yours!
Why do you exclude the building consent, excavation, site services and landscaping?
We exclude these items as we cover 4 – 5 building authorities, each having different building consent fees and requirements.
At this preliminary stage we do not know where your land is or the lay out of that land, so trying to allow for excavation is very difficult.
Also at this early stage we do not know if you have town connections or may require a septic system.
Landscaping is usually an item that most customers want to be hands on with and take their time to add their personal flare and finishing touch.
Of course any and all of these items can be included, just let us know what your requirements are.
How long does it take to start if we like a plan?
Generally 1 – 2 days to confirm plan and specification, 1 – 2 days to prepare contract, 7 – 10 days to prepare building consent, (we prepare and submit on your behalf, it’s only the cost we exclude), 3 – 4 weeks at council. After receiving the Building Consent it is 1 – 5 days before we start onsite, don’t forget we have already been working behind the scenes preparing time lines, purchase orders etc.
Why is it preliminary pricing?
Unfortunately in the industry we are subject to many factors that influence prices for items such as timber, steel, glass and many others. What we will do, as soon as you confirm a plan and specification, is double check that the price at the time is correct and then confirm to you by way of a “Quote” that confirmed price. Once the quote is accepted we will order and lock in the appropriate materials and products. This is a “Fixed Price Quote” with no changes to price unless you vary something.
Why not just price with m² rates?
It’s dangerous for you and the builder! For you because you do not know what you are getting for your money and for the builder because it is often based on a concept with little or no specification. M² rates are only good as a rough guide at a very early stage and should never be used as a base to commence a contract.
In addition you must specify what area you want to use to determine your m² price, ie living area, over wall, over cladding, over foundation, eave or roof area’s, the traditional method of measuring a house is the living area, (this is the DRH method) this is the smallest area so will be the highest cost per m², this does not mean the house will be any dearer to build, in fact, the house may be cheaper to build as it is the smallest area of measure.
Who looks after me/us at the different stages?
At the pre-contract stage or now if you are reading this, the Building Consultant looks after you with input from the directors if required.
Following the signing of the contract the Project Management Team will be introduced to you and continue to look after you through the construction phase.
After the construction phase is finished you will be looked after by the Administration Team through the post construction phase. All the time the Directors of the Company will get updates and pop in to make sure you are being looked after, as well as the building consultant will also keep in touch with you.
Your plans and prices versus other similar building companies?
We have designed our Coastal Series to reflect the needs of modern sub divisions, council and customer needs. We saw no point in making our m² rate look less by including 4 car garaging to get the m² rate down (As some other building companies do) when a home with 4 car garaging will not fit a lot of modern sites. We have designed our plan series with best industry construction techniques, quality products and cost effective pricing - We are not trying to fool you with m² trickery.
Can I really afford a David Reid Home?
Thanks to our suppliers and subcontractors and the great national pricing structures, the knowledge and techniques learned in the design and build area of our business, we have been able to produce a great range of pre-priced, pre-designed plans. We offer a “Fixed Price Quote” contract that gives you piece of mind ‘that’s the price you pay – full stop!’
So, “Can you afford a David Reid Home?” –YES YOU CAN!
Thanks from the team at David Reid Homes
Take a look at these exciting plans in the Coastal Series.