Hey there
My wife and I are inching ever-closer to deciding to build a new house (well, more accurately and by necessity based on my ‘skills’, have one built for us!). There are clearly a number of people on GZ who have been through the process, so I was hoping to be able to get some recommendations as to what they learnt from the process, what they’d do differently next time, dos and don’ts, best ways to find a good section in NZ, good resources for ideas (specific sites, magazines, books…), etc. (I’m after ideas re the overall process, as opposed to the details of constructions stuff like particular cladding etc.)
We are definitely only contemplating doing this with the full use of an architect (ideally on a full-service contract), and have decided we’re happy to compromise on other aspects (eg size, fancy features) rather than skimp on this point (I’ve watched too many Grand Designs to want to risk compromising the building, both aesthetically and practically).
We have a pretty good idea of what we want, and have written this up as a draft brief; I’ve also had initial contact with one well-regarded local architect, who has indicated he works with a wide range of budgets (we’re going for value-for-money, not one of his more usual expensive/massive edifices!). I’ve also had some useful advice from an architect on this forum.
Anyway, any advice and ideas will be gratefully received! Cheers Jonathan