Frequently Asked Questions

About S.C. Harris Builders

Do you do smaller building work aside from renovations and decking?

We prefer to specialise in longer-term and less transactional renovation and building work in order to build relationships with clients and utilise our skillset with renovation craftmanship and creativity.

Are you Registered/Qualified?

Yes – Sam Harris is a Qualified Carpenter and a Licensed Builder Practitioner (LBP) and is apart of the New Zealand certified builders association.

Do you have any feedback from previous clients that you can share?

Please view our testimonials or read our five star Google reviews.

The Process

What is the first step?

Please complete the enquiry form, every job is different, so the more information we have the better we can guide you on the process for your particular project.

From there we can make recommendations on your next steps, whether that is putting you in contact with one of recommended architects/draftsperson, scheduling a planning session, arranging a site measure/meeting or providing a quote for plans you already have.

Do we need to engage an Architect?

This will depend on the scope of your extension or renovation. Most significant house extensions/renovations will require plans to be submitted to Council for consent. Having a plan also means we are able to provide a more accurate quote.

Does the work need to be consented?

We will be able to let you know whether consent is required. All building work done in New Zealand must comply with the Building Code, and a building consent it often needed. However, some building work that is considered ‘low risk’ is exempt from needing a consent. If you want to do your own research on this you can find out more on the Building Performance website https://www.building.govt.nz/projects-and-consents/planning-a-successful-build/scope-and-design/check-if-you-need-consents/ 

Can I keep living in my home during renovations?

This will depend on the scale of the renovation. We would prefer an empty home, safety and clean up wise, but due to being a smaller company we have more flexibility on this compared to larger companies. If it is possible for you to remain in your home, we will try to accommodate this request, this will always depend on Health and Safety requirements. Also, keep in mind that by living on site while the work is happening, it will often take longer to carry out the renovation.

How long do renovations take?

To provide a timeline we will need a copy of your plans, so we can provide an estimated schedule. We do our best to provide an accurate timeframe, however with renovations some work is unknown or hidden (i.e. discovering rot behind walls or asbestos that has been concealed), we will keep you updated throughout the project and always do our best to deliver projects on time.

Who project manages the work? Can I?

Whilst it is possible to project manage the work yourself, it isn’t recommended, the small project management fee built into our quote will not only save you time, in the long run it will also save you money.

S.C.Harris Builders Ltd work as a team, we have years of experience carrying out renovations, they are our specialty.

We understand the building process and the sequence of events required, which often vary from project to project, which will prevent mistakes and increase the efficiency of subcontractors on site.

We have built strong relationships with our preferred sub-contractors, as we have worked alongside them on many other projects and they have met our high standards. We engage our sub-contractors, because we are confident in their workmanship and know that they have proven that they will meet deadlines. Project management takes time, you need experience in scheduling, you need to have the contacts and importantly you need to have expertise.

Once the Building Contract Agreement has been signed, you can relax knowing that an experienced and recommended team of professionals will be working together to deliver your project to completion.

Cost and deposit

How much will the extension/renovation cost?

This is difficult to answer, as every job is unique and costs will vary. We can give you a reasonably accurate cost range for jobs like decks or bathroom renovations. For larger renovations, you will need to involve an Architect and sometimes an Engineer, which will add costs. Once you have concept plans from an architect or draftsperson, we can provide an accurate price estimate for your approval. As a very rough guide, building projects in New Zealand average around $2,000 to $2,500 per square metre, though this varies hugely depending on the size, type of project and the materials and fixtures you select.

Why do you need to know our budget?

We ask for your budget so we can tell you right from the get go whether your budget is realistic and achievable. Knowing your budget won’t affect what we quote you, it just saves us both from going through the quoting process and discovering that you don’t have the budget to complete the project.

Do you provide free quotes? Why do you charge for planning sessions and renovation quotes?

This depends on the size of the renovation, and the time that will be taken to produce a quote. Some jobs, such as decks are relatively quick and easy to quote, because we have a standard square meter rate – so these quotes are free.

For more complex renovations and full home renovations we charge a fee to produce a quotation or– please refer to the next question for more information on our planning sessions.

If you are wanting a quote for a full house renovation, this will take a lot of time and sometimes we may even engage a Quantity Surveyor – so we will charge for our time or pass on the cost of the Quantity Surveyor.

Why do you charge for planning sessions and renovation quotes?

Renovations are complex and time consuming to quote. If we spend hours quoting and it is just to price check another builder, it is hardly fair. So, for large renovations, we do charge a fee for the time we spend producing the quote. Sometimes we may need to engage a Quantity Surveyor – so and we will pass on the cost of the Quantity Surveyor – their fee proposal will be accepted by you before proceeding.

However, we waive these fees/costs and the planning session cost if you engage us for your building renovation, consent or project management work.

Do we need to pay a deposit?

Yes – a deposit is required for prepayment of materials. The amount of the deposit will vary depending on the project and the amount will be clearly outlined in your Building Contract Agreement. You will not be invoiced for the deposit until the Building Contract has been signed and approved by you and isn’t due until one week prior to your project start date.

Insurance

Does S.C.Harris Builders Ltd insurance cover our renovation?

The client/owner is responsible for insurance when Building Work is being carried out on an existing structure (i.e. alterations or renovations).

S.C.Harris Builders Ltd has Public Liability Insurance cover in the amount of $2,000,000.00.

Do we need extra insurance?

Yes – we highly recommend contacting your insurer to arrange building insurance and have it in place from day one of the extension/renovation, to ensure your project reaches completion no matter what may happen.

For large renovations, we will request a copy of your insurance certificate before we commence any work on your home.

Photography and privacy

Will you post photos of my home on your site or social media?

We love to show prospective clients the work we’ve completed in the past, it is powerful for engaging new business, but won’t post pictures of your home or divulge your personal details or address without your permission.