Handling your NEW BUILD.
Few things are more exciting than watching your dream home come to life.  For some, building a home is a once-in-a-lifetime endeavour, for others it could be a stepping stone to the start of a great investment portfolio in the future.  Regardless of how many times you have built a home or whether you are building new or renovating, there are many ways you can make the process as pain-free as possible. 
At each stage of the build there are different processes and ways of working.  Some people get confused and jump into each stage without enough knowledge to make informed decisions.  Our role at Albon Building Taranaki is to guide you through each phase, ensuring you feel comfortable with your decisions and you trust us to build your home.
Here is a check list for each crucial stage to help guide you through.  Remember we are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
1. Selecting the RIGHT BUILDER.  Whether you're a first home buyer, investor or downsizer, building a home is a big investment.  It can be very exciting but also very challenging.  It is crucial that you spend the time researching and shopping for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home.  The builder you choose will be spending several months working on your home.  You need to be confident in their ability to do the work and that you will have a good working relationship with them.  One thing is for sure: the building process starts long before any concrete is poured.  That's why it's important to do your homework.
Checklist:

• Don't be fooled by over the top extravagant display homes.  Lots of display homes are  dressed and designed with all the style trimmings in mind.  Look beyond that and analyse  what's practical for your budget.  Consider the floor plan and flow of the house to see if it's  the right fit for you and your family.
• Look thoroughly at the building and construction quality.  You don't just want a house built, you want it built well.  Look for quality finishes, specification and attention to detail when you visit a display home or a privately owned home built by the builder. Look at the reputation of the builder's suppliers - are they brands with well-earned reputations for quality.  Also importantly ask for customer testimonials and references.
• Price is a factor, but not because it's the lowest or the highest.  Look for a detailed explanation of price and inclusions in the cost when comparing builders.
• Price is a factor, but not because it's the lowest or the highest.  Look for a detailed explanation of price and inclusions in the cost when comparing builders.
• Consider the resale of your home.  Will the design earn you money when you decide to sell it  in the future?  Carefully consider your completed costs.  On the resale market, similar plans  fetch small prices, no matter how much you have spent compared to another, so think about  this carefully.
   

2. Choosing the perfect floorplan.  The layout of your house is one of the most critical choices you will make.  If you don't consider all the important elements of choosing the right floorplan, you could be at risk of unpractical and/or unhappy living.  Make sure you look at all options carefully.  The floorplan is paramount to the traffic and flow of the house, particularly when viewing display homes - don't be fooled by the sizzle, it's the steak you are after.  And don't get drawn in by the over-the-top visual aesthetics and styling in the display homes.  Most home builders will have the variations of the same design that could suit you better.  When looking at homes/plans you have to picture you living in it, consider the furniture you have or the particular style you have in mind.  Ask yourself, will this home cater to all our needs?
Checklist:

• Ensure you'll have room to grow.  One size does not fit all.  Your first consideration when selecting a house plan should be size.  You don't want to run the risk of over- or under- building your home.  If you're a growing family you'll need to make sure there will be enough  space.  Think about how many bedrooms and living areas you'll require.  You might want to  think about a large dining area.  Even if adding that extra room squeezes the budget a bit, it will be worth it in the long run as you won't have to invest in an extension or move house. 
• Consider your lifestyle needs.  Do you like to entertain?  Then you might like to consider an  open-plan living and dining area, or perhaps an alfresco dining space out the back.  Do you  like to cook?  If so, the layout of your kitchen will be really important to you.  Or maybe you  have a lot of tools etc. that you need to store.  Then you should consider a double or larger  garage.  The options are endless.
• Make sure you have a mix of open and private spaces.  Establish the amount of privacy you  would like in your home.  Most new home owners prefer house plans with more private  space in the master bedroom and with large open-plan living sections; others might need  more privacy in a home office space or a kid's activity room away from the main areas of the house.  Also consider the placement of windows and if you have enough privacy from your  neighbours.
• Ensure you have a practical design for traffic flow.  This means checking that hallways do  not have tight or sharp turns.  Also look for wide doorways and open rooms so that moving  around the house and between furniture is easy.
• Size of your section. Is it big enough?  The size of your lot will influence the size and  functionality of your home.  If you're looking to build a large four-or-five - bedroom single- storey home, you will need to purchase land that is large enough for the home.  Depending  on your lifestyle and the size of your property, you may want to consider floorplans that have  a number of exit points and which incorporate a large alfresco area for outdoor entertaining.

(These tips be seem very logical, but you'd be surprised how many people get it wrong.  Choosing the right floor plan is only the beginning; once you have the perfect "shape", you can turn your new house into a home with all your personal touches).

3.  Managing the relationship with YOUR BUILDER.  Different parts of the process can be frustrating, but it's generally smooth sailing if you're aware of the pitfalls. Albon Building Taranaki has strict processes in place to ensure your home is built as efficiently as possible. It's important to recognise this and be patient while waiting for your home to be constructed.
Checklist:

• Agree at the beginning. Be sure that everything you want for your house is documented on  the contract plan and everything is in writing.  It's crucially important to make it clear up  front as once your architect plans are approved by council and construction is ready to  happen, it could be very hard to make changes.  If you've missed something then it is really  important to talk with your builder - Gary Albon and see what can be done.  Sometimes it is possible to rectify the situation.
• Do your research on colour selection. Choosing the cosmetics of your home can be a huge  decision. Make sure you have a vision of what your want before your colour consultation to  eliminate back and forth communication.  Albon Building Taranaki can assist you with your  choice and we also have a fantastic interior designer we can employ to consult with you. 
• Communicate with your dedicated contact.  This is the person who will help you with any  questions or concerns you have.  If you can't get in touch with that person or shop at certain  times it is not advisable to restart conversations with others as this can at times confuse  matters.  Make sure you are well informed and happy with each stage of the process.
• Organise site visits rather than going onto the site yourself.  We do recommend that you  arrange site visit/walk through with Gary; it gives you an opportunity to ensure the lines of  communication are open and any concerns or problems can be discussed.  We also   recommend this to ensure the health and safety of our clients - as this is a building site and  there are numerous dangers on site.
• Be aware of setbacks in relation to your build.  While the setback can be frustrating,  building can't happen in extreme wind and rain.  If the weather or hold up in supplies does delay your build, understand that this can be beyond our control, we will always do our very best to ensure this does not happen and will also communicate this delay with you when possible.

We welcome your feedback both complimentary and concerns.  Albon Building Taranaki Builders take pride in their work and like everyone they like to feel appreciated.  Likewise, if  there is anything you are unhappy with please make sure you mention this to either Gary or  ABT Foreman on your job.  We will always work to resolve this issue as quickly as possible  without to many people getting involved.
Patience -This is sometimes the most important advice when building a home.  QUALITY  WORK does take time. Enjoy watching the home come to life.