FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ's - high quality builders, wellington

GOT QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help.

Building a new home is a big step — and it’s natural to have questions along the way. We’ve put together some of the most common things people ask us about building with Ground Up Homes, from timelines and costs to what to expect at each stage.

If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to get in touch — we’re always happy to chat.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

  • Just bring yourselves, your family and plenty of ideas! This meeting is all about getting to know each other. You’ll come into the Ground Up HQ, meet the team, and see how we work. We’ll chat through your project goals, budget, and timeline while learning more about the home you’re dreaming of.

  • We work with the lovely Fran at Frans Plans. Fran has all the knowledge and expertise to bring your ideas to fruition.

  • You'll work closely with Steph from Signature Spaces, our colour and design expert. She’ll guide you through colours, finishes, fixtures, and all the final details - making the process clear, inspiring, and stress-free, so your vision comes together exactly as you imagined.

  • We aim to be ready to submit to council within three months of the initial meeting. Once approved by council (usually around 20 working days), we will be ready to turn dirt.

  • Typically this would be a year-long process.

  • You’ll be invited to our client portal via Buildxact, where you’ll receive regular updates on your build, including brief progress summaries and photos to keep you informed every step of the way.

  • Ground Up Homes has a great range of subcontractors that we have worked closely with for many years. This guarantees quality work finished in a timely manner.

  • Regarding materials, all selections will be confirmed during the concept plan stage. Working with Ground Up and Fran, we bring a broad knowledge of available materials and can guide you toward options that best suit your style and budget.

  • The cost of your build is determined by your vision and the budget you’d like to work within. We can tailor the project to suit a range of budgets, providing an initial build price indication following the concept plan stage and working closely with you to refine and perfect the budget. The final build price is then confirmed once all selections have been completed with our colour consultant and will be the price outlined in your fixed-term Building Contract.

  • We offer two flexible build options.

    Progress Payment Builds

    A traditional fixed-term contract where payments are made at key stages throughout the build. These are typically aligned with milestones such as foundations, framing, roof completion, and interior finishing.

    Turnkey Design and Build

    A fixed-price option where you pay a deposit to secure your project, with the balance due once your home is completed and ready to move into. This means no progress payments during the build and a more straightforward, low-stress experience.

    Quick comparison

    Turnkey build: pay a deposit now, then the balance on completion

    Progress payment build: payments made at agreed stages during construction

  • Your home is backed by the Master Build Guarantee, giving you added protection and peace of mind once your build is complete. It covers any issues related to workmanship or materials for two years after construction is finished. You’re also protected against structural defects for ten years from the date the Guarantee is issued, including weather-tightness concerns such as rot or fungal decay.