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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Touchwood Solidwood Homes and the process of designing and building a new house in New Zealand.
This can vary with each person: some are willing to come up with a plan and design with their own architect and some are more than happy to have a builder’s expertise from the start. This can be a good idea, especially with new home builds as there tends to be complications and details that only we the professionals know and can advise you on. It also helps out with getting your ideas across to us so we can build just the way you have pictured your new build.
All major building work over 10 sqm requires consent, especially when building a new house, apart from exempt work. Each stage of the building process whether it be structural, roofing or even moving services they’ll all need a consent from council, but don’t stress at Touchwood Solidwood Homes we will be by your side the whole time so the process will be that much more stress free.
At Touchwood Solidwood Homes we use a checklist that is specific to building a new house so that we can ensure every detail is exactly what you have planned for. The checklist also helps with time frames and keeping everything on schedule and therefore keeping your build under budget.
Of course, with builds there are unforeseen circumstances or even alterations that you may wish to add, we call these variables therefore we also take this element into consideration and keep everything transparent for you so you are in the loop and know what is happening with your build so you can have ample of time to make big decisions.
Payment options depend on the type of contract you choose. With a full contract you only make payments to one company, with payments made either fortnightly or at set milestones. When you receive your contract with the pre-arranged quote from Touchwood Solidwood Homes, we will provide you with a payment schedule and also a project schedule which will give you an overview of what to expect with your new build or renovation and how much it is going to set you back with your budget.
A fixed price can give more certainty at the outset and works well in new builds. However, there is more than likely going to be certain “tagged” items of your build, where a price cannot be confirmed until work begins. This element is flexible to you whether you wish to do it or not, at Touchwood Solidwood homes we will make sure all your needs are met and advice you to consider which choice would work best with your budget.
At Touchwood Solidwood Homes we provide the Builders limited liability insurance and contract works insurance for each new build and project over $30,000.
With Touchwood Solidwood Homes you are getting access to the 10-year guarantee and also a 12-month maintenance program.
We have clear and precise, budgets, invoicing, contracts and bring to your attention any variables that might pop up beforehand giving you enough time to make a decision.
Transparency is honesty, we have in our quote’s allowances for some parts of your build. Any changes to these costs we keep clear records which can be provided at any time.
Quality to us is an outcome measured by our clients. For this reason, we endeavour to use the best suited materials, sub-trades, builders, and stringent finishing standards to provide you with the best quality result we can, because a happy customer is always a win-win situation for everybody.
Your home is our investment too. As creditable licensed building practitioners you can be certain we turn up when we promise, to do what we promise, backing our word up is our guarantee we provide to you, so you can be certain you can trust us.
Great organisation is one thing we pride in ourselves at Touchwood Solidwood Homes. Everything is considered and planned for by the use of our exclusive custom-built scheduling programme. This gives us the opportunity to be organised with your project so everything can run smoothly and on time keeping you within your budget.
Our uniquely specialised team, with many years combined licensed building experience, has the benefit of first-class resources to get you the best outcome for your next project.
SEEING OUR DREAM COME TO FRUITION HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLY REWARDING AND PROUD MOMENT IN OUR LIVES
“In late 2016, we decided on moving to a country lifestyle block and building a new home. We wanted to change our lifestyle,
simplify, declutter, prioritise our growing family of sons and embrace the outdoors. As a family we slowly made our way through a myriad of different housing companies. Nothing really clicked. Then we came upon Touchwood Solidwood Homes.
Steve and the team sat down with us and got to know us. They began to understand what we were all about, who we were as people and what our dreams were for our family. Not only did we feel that the style of home was perfect – but we felt that everyone from owners to builders all wanted to be a part of our journey.
During the concept phase we were able to work through our designs but were thankful to be able to rely on Stephen’s advice and recommendations. Often either Stephen, Cherie or one of the team would think of something that we wouldn’t have otherwise considered.
The final outcome has been the creation of a family centred home that embraces the outdoors. Not just a house – but a home. A home where we can raise our 3 sons and create a strong sense of family, belonging, connection and purpose.
Alongside Stephen, Cherie, Dean, Kyle, Daniel and the rest of the team – seeing our dream come to fruition has been an incredibly rewarding and proud moment in our lives.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Touchwood Solidwood Homes to anyone who wants not just a house…but a home.”
WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE OUR NEW HOME!
“Touchwood Solidwood Homes were great in keeping us informed at every step and in solving any problems. In fact, they have been great to work with throughout the build, with regular contact and fantastic on-site experienced builders.
The house construction was fascinating to watch – we now have an addition that looks seamless and suits our needs perfectly. We absolutely love our new home! Many thanks to Stephen and the Team at Touchwood Solidwood Homes. We would highly recommend them to anyone.”
NO MUD, NO DISRUPTION, COMPLETELY CLEAN SITE AT THE END
“We approached Touchwood Solidwood Homes after being turned down by a couple of other builders because of high pricing and our job was seen as too small (a stand-alone 30sqm bedroom with bathroom, kitchenette and deck).
We were immediately taken by Stephen’s willingness to work with us to deliver our project within our budget and our time frames. The communication from Stephen and his team has been exemplary all the way through the project, so we always knew what was happening and when it would happen.
Stephen was very happy to accommodate our changes to his standard fittings and materials which enabled us to really personalise our new space, for example, we chose our own vanity and shower, we substituted hardwood decking for pine etc.
We were initially concerned that the build was going to happen through a very wet winter, Stephen assured us that he managed a clean site, and he was spot on – no mud, no disruption, completely clean site at the end. We have now moved into our new accommodation and are thrilled with its quality, functionality and price.
We are very happy to recommend Touchwood Solidwood Homes to anyone looking for a friendly, high-quality firm to deliver their building project.”
I COULD HAVE ANYTHING I LIKED – IF I COULD AFFORD IT
“Considering my section was 180kms from my usual base I decided to go with a transportable option for my beach house. I visited many places over an 18-month period but kept coming back to Touchwood.
It was a look I loved.
I really liked and therefore trusted the people involved in the business.
It was a fixed price contract.
Did I mention the people were great?
Stephen said I could have anything I liked – if I could afford it. Hmmm reassess time. Once the contract was signed away it went. It is really exciting to see it growing in their yard and you are allowed to visit it as many times as you like. Something I took full advantage of. I nearly had a sleepover with it.
There was a lot of excavation to be done with my section and because ‘beach section’ is about trying to maximise the view, a couple of changes needed to be made but boy did they get it right.
We had a couple of hiccups on delivery dates, think two cyclones within three weeks of each other, but eventually it got there and created real interest arriving and being craned onsite for the locals on the day. I love my warm (one of the things I was worried about) dry home away from home and it is my happy place. All I could have hoped for and a real French Champagne beach house on a kiwi beer budget.
Stephen, Cherie, John and team thank you so much, it was a real pleasure to deal with you and your company. I would even consider doing it again, just not this year.”
I WOULD HAVE NO HESITATION IN RECOMMENDING TOUCHWOOD SOLIDWOOD HOMES
“After holidaying for 30 years in a very old Kiwi traditional Beach bach, we approached Touchwood Solidwood Homes to discuss getting a warm, dry, new beach house.
Once seeing their showhome, we sat with Stephen and Cherie, the owners of the business, and discussed how we could economically get a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house constructed and delivered to our site in Oakura Northland.
Within a few days they had a sensible, economical solution for us, that included huge decking/entertaining areas that perfectly suited our beach lifestyle.
Their quotation was a fixed-price but allowed flexibility for us to adjust as per our desires during construction. Which meant that we can alter kitchen and bathroom designs to better suit space as we saw construction progressing.
We ended up with a house that was far better than we had ever expected, thanks to working so close with Stephen during construction.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Touchwood Solidwood Homes along with the team that works there to anyone considering a building project.”
WE ARE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED WITH OUR TOUCHWOOD EXPERIENCE.
“We have recently contracted with Touchwood Solidwood Homes to build us a home for our property in the lovely Matakana area.
Our home was originally their first show home which they had on their site for just over two years. As we loved it so much, we decided to buy this one when it came up for sale, as well as some of the furnishings. It was transported to our site and we are delighted with the result. We are now renting our luxury holiday home out to the public and we have been fully booked from the day we went online.
As a company marketing manager, we are recommending Touchwood to all our clients whenever the subject comes up of building their own home. We have found the finishing touches that Touchwood completed after the relocation was of a very high standard. We are absolutely thrilled with our Touchwood experience.”
OUR NEW HOME HAS COMPLETELY EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS
“Who shall we go with to build our new home? When we decided to build a new home we investigated several options, Touchwood Solidwood Homes being one of them. The friendly, enthusiastic and polite reception we received from Steve and Cherie on our initial visit (and many thereafter) cemented our decision to go with Touchwood.
The solid wood finish inside appealed to our ‘lifetime love of wood’ and even though we have always managed out previous builds, the option of having the project managed whilst we were overseas was a great benefit.
After perusing a wide selection of Touchwood designs, we selected the ‘Kiwi Bach’ design because we felt it suited our block of land and informal lifestyle. Prior to going overseas, we were able to make all building decisions confidently, knowing they would be followed… and what a wonderful surprise we returned to. Our new home was nearly completed – and to the exact specifications we had agreed to.
Some of the valued professional behaviours demonstrated by Touchwood included a prepared and signed financial contract prior to commencement of the project; their regular polite conversations with customers, a willingness to discuss any issues and concerns, in friendly, relaxed interactions with us as clients. Even after we had made our final payment we were never worried about the completion of our new home.
Our new home has completely exceeded our expectations. Going with Touchwood has proven a wise decision and we would highly recommend them as an ethical and fully trustworthy company.”
THE QUALITY WAS TOP NOTCH AND COMMUNICATION WAS EXCELLENT
“Steve and Cherie from Touchwood Solidwood Homes built our new home in Arkles Bay just over a year ago – and we absolutely love it. They did such a good job, the quality was top notch and communication was excellent, plus their team of contractors were all courteous and friendly.
We won’t hesitate to contact them if we ever decide to build again, and I recommend them to anyone wanting to build a new home.”
THE WHOLE PROCESS FROM BEGINNING TO END WAS ABSOLUTELY SEAMLESS
“We have recently contracted with Touchwood Solidwood Homes Ltd to build us a home on our property.
The home was built in their yard and transported to our site with exemplary speed and efficiency and well within the time frame specified within the contract. We are delighted with the result. The whole process from beginning to end was absolutely seamless and this from a writer who had built previously with another provider and sworn never to build again.
In my profession as a Financial Adviser, I am recommending Touchwood to my client’s whenever building advice is sought and I do this in the knowledge that my clients will benefit greatly from giving serious consideration to the Touchwood option.”
Touchwood is a competitively priced construction system for relocatable solid timber homes of any shape, style and size. We can bring your home to you anywhere in the North Island.
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