Building Costs NZ: How to construct an attractive house within a limited budget in New Zealand.

Board and Batten House

At Stoak Architecture, we believe that building your dream home should not mean breaking the bank. We are committed to creating practical, beautiful homes that reflect our clients’ lifestyles and values. Here are some of our top tips for achieving this in New Zealand.

Please take note that Stoak Architecture does not engage in the sale of cladding materials or offer project-specific pricing. The purpose of this article is to provide a helpful guide only. The prices mentioned below are approximate figures based on a flat site and concrete floor. They include the cost of materials, fixings, labor for installation, painting (if applicable), and GST.

Embrace Compact Living Building Costs NZ

At Stoak Architecture, we champion the beauty of compact living. A larger home size often comes with a bigger price tag. However, a smaller footprint doesn’t mean compromising on style or functionality. The average size of homes in the North Island of New Zealand has decreased to 145m2 in 2023, down from 154 sqm in 2022. We see this as an opportunity to design smart, sustainable homes that cater to modern lifestyles. Building Costs NZ

Select a Suitable Site

Choosing the right site can significantly impact the cost of your build. A flat site with good ground typically requires less extensive foundation work, reducing the need for costly foundation systems. At Stoak Architecture, we help our clients select suitable sites that will result in significant cost savings from the outset of their project.

Keep the form sleek and simple. 

Keeping the form and structure of your home sleek and simple is a cost-effective approach. It is important to understand that complex junctions in roofs, walls, and decks can significantly increase the labour cost. While complex home designs can be visually stunning, they come with a higher construction cost and require detailed architectural work. On the other hand, a simple modern home can look amazing while being more intuitive to build and causing fewer headaches for everyone involved.

Use Cost Effective Materials

If you're planning to construct a building, it's worth considering cost-effective materials like brick, pine weatherboards, and color steel. These materials can significantly reduce the overall cost of the project, while still maintaining quality.

For instance, let's take the example of a rectangular house with an area of 150 square meters. To cover 70 square meters of wall area, you could use the following materials at the respective prices:

- Cedar weatherboards: $300-350 per m2, with a total cost of $21,000 - $24,500

- Painted pine weatherboards: $200-250 per m2, with a total cost of $14,000 - $17,500

- Powder-coated color steel: $200-230 per m2, with a total cost of $14,000 - $16,100

- Brick: $230 - 300 per m2, with a total cost of $16,100 - $21,500

As you can see, the biggest price difference is between cedar weatherboards and color steel cladding, with a difference of $8,400. It's worth noting that this doesn't include maintenance costs. Cedar weatherboards require recoating every five years, which can be expensive, while color steel cladding should not need recoating for up to 20 years.

By choosing more cost-effective materials, you can significantly reduce the cost of your home, without sacrificing quality.

Plan Strategically

Avoid common mistakes by planning your home build in a smart and strategic way. At Stoak Architecture, we guide our clients through the entire process, ensuring that they make informed decisions that align with their budget and vision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building your dream home with Stoak Architecture means creating a space that is uniquely yours without a hefty price tag. By carefully strategizing and making smart choices, we help our clients build homes they love without compromising on their values. Remember, the journey to your dream home is just as important as the destination itself, and Stoak Architecture is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Stoak Architecture now to find out more information.