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Introduction
Preparation and Planning
Financial Management
Construction Process
Regulatory and Compliance
Post-Construction Management
Land and Site Considerations
Team and Project Management
Utility and Infrastructure Planning
Resource and Materials

01.
 
How to Use the Step Guides
02.
 
Understanding Your Reasons for Building
03.
 
Key Things To Factor When Building
04.
 
Site Analysis and Pre-Design Assessment in New Home Construction
05.
 
Deciding on Building System Type
06.
 
Researching the Building Process
07.
 
Using the Simpli Portal for Building Consent and Compliance
08.
 
Setting a Preliminary Budget
09.
 
Choosing the Best Hardware Store for Your New Build
10.
 
Land Ownership Types in New Zealand
11.
 
Conveyancing and Purchasing the Land
12.
 
Maximising Cash Flow in Construction
13.
 
Cost Components of a New Build
14.
 
Land Terrain Types and Their Influence on Building

15.
 
Environmental Impact Assessment in New Home Construction
16.
 
Matching Property Types to Your Land Choice
17.
 
Deciding on the Type of House to Suit Your Land and Project
18.
 
Architectural Considerations and Planning Permissions
19.
 
Choosing the Right Builder
20.
 
Assembling the Right Team
21.
 
New Build Project Management Tools
22.
 
Building Contract Guide for Clients
23.
 
Due Diligence and Contracts in Building Projects
24.
 
Change Order Management in Construction Projects
25.
 
Financing Strategies for New Build Homes
26.
 
Progressing Planning and Designing
27.
 
Design Principles for Your New Home Build
28.
 
On-grid vs. Off-grid Living
29.
 
Foundation Types for New Zealand New Builds
30.
 
External Cladding Options for New Zealand Homes
31.
 
Interior Cladding Options for New Zealand Homes
32.
 
Flooring Options for New Zealand Homes
33.
 
Utility Connection Planning
34.
 
Finalising Your New Build Construction Plans
35.
 
Key Consents for New Build Projects
36.
 
Finalising Detailed Architectural Plans and Building Specifications
37.
 
Recheck and Reforecast Your Build Costs
38.
 
Regular Financial Audits
39.
 
Keeping a Debits and Credits Log for Construction Expenses
40.
 
Construction Phase Contingency Planning
41.
 
Effective Risk Management Strategies in Construction Projects
42.
 
Breaking Ground on The New Build
43.
 
Essential Construction Material Order Timings for New Builds
44.
 
Site Visits for Building Inspections and Material Delivery
45.
 
Understanding Milestone Payments in Construction Projects
46.
 
Laying Foundations and Frameworks
47.
 
Security and Site Management During Construction
48.
 
Installing Roof Stage
49.
 
Quality Control Checks During Construction
50.
 
Installing Windows and Doors Stage
51.
 
Preparation and Treatment of Exterior Cladding Materials
52.
 
Installing Exterior Cladding
53.
 
Completing Electrical Pre-Wire
54.
 
Completing Plumbing Pre-installation
55.
 
Completing Insulation Installation
56.
 
Preparation and Treatment of Interior Cladding Materials
57.
 
Installing Interior Cladding
58.
 
Post Installation Interior Wall Preparation and Treatment
59.
 
Post Interior Cladding Installation Cleaning
60.
 
Installation of Flooring in New Home Construction
61.
 
Installation of Kitchen in New Home Construction
62.
 
Installation of Bathroom and Toilet in New Home Construction
63.
 
Installing Fixtures and Fittings in New Home Construction
64.
 
Final Electrical Fit Out in New Home Construction
65.
 
Final Plumbing and Gas Fit Out in New Home Construction
66.
 
Installation of a Deck in New Home Construction
67.
 
Final Cleaning and Detailing
68.
 
Installation of Window Treatments in New Home Construction
69.
 
Final Inspection and Certifications for New Home Construction
70.
 
Furnishing and Equipping Your New Home
71.
 
Practical Completion and Handover to Homeowner in New Home Construction
72.
 
Post-Construction Reviews
73.
 
Financial Planning for Long-Term Property Maintenance
74.
 
Post-Construction Warranty and Maintenance Information
75.
 
Community and Neighbourhood Integration
76.
 
Planning for Sustainability in Your New Home
77.
 
Home Enhancement and Upgrades
78.
 
Resale Preparation and Valuation
79.
 
A Real Example of a New Build Using The realtor.co.nz Build Guide

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Build / Step 14 of 79

Land Terrain Types and Their Influence on Building

Land Terrain Types and Their Influence on Building


In the process of choosing land for building in New Zealand, it's crucial to understand how the type of terrain not only impacts the initial land cost but also significantly influences the overall budget and design possibilities of your project. This summary step delves into various land types, offering insights into their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals. This step is expanded further in the full article here: 

Proximity (Urban, Suburban, Rural)

Choosing between urban, suburban, and rural settings is a significant decision that affects not just the lifestyle you're seeking but also your building budget and project timeline. Urban areas offer unparalleled access to amenities and services, making them ideal for those seeking convenience and an active lifestyle, though at a higher land cost and with potential privacy concerns. Suburban settings strike a balance between urban accessibility and the tranquility of more spacious living environments, often at more affordable land prices but possibly with higher costs in sought-after locations. Rural locations provide privacy, space, and a closer connection to nature, typically at lower land costs, but with the trade-off of increased travel times for amenities and potentially higher costs for extending services to remote sites. Some areas (mainly newer areas though) have design covenants in place such as limiting exterior colours, materials, fencing heights, etc., as developers try to create a cohesive image across the suburb/area.

Site State (Clear, Bush Clad)

The state of the site, whether clear or bush-clad, impacts both the aesthetic appeal and the complexity of your building project. Clear sites offer a blank canvas for construction, potentially lowering initial land preparation costs but may lack the natural beauty and privacy offered by vegetation. Bush-clad sites provide a unique opportunity to integrate natural landscapes into your design, offering privacy and aesthetic appeal, but require careful planning to navigate environmental protection laws and potentially higher costs for land clearing and management. When considering a bush-clad site, it's important to factor in additional budget considerations for environmental assessments and compliance with local regulations.

If you are clearing bush/trees, make sure none of the trees you are cutting down are protected.

From Auckland Council Website: If a tree on your property is protected, you will need resource consent to remove it, prune it, or carry out construction work near it. It's best to check with us before you start any work on or near a tree, so we can provide up-to-date information on all the rules which may apply.
Gradient (Flat, Mixed, Sloped)

The gradient of your site significantly influences design possibilities, construction complexity, and overall project costs. Flat sites are generally easier and less costly to build on, offering more straightforward access and reducing the need for extensive ground preparation. However, they may lack the distinctive views and architectural opportunities presented by sloped or mixed-gradient sites. Sloped sites allow for creative design and stunning views but come with higher construction costs due to the need for specialised foundation work, retaining walls, and water management systems. Mixed-gradient sites offer a compromise, providing some of the benefits of both flat and sloped terrains but require careful planning to maximise the advantages of the varied landscape. When budgeting for a sloped or mixed-gradient site, anticipate additional costs for engineering services and potentially more complex construction techniques.


Potential Takeaway

Buying a more expensive flat site may work out cheaper than a sloped site post-excavation. The initial higher cost of flat urban land with services can be offset by savings on infrastructure and excavation, making it a potentially more economical choice in the long run compared to a cheaper, sloped site that requires significant additional investment for construction readiness. We have a full guide to excavation here: Guide to Excavation for New Zealand Homebuilders.

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