FAQ's

 

Q: Is your “cost plus” building process more competitive than a fixed quote?
A: Almost always. We work on lower margins (our cost + 15%) with no “what if” contingency. Our builders labour is charged “per hour worked”. We DON’T charge based on an estimate, with an extra margin for error added.

Q: Are you much more expensive that a smaller building company or just a builder?
A: Actually no, due to our turnover our purchasing power is much greater, so our cost price is most often lower than smaller companies. Also, our “charge out” rates are very competitive.

Q: What about project management, isn’t that expensive?
A: No, The nominal sum we do charge, is more than outweighed by the efficiencies created by having a dedicated person to oversee progress and schedule all deliveries and sub trades. As all our project managers are ladies, you’ll often find that the “feminine touch“ does help in making things happen efficiently! You’ll also find that as your project progresses there is more need for a project manager than a builder as all the finishing and decorating work is done. The alternative that often happens in smaller companies is that the highest paid person – usually the head builder - spends most of their time doing the project management and not the actual building!

Q: What about cost over runs?
A: Whether it is a “cost plus” or a “fixed quote” contract, if unforeseen circumstances arise, they will cost extra. Your project manager will carry out monthly budget vs cost audits to keep track of your project budget, so you are kept well informed.

Q: Do you guarantee when you will start & when you will finish?
A: We can not guarantee a start date. We will give you an indication, and as soon as your building team has finished their current project they will start yours. We can guarantee that once they start, they will not leave. We will also provide you with a timeline or construction schedule when we start, with an indicative completion date. We review this throughout the project and keep you informed every step of the way.

Q: How do you keep us informed about progress, problems & decisions we need to make?
A: We like to set a weekly site meeting (that suit’s you), ideally Monday to Friday, but can be on Saturdays if necessary. Your project manager will also keep you well informed with a weekly “client update” e-mail.

Q: What if you make a mistake or go bankrupt?
A: We are Registered Master Builders, so we are obligated to remedy any mistakes or bad workmanship. We would encourage you to utilise the Master build 7 year guarantee, which also covers you against loss of deposit or non completion. You also have the assurance of over 25 years in business in Auckland in the Renovation market. Our clients wouldn’t keep coming back to us if we didn’t offer outstanding service and back up.