Choosing your Character Home

When talking approximate building costs, we are often asked the question,
“What does that include?”

It’s a very good question, because in the initial stages of planning your home one of the biggest challenges you face is to try and distinguish between building companies and their product.

And so, how do you compare “apples with apples”?

The first rule of thumb to remember is that the labour component for a residential dwelling is approximately 10-15% of the over all cost. And, that most builders charge rate is about the same (around $35 - $40 per hour).
So there are no big savings to be made on labour between the various Building companies.

Secondly, most NZ houses are quite similar in there essential construction.
That is, they are generally built with 2.4 meter high, timber framed walls, on a concrete floor slab, with timber framed trusses, and common roof cladding.
They will generally have aluminium exterior windows and doors, and common brick or plaster type cladding.
The interior of these homes usually includes, painted plasterboard wall & ceiling linings, hollow core interior doors, laminated bench tops, MDF Joinery construction, and common heating systems, floor coverings and generally finished with entry level hardware and fittings.

And so, given the same size, and site conditions, the basic elements of a home will cost about the same, regardless of which housing company you choose.

The difference is in the FINISH.

While it is true that any, ‘Registered Master Builder’, housing company should be able to produce a home with a reasonable level of design and workmanship, Character Homes Ltd specialise in specific period architecture.

It is not enough to just rely on “same old”, common building practice and systems. A successful outcome in our field requires real working knowledge and understanding of early NZ homes.

And so, where mass production may appeal to most by providing cheaper housing, a Character Home is intentionally designed for a niche market of buyers who love the charm and elegance of previous century design, yet combined with the innovation and practical function demanded of the modern home.
It stands to reason therefore that some additional cost in time and materials will be required to produce such a home.

The over all cost of your home is dependent on some of the choices you will make for it. However, we recommend an indicative starting cost of approximately $1500.00 per square meter of roofed, building area.

What does that include?

Whilst there exists a wide range of options for you to choose from, a Character Home will generally include the following items:

Exterior:
Linea Weatherboard system
V grooved soffits
Aluminium, double glazed, joinery and skylight windows
High, bevelled, foundation
Colour Steel roof and spouting
Rafter or soffit details
Verandas and porches
Cedar shingle or detailed roof gables

Interior:
Appropriate style, timber trim, (including wide skirting & architraves)
Panelled doors
Timber & carpet floor coverings on concrete floor slab
Ceramic tiling
Appropriate style Light fittings
Appropriate style, Bathroom & Tap ware
High quality door hardware
Rich, paint colour options
Kitchen & bathroom joinery
Heating options
Mirrors and door glazing

Thank you for taking the time to consider Character Homes Ltd as your choice of Register Master Builder.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information, or to discuss you future building requirements,

Kind regards,
Guy Gillespie (Managing Director)