Building your dream home is one of the most exciting investments you can make, but when it comes to costs, it’s not always straightforward. The overall price of a custom home depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the design, the materials you choose and the unique characteristics of your site. While these variables can influence the final cost, there are several ways to keep your budget in check without compromising on style or quality.
In this article, we’ve spoken with Matt Corleison, Managing Partner at Design Builders Taupō, and Renee Woods, Registered Architect at Design Builders, to get their insights on what really drives the cost of a custom home, and the strategies you can use to manage expenses throughout the build.
On average, building a home in New Zealand costs around $4,495 per square metre. However, as Renee explains, this figure can vary depending on a range of factors – particularly the site and the design decisions. “The type of site, design complexity, structural requirements, window joinery, cladding choices, and interior specifications all play a role,” she says. “Basically, every decision we make from the ground up has an impact on the overall cost of building.” That’s why it’s so important for clients to be upfront about their budget from the beginning. It allows us to tailor the design – whether it’s simplifying structural elements where possible and selecting materials that are both cost-effective and less susceptible to inflation.
Throughout the design and build process, there are many opportunities to save costs without compromising on quality or your overall vision. Our expert team work with you to help prioritise where it’s worth spending money and where it’s possible to save, while still achieving your dream home. As Matt explains, this might involve reducing the total floor area, simplifying certain design elements, or combining premium finishes with cost-effective materials in parts of the home that aren’t so prominent. Client changes can also affect the build costs and extend timeframes. “One piece of advice I can give is to slow down in the design process to speed up through the build.”
At Design Builders, we have over 33 years’ experience in creating unique homes, and we have a strong understanding of where costs are likely to land. Transparency and clear communication around pricing are essential throughout the entire project. We offer a fixed price model, and for areas like kitchens, fashion plumbing, and joinery, we work closely with clients, who get to see all the quotes for their final choices before committing to them. The choice is theirs, and it’s an educated decision,” says Matt.
From the initial concept through to the final build, Design Builders offers a complete custom home package that brings every stage of the process under one roof. With expert guidance, transparent pricing, and a focus on personalised design, we make building your dream home achievable, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with us for a free no-obligation chat to see how we can turn your vision into reality.
