You’ve made the decision to build your dream home here in Wanaka, but you’re not sure where to begin because you currently live elsewhere. Sound familiar?
5 tips to successfully accomplish your dream Wanaka build from afar
You’ve made the decision to build your dream home here in Wanaka, but you’re not sure where to begin because you currently live elsewhere. Sound familiar? We often hear this concern from new clients when they first contact us as they try and figure out how they can still be involved with their build, even when they don’t live locally.
In this article, we’re going to share our top 5 tips on how you can successfully accomplish your dream Wanaka build from afar, just as many of our clients have.
1) Decide who will project manage your build – Many building companies will offer full project management as part of their service offerings, or you can talk with your architect or interior designer to see if they offer project management services. Whoever you choose, ensure this person has the time available, understands the building process and can advocate for what you want your build to look like. Here at M A Building, we offer full project management as part of our services.
2) Form a strong relationship triangle – Establishing a strong working relationship with your builder and architect is key to preventing delays and ensuring efficiency throughout the project. We like to describe this relationship like a triangle, with open and regular communication and ideas flowing between client, builder and architect. Forming this relationship at the beginning of the process can also help to ensure that the plans being drawn are going to be within your budget.
3) Request regular visual updates – Living away from the building site can make it difficult to stay up to date with your projects progress and you can quickly feel out of the loop. When negotiating your pre-build contract with your builder, ask how you can receive regular updates throughout the build. We offer all of our clients access to our online management system Co-Construct, where they can view real-time progress, scheduling, photos and updates about their project at any stage.
4) Plan your site visits – If you’re planning to travel to Wanaka to visit throughout the build, talk with your builder or project manager before making any travel arrangements. There will be key times throughout the build when it would be really beneficial for you to be there, and your builder may also want to co-ordinate meetings with other sub-contractors during your visit so you can make decisions in person.
5) Relax and trust the process – Building your dream home is one of the biggest investments you can make in life, so understandably it can be a daunting process when you don’t live in the area of the build full time. Choosing a building company you trust and can communicate openly with is key to a stress-free and relaxed building process. They are the experts in the local building industry and will be able to support you fully through each step and every question.
