8 Questions you should ask a Building Company

Making the decision to build a house is a huge commitment, and choosing the right builder is as important as selecting the right site or floor plan. A company’s viability and track record allows you to build with confidence.  Here are some questions perfect for first meetings, that we’ve gone ahead and answered.

How long have you been doing this?

Gerard Hutton started his own building business in early 2017. Since then, we’ve earned a strong reputation in the high-end residential sector through quality craftsmanship, design expertise, and innovation. Our transparent and honest approach helps eliminate the stress that often comes with building a home. We’re proud to have many happy clients—some of whom have even returned to build or renovate with us again.

Have you built other homes in the style I am wanting?

Over the years, Hutton Developments has delivered a diverse range of homes across multiple architectural styles. If you're planning a bespoke architectural build, it's vital to work with a builder experienced in that space—and that's exactly where we excel.

Are you fully insured and licensed?

Yes, absolutely. Choosing a licensed and insured builder protects you from significant risk, including potential project shutdowns or loss of deposits. Gerard Hutton is a Licensed Building Practitioner in New Zealand, meaning he personally stands behind the quality and compliance of every build. Hutton Developments is also a Registered Master Builder, giving our clients access to a comprehensive 10-Year Master Build Guarantee. 

What do you offer that other builders do not?

When you're planning a construction project—whether it's a new home, a renovation, or a commercial build—you’ve got choices. There’s no shortage of contractors and companies out there, all promising solid work and fair prices. So it’s fair to ask: Why choose us? What do we offer that other builders don’t?

After years in this industry, we've come to understand that clients don’t just want something built. They want something built right, built well, and built with them in mind. That’s where we stand apart. We work closely with you through every step of the process to ensure that your visions come to life. With real-time project tracking through our management software, you’ll always know where things stand. Thanks to our strong partnerships with architects and trusted sub-trades, we’re able to deliver projects with greater efficiency—while securing the best value and quality for your investment.

How will the build cost be determined?

Once your concept plans are finalised, we prepare a detailed Specification, and with the help of our Quantity Surveyor Software develop a comprehensive Measured Estimate. This becomes the foundation of your contract and outlines every cost—including GST and builder’s margin. It gives you clarity and helps identify potential savings before you sign. 

Why do budgets blow out with builds?

The number one reason for budget blowouts is mid-build changes. It takes discipline to stick to the plan, and we’re here to help you stay on track. Your contract may include some Provisional Sums—estimates for items with unknown variables like excavation or kitchen design. These are allocated based on experience, but may shift depending on site conditions or evolving client preferences. At Hutton Developments, we aim to provide realistic and generous allowances up front to help prevent unexpected surprises later on.

Is there anything that you would exclude from the project?

Understanding what’s excluded from a quote can be just as important as knowing what’s included. It ensures you're comparing quotes fairly across builders. Typical exclusions can include Council or Resource Consent fees, Watercare connection costs, and soft furnishings like curtains or blinds. We’re upfront about what’s in and out of scope, so there are no surprises down the track.

How long will it take to build my home?

Project timelines vary depending on site conditions, complexity, and any planning consents required. We generally allow 3 to 6 months for the pre-construction phase (including design and Council approvals), and anywhere from 6 to 12 months for the build itself. To keep you fully informed, Hutton Developments clients have access to our Customer Portal, where you can view real-time updates.

Have you heard the news?

In August 2024, building costs have decreased for the first time in over a decade. The latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) revealed a 1.1% drop in building costs in the last three months leading up to June.

Key materials like structural steel, kitchen joinery, tap-ware, and electrical fixtures have seen price reductions, contributing to a record-low annual growth rate of 0.6%, down from 2.3% earlier in the year.

If you've been waiting for the right time to start your renovations - the time is now! Take advantage of these favourable conditions and start your renovation project today.

What makes us different to other builders?

Knowledge is power and it doesn’t just end with the completion of the building apprenticeship. With the ever changing building regulations, building codes, techniques - you name it - it can get pretty confusing. To stay on top of our game we invest in continuous education and training for our team.

2. Efficiency

In the construction industry, time is money and we are well aware of that! We utilise technology and modern construction methods to increase productivity. and have well structured systems in place that allow us to track your building project every step of the way.

3. Multidisciplinary Expertise

We have strong relationships with well-known architects, subcontractors and suppliers we can liaise with, whether that’s getting your project started or throughout the building process.

Project Management Systems 

In this blog post we want to briefly introduce our main management systems so you can get a better insight into how we operate. Our software systems are an essential part of our business to ensure effective planning, excellent time management, precise cost and time tracking and straightforward client communication. At Hutton Developments, we think these are crucial qualities that contribute to our clients' enjoyable and exciting experience from start to finish.