The old saying "prior proper planning prevents poor performance" is never more applicable than when you're building or renovating.
There's a lot to think about even before applying for building consent but husband and wife team Mark and Natalie Todd of Absolute Build can help you work through the process from design to completion.
Mark, a Certified Builder, and Natalie who holds a National Diploma in Architectural Technology can be contracted individually but find that most customers prefer the convenience of working with a design and build team. It often means that small changes that could hold a project up for days can be made overnight, or at the very least will be discussed the same day.
Natalie has been designing and drafting plans for residential and commercial buildings for over 15 years and believes that "the best plan in the world is the one that fits your location and your lifestyle". Before she begins the design, Natalie likes to visit the site and to get to know her customers.
The site visit allows her to understand important factors like the direction of the prevailing winds, the amount of natural light available and what views the property has.
"There's a lot you can't see on a property plan that can make the difference between a good build and an outstanding result," she says.
Meeting with the clients early in the process helps to identify their goals and ensures that as well as looking great, the space suits their lifestyle or working needs. It's often the part of the process that customers enjoy the most as they explore ideas and ask "what if...?"
A Licensed Building Practitioner, Natalie offers practical, cost-effective solutions to design challenges and says the beauty of working with Mark is that they often bounce ideas around at home to get the best outcome.
Another benefit for clients is that Absolute Build can handle all the planning and consent applications through Council - a process that can be daunting for anyone not familiar with the process. And when planning is sorted you can start the build. Mark, who has over 20 years' experience says the industry has changed a lot over the last five years but as a Certified Builder and Licensed Building Practitioner he's up to date with all the latest standards and codes.
He advises that as well as looking at a builder's qualifications, you need to find someone that you can trust and who has a reputation for quality. Mark suggests contacting past clients to see what they thought of both the building process and the final result and says that's especially important when you're renovating or extending an existing home or building because "you're literally going to have to live with the way they work". He says a good builder will schedule work to minimise the impact of the noise and dust for the people living or working onsite.
Mark is passionate about providing excellent service and workmanship and has a host of glowing testimonials from clients happy to share their experience of working with Absolute Build. Mark & Natalie are happy to meet with you to discuss your project and will provide a free written quote.
For more information go to www.absolutebuild.co.nz