Question 1

At what point in our project should we contact Fenwick Builders?

Accepted Answer

At Fenwick Builders we believe it’s best to get involved as early as possible in your project. Why? Because we understand how to turn your vision into reality. By getting involved early, we can provide guidance on indicative costs for your wish-list ideas, helping you shape a design that aligns with your budget—before you commit to architectural fees.

We’ll continue to work closely with you and your architect throughout the design phase, offering practical insights and support to help keep your project on track and within budget.

Question 2

Why extend your home instead of building new?

Accepted Answer

We understand that you’ve chosen your home for a reason—whether it’s the neighbourhood you love, the community you’ve built, or simply the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Extending your existing home is a smart way to gain the extra space you need without the stress of relocating. In some cases, our team can carry out the extension with minimal disruption, allowing you to stay in your home throughout the process.

Question 3

Will my project require a consent?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, a building consent is required whenever:
1. There is structural work involved (eg. removing load-bearing wall).
2. The basic living area (square meterage) of the home is to be changed.
3. The home’s mechanical systems (eg. gas, electrical or plumbing) are to be reconfigured or otherwise modified.
Fenwick Builders can take care of the entire consent process for you so you can take it easy. Sometimes, the council may have a technical question or require a small detail, which we can answer instantly to help hasten the consent process. Our team is experienced and proficient with the entire consent process and are confident in communicating with the CCC.

Question 4

What contract options do Fenwick Builders offer?

Accepted Answer

At Fenwick Builders we can take care of everything: managing subcontractors, scheduling inspections, and ensuring your final Code of Compliance is obtained. You stay informed and involved, without having to juggle all the moving parts.

Full Quote Contract
We’ll provide a detailed, fixed-price action plan that covers a specific scope of work. It is based on detailed plans, specifications, and site inspections, and outlines exactly what is included in the cost. Once accepted, a quote becomes legally binding. This contract type uses progress payments, which means you’ll pay in stages as work is completed.

Rough Order Estimate
A Rough Order Estimate is an initial cost approximation, usually based on limited information. It's often used in the early stages of planning to give clients a ballpark figure for budgeting purposes. An ROE is not binding and may be subject to significant change once detailed plans, specifications, and site conditions are reviewed.

Cost Plus Contract
This is a more flexible, “pay-as-you-go” option. You pay for the actual cost of materials and labour, plus a builder’s margin. It’s ideal if your project is evolving. Just keep in mind that unlike the fixed-price option, the final cost can vary. We still manage all aspects of the build including subcontractors, scheduling inspections, and ensuring your final Code of Compliance is obtained, but the time spent on this is charged out hourly. Invoices are sent weekly with progress notes included.

Question 5

How do you help clients stick to their budget during a build?

Accepted Answer

At Fenwick Builders, we work closely with you from day one to fully understand your vision and budget. We offer practical, cost-effective options to align your goals with your finances—without compromising on quality.
Our pricing is clear and detailed from the start, and we recommend allowing a contingency for any unexpected changes. Weekly invoices and regular updates ensure you always know where things stand, helping you stay in control every step of the way.

Question 6

What insurances do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

When undertaking a home extension in New Zealand, it's essential to ensure you have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your investment.
Contract Works Insurance
What it covers:
 Contract Works Insurance protects against accidental damage or loss during construction or renovation. This includes:
Damage to the existing structure (e.g., storm damage during roof replacement)

Theft or vandalism of materials on-site

Accidental damage caused by subcontractors

Who arranges it:
 For home extensions, it's typically the homeowner's responsibility to arrange this insurance.
Why it's necessary:
 Standard home insurance policies often exclude coverage for construction-related risks. Without Contract Works Insurance, you may be financially liable for damages occurring during the project.
Home Insurance
What it covers:
 Your existing home insurance typically covers:
Accidental damage to the property

Theft or vandalism of contents

Considerations during construction:
 Notify your insurer about the extension. Some insurers may adjust your policy to include the new structure or may require additional coverage.
Public Liability Insurance
What it covers:
 Public Liability Insurance provides protection if a contractor or subcontractor causes damage to third-party property or personal injury during the project.
Who holds it:
 All contractors and subcontractors should have their own Public Liability Insurance. It's advisable to verify this before work begins.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
What it covers:
 Professional Indemnity Insurance protects against claims arising from errors or omissions in the design or advice provided by architects or designers.
Who holds it:
 Your architect or designer should have this insurance. It's beneficial to confirm this before commencing work.

Question 7

Can I make changes during construction?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! It’s quite common for clients to make changes as the renovation progresses. If your requested changes involve extra labour or materials, we’ll just treat these as variations to the original contract.
Before we start any additional work, Fenwick Builders will confirm in writing any changes for approval. This way, you stay in control and can decide which changes to move forward with.

Fenwick Builders Ltd.

Residential Builds Christchurch

Renovations + Extensions

Johnny and his team did a fantastic job, with excellent attention to detail so that the extension tied into the existing house.

New Builds

The team was friendly, approachable, trustworthy and they problem solved efficiently.

Landscaping + Driveways

Highly recommended in terms of job done, cost and efficiency. Such a lovely friendly team who do a great job and are great to have around.

Custom Joinery

FAQ

At what point in our project should we contact Fenwick Builders?

Why extend your home instead of building new?

Will my project require a consent?

What contract options do Fenwick Builders offer?

How do you help clients stick to their budget during a build?

What insurances do you recommend?

Can I make changes during construction?

Residential Builds
Frequently asked questions

Fenwick Builders Ltd.

Residential Builds Christchurch

Renovations + Extensions

Johnny and his team did a fantastic job, with excellent attention to detail so that the extension tied into the existing house.

New Builds

The team was friendly, approachable, trustworthy and they problem solved efficiently.

Landscaping + Driveways

Highly recommended in terms of job done, cost and efficiency. Such a lovely friendly team who do a great job and are great to have around.

Custom Joinery

FAQ

At what point in our project should we contact Fenwick Builders?

Why extend your home instead of building new?

Will my project require a consent?

What contract options do Fenwick Builders offer?

How do you help clients stick to their budget during a build?

What insurances do you recommend?

Can I make changes during construction?

Residential Builds Frequently asked questions

Residential Builds
Frequently asked questions