Our service process
What you can expect when you choose to work with us
1. Let’s chat.
The sooner we chat the better! Some clients are already working with an architect, some haven’t chosen one yet, and others have their working drawings finalised. Whatever stage you are at with your home design, it’s incredibly important to us that we sit down with you and your architect to begin building our relationship. We often find that working with an architect early means we can help creative designs stay within budget and ensure no time is wasted when pricing a job.
2. Preliminary contract.
If you wish for us to price a job we ask that you sign our standard preliminary agreement. This agreement ensures we are both serious about the prospect of 90 Degrees Construction building your home. We obtain accurate quotes and estimates and go through details with a fine-tooth comb to ensure nothing is forgotten. We then go the extra mile by presenting the estimate in a modern way that is more intuitive for you. Depending on the scope and scale of your project, a fee might be involved for this work.
3. Preliminary work.
Here we move forward with any initial work that may need to be done before the actual contract kicks in – for example; engineering reports, asbestos testing for renovations etc. It also includes meetings with the architect and meet-and-greet sessions with our preferred suppliers. This helps us get a feel for your budget and preferences for items like bathroom fixtures and fittings, kitchen cabinetry, door hardware etc.
4. Working drawings + price estimate.
Once your architect submits your working drawings to council, we get on and do the full price estimate. Our package includes your very own project website (password protected) so you have easy access to;
- an online interactive project timeline
- links to your plans and specs on the fly
- monthly estimate tracking sheets
- copies of your contract and guarantees
Pricing your job can take roughly 3-5 weeks depending on the complexity of your build and the capacity of suppliers. This allows enough time for us to contact and receive quotes from various vendors, then work through the process of collating them.
IMPORTANT: We price a job based on the architect’s plans. We look to reduce costs after that if needed, in consultation with your architect. We feel it’s important to see what the total build cost would be with all the bells and whistles!
5. Signing your contract.
After receiving your completed price estimate with any agreed changes (we include one round of changes in the preliminary contract), we’ll draw up the final contract.
We use a “cost and margin” contract, supplied by New Zealand Certified Builders. This way you will only be charged for the work and materials used, while making the process completely transparent - no hidden contingency costs! We’ll supply you with a monthly cost tracking sheet so you can see exactly where the spend is up to, and be confident that we are as close to the original estimate as possible.
We run a very tight ship with our team, suppliers and subbies. Smart technology definitely plays a role in keeping us aware of costs at all times. The main thing is that communication stays frequent and open!
6. Payments throughout the build
Your building contract will stipulate a five day payment term which is standard in the construction industry. However, all our invoices are payable on the 20th of each month, for all charges incurred during the previous month. We’ll send you your invoice no later than the 13th of each month. The exception to this may be when a deposit is required for specialist suppliers.
7. Owner supplied goods.
We won’t hold you back if you find a bargain! However, we do charge a handling fee for any goods you supply that were included in your estimate. This covers the cost of liaising with the supplier, scheduling delivery, and the time spent ensuring items are correctly installed. We also recommend that you consider the implications on your insurance policy if you supply the goods directly.
Useful Information
