When you have decided to build small homes in Christchurch, and your architect has drawn up plans, there are just a couple of questions that you should be asking before construction even gets going. Of course, if your answers are positive, small homes in Christchurch are the right option. Here I have highlighted seven crucial questions you must ask yourself before making that final decision.
What’s your budget?
The first question is how much you want to spend on your new home. This will dictate what type of house you can build and where it can be located. Therefore, it’s far better to know your budget before looking at plans because this will help you narrow down your options and find something that suits your needs and desires.
Do you have a specific site in mind?
The answer to this question is important because it will affect how you plan your house. If you own the land, you can be more creative with your design and ensure that your house fits into its surroundings. However, if you don’t own land yet, finding a suitable location for your new home may take some time.
What is the cost of building materials?
The cost of building materials can vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to understand how much it will cost before starting your project. The more expensive materials are concrete blocks and roofing tiles, but these are still much cheaper than conventional bricks and mortar homes.
Do you have insurance and consent processes in place?
If you’re building a small home on an existing property, you must check with your insurer that it will be covered. Some insurers may refuse to insure properties smaller than a certain size, while others may require an additional premium for smaller homes.
You need to make sure you have consent from your local council. This might not be an issue if your property is in a zone that allows for multi-unit developments. You can check with your council about its requirements for small-lot subdivisions or building consents for one-off homes.
What is your timeline for the build?
The required time and effort to build a house vary greatly depending on its size. Smaller homes can be built in as little as eight weeks; larger ones can take up to 12 months or more.
How much will it cost? Building costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your home, but generally speaking, smaller houses cost less than bigger ones. That’s because there are fewer materials involved in smaller houses, so they don’t require as much labour (and therefore cost less).
What kind of house do you want?
There are several options. Some people prefer to build an apartment-style unit, while others prefer the look and feel of a cottage-style home. Is one type better than another? That depends on your personal preference. Think about what style suits your needs best, and then work with your builder to ensure they can deliver what you want.
So if you’ve decided that building small homes in Christchurch is the next step for you, consider these seven questions to make sure you’re ready for the journey. And if you’d rather work with someone else to answer those questions and build your dream home, not a problem.
