northwood design

Why choose an Architectural Designer and not an Architect?

An architectural designer will apply a more practical head to your project, keenly focused on cost and practicality without compromising aesthetics. Not only can we interpret your needs but Northwood Design can relay to council, builders and subcontractors your project requirements in practical and easily interpreted form. Northwood Design will charge between 3% and 8% of total project cost, depending on the project scope, your needs and individual local authority requirements.

Why should I build my own home and not use a Housing Production Company?

Because you are an individual and not all your needs will be met by an off the shelf plan. You can follow the fine New Zealand tradition of owners building their own homes. This dosn't mean you literally will build it but you will remain in control of the final outcome. You also stand to save considerable resources should you elect to take the owner/builder approach to your project with Northwood Design to help.
 
Do you have an obligation free initial site visit?

Yes, we will visit your site to establish your needs and the costs in meeting those needs, you are under no obligation to engage us and no fees are charged for that visit if it is in Auckland, North Shore and Manukau Cities. Areas outside those or the Gulf Islands will be subject to negotiated travel charges. We currently choose not to complete Building Consents on properties in Waitakere City but will review this after local body amalgamation. If you require non consent design in Waitakere City please do not hesitate to call we will advise you on how to structure your project around avoiding Waitakere City documentation requirements.
 
How much will it cost?

A written fee estimate will be given before you make a decision to engage us. As a preliminary estimate you can count on consent drawings for a new house costing between 3% and 8% of the total cost of the project. Our preliminary costings are based on a square metre rate of between $1150 and $2450 per square metre for living areas (single level new housing), a lesser figure for the garage and deck areas. Final quotation for our fees and budget estimates for your project will be given after our initial free consultation and investigations of council records. We will fix design costs but because of inconsistent documentation requirements by council staff we no longer fix costs for council documentation.
 
What other costs will I incur before the project starts?

Any additional engineering, survey or other professional services will be arranged by us and fees will be notified to you before commencement of your project. Council fees vary and each council has a different way of charging.
 
What are your terms of trade?

All consent fees are due before submission to council, some councils require all their fees on submission but others accept just a deposit. Larger projects will require a fee deposit after preliminary design. Design fees are paid either on completion of approved preliminary designs and preliminary worked designs.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes all our work is personally guaranteed and you are covered under the Building Act 2004 and The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. We guarantee a building or resource consent providing our advice is followed and you are able to meet the council requirements.

What services do you offer aside from design?

We can support your project from start to finish. This relates to any communication with council, builders and subcontractors regarding the supplied plans. We will do as much or as little as is required by you.
We do also offer full project observation services which are available at a fixed cost fee or we can take on your project as the main contractor for a seamless trouble free project at very litle more expense than if you were using an independent builder.