Thinking About Building in 2026?

The Top Three Things to Get Right Before You Start Your New Build or Renovation

Building a new home or renovating an existing one is exciting, but it can also feel a little daunting. Many of my clients come to me wanting clarity before they take the first step. No one has a crystal ball, but when you work with experienced professionals, you get a much clearer picture of what your project and process will likely look like.

If you want an overview of how a Design Consultation works and how it helps set your project up for success, you can watch my short walkthrough here:
https://youtu.be/N2_wITjtPrQ

Here are the top three things to get right before you begin your building project.

• 1. Get Clear on What You Actually Want

This sounds simple, but I’ve seen people do a complete U-turn halfway through their design process. While changes can be made right up until the foundations are poured, they become more expensive and more limited the further you get into the project.

You don’t need every “i” dotted and every “t” crossed, but you do need clarity about what you want to achieve. This clarity unlocks the best design outcomes for you.

Many people believe the first step is deciding on the number of bedrooms or where the garage goes. But what matters far more is understanding the purpose of the home and the outcomes you want it to deliver.

For example:

• Instead of “a four-bedroom family home with a double garage,” think “a home our family can grow into comfortably.”

• Instead of “a home facing the sun,” think “a home that stays warm in winter and doesn’t overheat in summer.”

• Instead of “a home that appeals to future buyers,” think “a home that holds its value in a changing market and unlocks favourable lending and finance options.”

If clarity is hard to find on your own, that’s normal. A good Architect or Architectural Designer will know what questions to ask in a Design Consultation to bring these answers to the surface — answers you already have but may not have articulated yet.

• 2. Understand Your Real Budget

There’s a big difference between what you want to pay and what your project will actually cost. One of the first things I do with clients in a Design Consultation is outline not only the realistic construction budget but all the other associated costs as well.

This includes:

• Consultant fees

• Building and Resource Consents

• Certification

• Design fees

• Watercare charges

• Development contributions (where applicable)

These additional items can significantly influence the feasibility of your project. By establishing a comprehensive project budget — including realistic build costs — you can properly evaluate what you want to achieve versus what is financially possible.

Understanding your real budget early prevents surprises later, helps you shape the best version of your project, and supports better decision-making throughout the design and construction process.

• 3. Know Your Timeline

Most people want their project completed as soon as possible — often by Christmas. One of the biggest mistakes I see is rushing into consents or pushing to get on site too quickly. This pressure often results in missed opportunities to create a better, more considered, and more functional design.

The cheapest and easiest place to make changes is always the design stage. The further along you get:

• the more detailed the drawings become

• the more expensive changes are

• the fewer options you have

Once the foundation is down, layout changes become extremely limited. On site, even small alterations can trigger compromises or create knock-on effects that were easily avoidable on paper.

Another factor people underestimate is how much a building project will occupy their daily life. While the project is moving forward, your everyday commitments to family, friends, and work continue. You need time to digest information, make decisions, and provide your design team with the clarity they need to progress smoothly.

A structured timeline ensures you don’t feel overwhelmed and that your project moves at a pace that supports good decision-making instead of rushed choices.

It’s that well-known saying, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin:
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

• Start Your 2026 Project With Confidence

A well-planned project is an enjoyable and successful one. Getting clear on your goals, understanding your real budget, and having a realistic timeline are the foundations of a positive building experience.

If you want to understand exactly how a Design Consultation works, what it covers, and how it can help you start with confidence, discover more in a chat,  book a time that suits you below.