July 21, 2025

Smart Tips for Choosing a New Home Builder in Christchurch, Canterbury

Thinking of Building a New Home in Christchurch?
It’s a huge step—and it should be exhilarating! But we also know it can feel overwhelming. From choosing land and building plans to sorting out budgets and timelines, there’s a lot to juggle.

At Elite Built, we’ve been building homes across Christchurch and Canterbury for over 20 years. And here’s what we’ve learned: more than anything else, it’s who you build with that truly matters.

So before you sign any contracts or break ground, here are five questions every homeowner should consider—plus honest answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

1. “I’m a Builder, So What Do You Do—and Can I See Your Work?”

First things first: make sure your builder is licensed. In New Zealand, anyone doing structural or restricted building work must be an LBP (Licensed Building Practitioner). You can easily verify this online.

But let’s be clear: a licence isn’t everything. What matters is experience—how a builder handles surprises, keeps you informed, and makes the process smooth for you.

When talking to any builder in Christchurch, ask:

  • “Have you built homes like mine before?”
  • “Can I see some finished projects or speak to previous clients?”
  • “What types of homes do you love building the most?”

If they dodge the questions, that’s a red flag. At Elite Built, we’re proud to showcase our work across Canterbury—and we’re always happy to walk you through our past builds.

2. “How Much Does It Cost to Build a House in NZ?”

Great question—and the honest answer is: it depends.

Currently, most new homes in Christchurch cost between $2,500 and $4,000 per square metre, depending on the size, design, finishes, and type of section.

So, for a 200m² house, you might be looking at $500,000 to $800,000, before the cost of land.

Here’s what can drive up the price:

  • Sloped or hard-to-access sites
  • High-end finishes and architectural features
  • Design changes mid-build
  • Driveways, fencing, and landscaping (often forgotten, but not minor!)

That’s why we don’t work on an hourly rate—and don’t think you should either. We offer fixed-price contracts, so you’ll know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting—no surprises halfway through.

3. “What’s Your Build Process Like?”

Every builder has their own approach. Ours is designed to be simple, efficient, and collaborative.

Here’s what it typically looks like:

Step 1 – Chat & Planning
We sit down to talk through your ideas, budget, and vision for your home.

Step 2 – Design & Pricing
We tailor a design that suits your lifestyle. Once it’s right, we present a transparent, detailed quote.

Step 3 – Council & Paperwork
We handle all consents and pre-construction documentation.

Step 4 – The Build
You get regular updates as the build progresses. We keep things moving, communicate clearly, and prevent problems before they arise.

Step 5 – Handover & Aftercare
We walk you through your finished home, making sure every detail is spot on. And yes—we’re still here if anything pops up later.

What makes it work? Honest communication, real relationships, and treating you like a person—not just a client.

4. “How Much Does a Builder Cost Per Hour in NZ?”

For small jobs or renovations, builders might charge hourly. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Qualified builder: $90–$120/hour
  • Apprentice/labourer: $30–$60/hour
  • Specialist tradies (plumbers, electricians, etc.): $100–$150+/hour

But for new home builds in Christchurch, most builders use project pricing—and that’s a good thing. It protects your budget and avoids costs creeping up during delays or complications.

5. “Who Says You’re the Best Builder in New Zealand?”

We’re not claiming to be the best in the country—but we do our best to be honest, reliable, and quality-driven for every home we build in Christchurch.

Rather than searching for “the best,” ask:

  • Are they local? Do they understand the regional market?
  • Do they actually listen to what I want?
  • Do they offer fixed pricing—and stick to it?
  • Can they show real examples of work (not just brochures)?
  • Will they be honest about challenges, not just highlights?

The best builder is the one who treats your home like it’s their own. That’s how we approach every single build.

Real Talk: More Questions to Ask Before You Build

Here are a few smart questions we encourage clients to ask:

  • Do you offer land and build packages, or just construction?
  • What happens if I want to change something during the build?
  • What’s not included in this price?
  • How long will a build like this typically take?

Good builders welcome these questions. We certainly do—because the more you know, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel.

Why Christchurch Chooses Elite Built

We’re not a national franchise. We’re a Christchurch construction company, born and raised here. We live here with our families. We build here. And we care deeply about the community.

With Elite Built, you’ll get:

  • A custom-designed home that suits your life—not just your section
  • A fixed price you can trust—no monkey business
  • A streamlined, stress-free process from start to finish
  • Real-time updates and clear, respectful communication
  • A finished home you’ll love, and one we’re proud to stand behind

Thinking About Designing Your New Home?

If you’re still early in the journey—browsing land listings, comparing plans, or just dreaming—we’d love to chat.

We’ll give you straight answers and local advice, backed by real-world experience. No pressure, no sales pitch—just helpful conversations to guide your next steps.

438 St Asaph Street, Phillipstown, Christchurch

Let’s build something great—together.

Get Your Dream Home Today!

We encourage clients to actively participate in discussions, share their ideas, preferences, and feedback.