Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Build with Stonewood Homes?

Several good reasons:

  1. Stonewood will build you a home you can enjoy today, while helping ensure our children enjoy a better tomorrow. Our homes are built using eco-friendly appliances, renewable resources and non-toxic building materials.
  2. With Stonewood Homes you enjoy the best of both worlds – value for money and peace of mind. You’ll know when you’ll move in, how much you’ll pay, and that someone else is handling the building process for you.
  3. We are at the forefront in new building innovations including our revolutionary Stonewoodconnect™ system which keeps you in touch with your home’s progress through weekly updates and progress photos – no matter where in the world you are!

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How long from paying my deposit does it take for my plans to go to council?

It will take us between 1 to 3 weeks to complete the file checks, the drawings and the application paperwork.

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How long will it take to build my house?

These time frames are estimates and can only be used as a guideline. It can vary depending on several factors.

  • Up to 3 weeks for processing & administration
  • 5 to 12 weeks for the permit application (dependent on your local council)
  • Up to 4 weeks from the permit uplift or from buildable project to the start of construction
  • 90 working days (approx 20 weeks) Build time for a single storey 105 working days for a two storey
  • Up to 3 weeks for the Code of Compliance.
  • Add up to 4 additional weeks if your home is in any part of the above process during Christmas

We are sure you would rather we be honest to avoid later disappointment, so in total somewhere between 30 to 44 weeks. We want to see you in your home and will be doing our best to make this time frame as short as possible.

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Why does a Code of Compliance take so long?

Recent legislation has incorporated new guidelines which allow the local councils up to 20 working days to inspect and issue a Code of Compliance. This is unfortunately out of our control and may mean your home is sitting completed, as we are not allowed to hand over a house without Code of Compliance. Your bank may also require Code of Compliance before handing over the final payment.

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What is involved in a full set of plans for permit?

The councils require a considerable amount of information and each council has a different “Application for consent to build form” which can be several pages long. We submit 14 to 18 pages of drawings making up the plans, a booklet containing all the specifications, and Technical information as required, such as bracing schedules, truss layouts, a building matrix, your title, soil tests or engineering reports, a road crossing application (for Waimak), or a resource consent if applicable.

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When do I get a signed copy of my contract?

The contract is a legal document and must be signed by both parties. Now that you have completed your signing, the file will be checked and signed by the Sales Manager and your copy will be forwarded to you within the next 5 working days.

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Can I make any more changes to my plans?

It is possible but there are several things you need to be aware of. With the many changes to the building industry in the last year, councils are now taking more responsibility to ensure what is submitted is what is built. Every change from now on, even changing a window or moving a door, but especially anything structural will require an updated plan being sent to the council. This may involve an additional council fee and Stonewood may also need to amend any orders we have placed with our suppliers which could result in a cost to you. Unfortunately gone are the days where building companies could design as they built.

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How do I know when to make my payments?

Please refer to your contract and the section in this booklet on the 6 payment stages which covers your progress payments. The payments are due when the house reaches each of the 5 remaining stages. We will advise you by email, fax or post that the house has reached each stage and this becomes the due date. We do allow 7 days for you to make payment from the due date.

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Can I come back and see you, my Sales Consultant?

The Sales Consultants door is always open for a client although it is best to call first as they may often be in an appointment with another client. Your main contacts from now on, during the construction process will be the Client Administrator and your Project Supervisor

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Do I need to know anything different if I am doing some work myself?

Firstly you do need to refer to Section 16 of the contract which covers owners work. There are 4 key things you need to be aware of:

  • We need to approve what you wish to do yourself and we should by now already be aware of any Owners Work.
  • It may need to be done within a set time frame and to a specific standard.
  • Any work you complete yourself or items you supply are excluded from the Masterbuild Guarantee, our Warranty and the “All Risks Insurance” Policy we hold.
  • You will be required to sign a “Scope of Works”

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Can I go on site during construction?

You do have reasonable access to the site, but we can not stress enough the importance of site safety and the Health & Safety legislation. Due care must always be taken and if work is being done on site you must check with an appropriate site manager before entering. If no-one is on site we would not advise entering as caution should always be taken on a building site. Children should never in any circumstances be allowed to wander around on their own, be left unattended or tamper with any part of the building or materials on site. We know it is your home and understand the excitement of seeing your new home grow and develop and can understand you wanting to visit it regularly.

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What should I do if I think something is not quite right?

You have spent a considerable amount of time planning your new home and may therefore know some parts of it better than us. Although we do have a plan and a contract to work to, occasionally something can be interpreted differently. We will always be doing the best by you so if at any time you do notice anything or have a concern please advise your Project Supervisor as soon as possible.

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What other costs might I incur during the process?

You should really refer to the contract as each clients situation is different and may include different PC Sums. Following are some of the items we can make you aware of

  • Council consent fees can vary from time to time.
  • The local council may request a soil test or a resource consent
  • Complying with any soil test investigation requirement
  • Services such as power, phone and drainage can vary from site to site. If you have a rural site please refer to our specific handout
  • Site access and accessibility around the building platform can cause additional costs
  • Out of level sites may incur additional material and labour costs.
  • Any changes you wish to make from now on will need to be signed for on a “Variation Request” and will normally incur costs.

If you have any questions regarding this please make sure you discuss your questions with your Sales Consultant.

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Do I have a pre construction meeting?

The most important section for you in this booklet is “So, what do we need you to do” the 4 important steps. Your Client Administrator will contact you to make an appointment time for a pre construction meeting. Before they can do this you must complete the first three steps over the next couple of weeks.

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Can I apply for a permit before we have a title in our name?

Yes you can still apply for a permit, but if the title is not in your name we will need to provide a sale & purchase agreement to verify that you are going to be the new legal owner. If your section is in a new sub division and title is still a while away from being issued we can still apply but in most cases will not be able to commence building until it’s available. Your bank or lender may also not release any funds until there is a title in your name.

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How did we get the name Stonewood Homes?

When Stonewood was formed back in 1987 the company application had to include six name choices. The first six choices were declined so another six had to be submitted. Stonewood was the sixth choice of the second submission. At the time the current owners had been building timber interior homes with summerhill stone as the preferred exterior. Hence this is where the Stonewood came from.

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