GIB Living Steps to Building - Building Fundamentals - Choosing building materials for your home

Steps to Building

Steps to Building :
1.

Checking out the Section : Do your homework before you buy!
2.

The design brief : Registered Architect or architectural designer? How do you brief them?
3.

The building fundamentals : Choose your cladding, roofing, insulation, windows and interior linings wisely.
4.

Revising the design : It's rare for a designer to come back with exactly what you want first time.
5.

Fixtures and Fittings : Now's the time to make definitive decisions
6.

Final Plans : Now it's time to prepare final plans and working drawings.
7.

Contractors and Quotes : Who should obtain quotes? You or the designer?
8.

Reality Check : The costings have come in and you may need to revise you plans.
9.

All systems go : Building contract is signed, consent is obtained and you press GO
10.

The building shell : Once excavations and foundations are completed, things can happen pretty quickly.
11.

Interior lining & fit out : Line your interiors with GIB Plasterboard
12.

Final Checks : Final Checks and code compliance

Visit your local building supplier for material ideas

The building fundamentals

Choose your cladding, roofing, building wraps, insulation, windows and interior linings wisely. These are the fundamentals that make your home warm, dry, quiet and comfortable and a sound durable investment.

Changing your mind about materials once a building consent is granted may result in increased cost. After initial discussions with your designer you will come to some basic decisions regarding materials. As you enter the next phase of the design process you will need to firm up on these as it will have a great bearing on cost.

Its more than just the overall appearance. Most people generally think only in terms of the initial appearance of a home and its focus on exterior cladding and the roof. You will need to look beyond this and make decisions about windows, doors, kitchen/bathroom cabinetry, plumbing and electrical fittings. Be prepared for a myriad of decisions!

Don't forget the after build costs. Once a house is built there are still many other costs associated with floor covering, window treatments, furnishings and landscaping. To help with these decisions you can employ an Interior Designer - contact the Design Insititute of New Zealand for a member in your area.

Step 4 Revising the design