Our Process
1. Let's connect
Our journey begins when you fill in our online Project Evaluation Form . This will be followed up with a phone call. We’ll touch base to discuss your building project goals and determine how we can best support you. From there, we’ll set up a time and place to dive deeper into your vision.
2. Let's Collaborate
Have ideas for your build? We’re ready to listen! Our Director, Peter Niven, will visit you at the proposed project location for a thorough renovation / new build consultation. Together, we’ll explore your ideas, preferences, budget, and timelines.
3. Developing the Concept
The key to a successful project lies in a thoughtful design process. Your design will take shape as you and our designer collaborate, refining ideas until you reach the perfect solution ensuring the design and scope stay within your budget.
Consider this: This is an excellent time to think about incorporating sustainable features into your design. Making your home eco-friendly and energy-efficient not only benefits the environment but also adds long-term value and savings. As Passivhaus Specialists, we’re happy to suggest options to make your home efficient, healthy, and super comfortable.
Welcome to the
Niven Builders Family
At Niven Builders, we believe that the relationship we build with you is just as meaningful as the work we do.
We take pride in making our clients feel like part of the family. Many of our clients become close friends, and we enjoy sharing a laugh, a drink, or even some homemade scones as we celebrate the completion of your project.
5. Reviewing the Budget
Next, we’ll present a comprehensive budget based on your concept drawings. This step is crucial to ensure your renovation stays on track and within your financial plan. If necessary, we’ll fine-tune the drawings so that everything fits perfectly within your budget.
6. Finalizing Working Drawings
With your budget and project scope in sync, We will begin preparing the working drawings and necessary documentation for building consent and, if required, resource consent. Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary session with our professional interior design consultant to ensure your renovation is everything you envisioned.
7. Confirming fixed Price
Once you’re satisfied with the working drawings, we’ll provide a fixed-price quote and walk you through it in detail, ensuring you fully understand the costs and scope of the project.
4. Creating a Preliminary Budget
Once your concept drawings are ready, our Quantity Surveyor will assess them and visit the site to create a precise and detailed estimate.
In some cases, we’ll bring in our electrician and plumber to offer their insights early on to give you added confidence our price is spot-on.
9. Keeping the Lines Open
Throughout the building process, we commit to:
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Regular communication with you, our designer and subcontractors
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Ensuring your renovation progresses smoothly and on schedule
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Keeping the job schedule updated so you’re always informed and can coordinate with anyone working outside our contract
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Keeping you in the loop about the health and safety plan on-site
10. Final Touches
Once Niven Builders completes the project as agreed, we will:
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Schedule a final inspection with the council to confirm everything meets the required standards
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Prepare and submit the final paperwork to apply for your code of compliance
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Schedule a time for us to complete a detailed hand over walk thru of your completed new home
Our Partners
FAQ
The general rule we try to restrict our constructions site to the Mornington peninsula area. This enables us to keep strict watch on the job progress and the quality and making sure that our processes are followed.
We're really passionate about design and would be excited to help someone come up with the best plan for their project. We have in-house experience with design, drafting and 3D modelling. But if we felt that your particular job required a different level of expertise we will be quick to put you towards either the correct Draftsperson or Architect. We will then work in partnership with them to ensure that your design is able to fit your final budget.
If you are a registered or licensed building professional then we would be happy to consider collaborating on some aspects of a project but generally due to the challenges created in warranty and quality control this is not a preferred method of operating.
In our experience it comes down to early communication and planning. Getting the right advice from those early steps can lead to a lot of money saved. Too many times people come to us with completed plans, drawings, engineering and permits ready to go but it's absolutely clear to us that they do not have the budget to complete the tasks. This is why it's so important to invest in a building professional to honestly collaborate with to create a design and budget to suit your needs and dreams.
Yes, we have extensive experience in building on steep sites. Our expertise covers a wide range of site conditions that you may find on the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
Much of the Mornington Peninsula is designated as a bushfire zone and we have extensive experience in building in some of the most extreme environments.
8. Signing Off & Getting Started
Now it’s time to sign the Niven Builders fixed-price building contract and finalize all the necessary paperwork, such as the home Owner Warranty guarantee and builders' risk insurance. Once that’s done, we’re ready to roll! You’ll meet our team, and our foreman will conduct a health and safety briefing for your family.