The Best Builders in Auckland
Updated 19 July 2023
Summary
Our Auckland builder guide covers:
Summary
- Asking for quotes and picking a builder is a big job and a lot of careful consideration is needed. Whether you're renovating, extending, adding a feature or building a work from the ground up, having a trusted builder is essential. If you're at the quote stage, the next step involves finding a reliable and trusted builder in Auckland who can take your dream to reality.
- To help you and put you in the strongest position, we've handpicked a list of reliable, affordable and trusted builders in Auckland to save you time and money.
Our Auckland builder guide covers:
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading Builders who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Mod Builders our top Builder that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
​
How Much Should I Pay a Builder?
As a rough guide, around a third of the budget for any self-build or renovation project goes into labour costs. Unlike basic DIY projects, few people have the skills builders have. Hiring a builder outsources all the risk and project management, including finding specialists for specific work.
If you project manage the building project yourself, you’ll save on labour costs but be heavily involved in the day-to-day progress. You will also have to manage deliveries, schedule work, assess the quality of work done and come up with a plan if things go wrong.
Be Aware: Labour shortages are rife all over Auckland
Right now in Auckland there is, generally, a lack of builders. Finding tradespeople who are available has become a problem. This means that the most experienced builders are able to command a higher price given the demand for their services.
If you project manage the building project yourself, you’ll save on labour costs but be heavily involved in the day-to-day progress. You will also have to manage deliveries, schedule work, assess the quality of work done and come up with a plan if things go wrong.
Be Aware: Labour shortages are rife all over Auckland
Right now in Auckland there is, generally, a lack of builders. Finding tradespeople who are available has become a problem. This means that the most experienced builders are able to command a higher price given the demand for their services.
​
How to Get Realistic Quotes from Auckland Builders
Whatever your project, be it a new house or simple extension, getting building quotes is time-consuming but fundamental to your plans. Rush the quote process, and you could be stuck with a big bill, a lousy job, or both. Simply agreeing to the first quote is unwise, as there are many reasons why prices will vary between builder. We outline a suggested process to get the best quotes and ….
Understand what an estimate or quote actually is
The jargon used for building projects can be unfamiliar. To make things simple:
Be 100% clear about the work required
As you’d expect, the more information you give, and the more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. You’ll know upfront what the likely costs are, rather than finding out extras have been added on because your design specification didn’t include important essentials. If your specification is not clear, any fixed-price quote may be meaningless due to the additional costs incurred to complete the project.
Understand why do quotes vary so much
After completing your design specification, the next step is to ask several trusted builders (our list of top 9 Auckland builders below is a good start) for a quote. You will almost certainly get a range of estimates and quotes, due to a few factors we explain next:
Warning: Cheap Quote vs Final Cost
Understand what an estimate or quote actually is
The jargon used for building projects can be unfamiliar. To make things simple:
- An ‘estimate’ is just that: an informed but non-binding guess of what a job might cost. You will receive an estimate most often on renovation work, where it’s not completely clear what the full extent of the job will be.
- A ‘fixed-price quote’ is an agreed price based on work shown on a drawing or specific design. As long as nothing changes, the fixed-price quote is the total of what you will pay. Any variations to the specific design will incur an ‘extra over’ cost, which will be advised to you before work is carried out.
Be 100% clear about the work required
As you’d expect, the more information you give, and the more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. You’ll know upfront what the likely costs are, rather than finding out extras have been added on because your design specification didn’t include important essentials. If your specification is not clear, any fixed-price quote may be meaningless due to the additional costs incurred to complete the project.
Understand why do quotes vary so much
After completing your design specification, the next step is to ask several trusted builders (our list of top 9 Auckland builders below is a good start) for a quote. You will almost certainly get a range of estimates and quotes, due to a few factors we explain next:
- Demand – Auckland, generally, is a high-demand building region. Builders know that someone is always willing to pay the going rate, even if that’s not going to be you. For this reason, builders who are available will quote less, whereas those with firm orders booked up months in advance will quote higher, or not at all.
- Single quotes – If you’ve got a pre-existing relationship with a builder, or been referred one in particular, the builder may know you’re only sourcing one quote. This means they know they are setting the market, so it may be higher because you prefer to go with them.
- Bait and Upgrade – Builders know that once a job is accepted and work starts, it’s very unlikely they’ll be kicked off. Because everyone loves a cheap quote, a builder pricing low can get a foot in the door. But this shouldn’t be agreed to without full consideration. A cheap quote can quickly be irrelevant if there are charges for additional work not included. This is the major reason why being as detailed as possible in your building specification is essential.
Warning: Cheap Quote vs Final Cost
- There’s a big difference between a cheap quote and a quote that offers value-for-money. If one is significantly lower than the others, then be very careful about accepting it.
- The more detailed the quote, the better, especially around pricing. A
- price-breakdown that shows everything covered and specifies what everything will cost is best. This lets you compare like-for-like.
- If you want more detail, or for some prices to be verified, ask the builder - there is no point in staying in the dark, as you, and you only, are paying 100% of the costs.
​
What Stages are Payments Made to a Builder?
- Agree a written specification for when payments will be made.
- Make payments when pre-agreed stages are completed. For example, make a payment when foundations are poured, when brickwork erected, when the roof is completed etc.
- As most builders will operate credit accounts at their merchants (i.e. Placemakers, ITM and Carters), so shouldn't require payments in advance. But, cash is king to every business - especially builders. For this reason, do your best to pay on-time as agreed without the builder needing to follow you up.
- You may want to agree a retention, i.e 5% for 6 months, or 3% for 12 months, to guarantee against faulty workmanship.
- Tell the truth to your builder, and establish a good working relationship by being responsive and reliable. It's a business relationship afterall.
How do I pay a builder?
Most builders accept a range of payment methods, including
As mentioned above, cash is king to building business. Pay on time to avoid any tension in your working relationship.
- Direct Credit (internet banking)
- Cheque
- Credit Card via the builder's website (this will only apply for smaller-sized transactions, and a surcharge may apply)
As mentioned above, cash is king to building business. Pay on time to avoid any tension in your working relationship.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading Builders who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Mod Builders our top Builder that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
​
The Best Auckland Builders
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Central, East, West, North and South Auckland. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Auckland, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
Mod Builders
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: New Lynn, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Mod Builders
Facebook Page: Mod Builders
Email address: mike@modbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 0224 3713
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: New Lynn, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Mod Builders
Facebook Page: Mod Builders
Email address: mike@modbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 0224 3713
Customer Feedback:
- A straightforward, no-nonsense approach to projects
- Has an excellent eye for detail
- Ensures each project is finished with a high standard
Pros:
- Free pre-consent renovation consultation
- Provides practical advice on the build & design
- Provides fixed price building contract
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- MOD Builders is a building company based in central Auckland
- They have a small team of Licensed Building Practitioners and Master Builders who works on small and large projects
- Specialises in residential renovations, alterations and home additions
Dan Joint Builders
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: Western Springs, Auckland
Hours: Per appointment
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Dan Joint Builders
Facebook Page: Dan Joint Builders
Email address: dan@danjointbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 241 0676
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Western Springs, Auckland
Hours: Per appointment
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Dan Joint Builders
Facebook Page: Dan Joint Builders
Email address: dan@danjointbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 241 0676
Customer Feedback:
- Offers competitive pricing and works within the budget
- Fast turnaround and always on time
- Compliant to New Zealand standards, codes and practices
- Assures clients of quality workmanship
Pros:
- Covers 10-year building guarantee through Halo
- Provides a written estimate for maintenance service above $2000
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Dan Joint Builders is an approved member of NZ Certified Builders and offers residential and commercial builders in the Auckland area
- Focuses on maintenance, restorations projects, renovations and architectural new builds
- Accepts services for total reclad, budget homes, infill town housing, decks, fences, retainers and building reports
Qualified Building Solutions Ltd.
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: Parnell, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Qualified Building Solutions Ltd.
Facebook Page: Qualified Building Solutions Ltd.
Email address: troy@qbsltd.co.nz
Phone: 021 217 0003
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Parnell, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Qualified Building Solutions Ltd.
Facebook Page: Qualified Building Solutions Ltd.
Email address: troy@qbsltd.co.nz
Phone: 021 217 0003
Customer Feedback:
- Efficient builders with quality workmanship
- Good client communication and excellent customer service
- Considerate of their client's budget and provides suggestions on how to lower costs
- Makes sure that the project runs smoothly
Pros:
- Fast turnaround of projects
- A member of New Zealand Certified Builders Association
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Qualified Building Solutions Ltd. is also known as QBS Ltd.
- They started small in 2008 and is now running extensive scale renovations for both residential and commercial building construction
- Services the greater Auckland region covering new builds, renovations, extensions, commercial builds, heritage work, recladding and more
Create Renovations
Areas served: North Shore and Auckland areas
Base: Browns Bay, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 6 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Create Renovations
Facebook Page: Create Renovations
Email address: sales@createrenovations.co.nz
Phone: 0800 665 858
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Browns Bay, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 6 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Create Renovations
Facebook Page: Create Renovations
Email address: sales@createrenovations.co.nz
Phone: 0800 665 858
Customer Feedback:
- Ensures that their designs are within the client's budget
- Keeps their client informed about the progress of the build
- Excellent communication and easy to deal with
Pros:
- Provides free initial renovation consultation
- Uses high-quality materials to make sure the build will stand the test of time
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Create Renovations covers residential renovations and new builds in North Shore and Greater Auckland Areas
- A team of certified builders who guides clients through the step by step home renovation process
- Provides services for home extensions, new house build, concept designs, kitchen and bathroom renovation
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading Builders who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Mod Builders our top Builder that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
Superior Renovation
Areas served: North Auckland, South Auckland, East Auckland, West Auckland and Central Auckland
Base: Rosedale, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Superior Renovation
Facebook Page: Superior Renovation
Email address: admin@superiorrenovations.co.nz
Phone: 0800 199 888
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Rosedale, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Superior Renovation
Facebook Page: Superior Renovation
Email address: admin@superiorrenovations.co.nz
Phone: 0800 199 888
Customer Feedback:
- Designs while considering what their client has in mind
- Quality is assured with high precision and attention to detail
- Good client interaction and communication
- Listens to their client's personal stories to inspire the build and design
Pros:
- Works with trusted suppliers to deliver the highest standards
- Effective project management
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Superior Renovations is a renovation company based in Auckland that provides quality kitchen and home renovations for new builds and existing residential homes
- They have renovated more than 300 homes, which makes them one of the most competitive builders in the region
- Provides services for complete project management, architectural new builds, planning and desig
Lion Homes
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: Albany, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Sun 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Lion Homes
Facebook Page: Lion Homes
Email address: info@lionhomes.co.nz
Phone: 09 390 1717
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Albany, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Sun 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Lion Homes
Facebook Page: Lion Homes
Email address: info@lionhomes.co.nz
Phone: 09 390 1717
Customer Feedback:
- Provides fair and reasonable quotations
- Assists the client with planning and conceptualising the project
- Works professional resulting in an outstanding finish
Pros:
- Accepts custom projects and make sure they are implemented to a high standard
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Lion Homes is a certified build contractor offering design and build services for residential properties within Auckland
- Has a good reputation for managing projects from start to finish
- Accepts services for home building, renovations, refurbishment, security installations, innovative home installations
Licensed Reclads
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: Grey Lynn, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Licensed Reclads
Facebook Page: Licensed Reclads
Email address: mark@licensedreclads.co.nz
Phone: 021 556 598
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Grey Lynn, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Licensed Reclads
Facebook Page: Licensed Reclads
Email address: mark@licensedreclads.co.nz
Phone: 021 556 598
Customer Feedback:
- Does the project as stress-free as possible for the clients
- Delivers the project on time and within the budget
- Friendly staff and easy to talk to
- Takes care of everything, from design to council requirements
Pros:
- No hidden extra costs
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Licensed Reclads are recladding experts servicing the greater Auckland area for more than 25 years
- Works on renovations as well as make-overs for residential and commercial properties
- Offers full recladding, alterations, home additions, home renovations, designs and new builds services
Your Builder Ltd
Areas served: Auckland and overseas
Base: Belmont, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Your Builder Ltd
Facebook Page: None
Email address: hamid@yourbuilder.co.nz
Phone: 021 541 392
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Belmont, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Your Builder Ltd
Facebook Page: None
Email address: hamid@yourbuilder.co.nz
Phone: 021 541 392
Customer Feedback:
- Works professionally and friendly
- Completes the project on time and budget
- Responds promptly to client’s enquiries
- Makes sure that a job is done with a high-standard finish
Pros:
- Helps client find good cost savings
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Your Builder Ltd is a team of certified builders in Auckland an overseas
- Specialises in the design, building and managing some of the most complicated renovations and extensions
- Accepts services for villa renovations, designs, project management and house planning
Eden Builders Ltd
Areas served: Auckland wide
Base: Sandringham, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Eden Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Eden Builders Ltd
Email address: edenbuildersltd@gmail.com
Phone: 027 437 1975
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Sandringham, Auckland
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Eden Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Eden Builders Ltd
Email address: edenbuildersltd@gmail.com
Phone: 027 437 1975
Customer Feedback:
- Professional and friendly staff
- Makes the whole process easy and stress-free
- Completes the work on time with high-standard results
- Excels in their building expertise and also provides a personable service
Pros:
- Offers thoughtful and expert solutions to unexpected hurdles that arise
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Eden Builders brings a genuine, open and honest approach to all the jobs they do
- With over 20 years of experience, they have been known to be dedicated home renovation specialists
- Provides renovation services for decks and bathrooms
- Accept house inspection service
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Auckland Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading Builders who deliver results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Mod Builders our top Builder that has proven reviews and have delivered outstanding results to Auckland residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick things off - you can explain your tree plans and hear how you can get the results you want.
⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz may have financial relationships with some businesses listed on this page due to their acceptance of our invite for additional promotion. We stand by the businesses we work with and believe them to be among the best. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. Our list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.
