The Best Builders in Christchurch
Updated 30 April 2023
Summary:
Our Christchurch 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 Christchurch 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 Christchurch to save you time and money.
Our Christchurch builder guide covers:
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​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 Christchurch
Right now in Christchurch 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 Christchurch
Right now in Christchurch 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 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 5 Christchurch 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 5 Christchurch 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 – Christchuch, 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.
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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.
​
The Best Christchurch Builders
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
Benchmark Homes
Areas served: Canterbury and Christchurch
Base: Marshland, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat and Sun (By appointment)
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Benchmark Homes
Facebook Page: Benchmark Homes
Email address: info@benchmarkhomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 343 8260
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Marshland, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat and Sun (By appointment)
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Benchmark Homes
Facebook Page: Benchmark Homes
Email address: info@benchmarkhomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 343 8260
Customer Feedback:
- Goes above and beyond the client’s expectation
- Provides great design and well-organised service
- Has professional, helpful, and attentive staff
- Keeps the client informed during the whole process
- Offers competitive pricing
Pros:
- Provides a 10-year Masterbuild Guarantee for their services
- Well-organised in arranging contract pack
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Benchmark Homes has been providing design and build service for more than 25 years
- They are known for their ethical architectural design work in Canterbury and Christchurch
- Provides services for new home builds and architectural design
Landmark Homes Christchurch & Canterbury
Areas served: Christchurch & Canterbury
Base: Belfast, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 10 am – 1 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Landmark Homes Christchurch & Canterbury
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 03 961 1048
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Belfast, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 10 am – 1 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Landmark Homes Christchurch & Canterbury
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified
Phone: 03 961 1048
Customer Feedback:
- Responsive and punctual
- Value for money
- Makes the whole process easy and enjoyable
- High-quality work
- Has keen attention to details
Pros:
- Takes care of the whole process from design to project completion
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Landmark Homes Christchurch & Canterbury build unique homes that reflect their client’s personality
- Provides new home builds, rebuild services and home renovation
S.C Harris Builders
Areas served: Christchurch, Lincoln, Rolleston, Kaiapoi, Rangiora and the rest of Canterbury
Base: Somerfield, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 5 pm, Fri 7 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: S.C Harris Builders
Facebook Page: None
Email address: sam@scharrisbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 022 342 0863
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Somerfield, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 5 pm, Fri 7 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: S.C Harris Builders
Facebook Page: None
Email address: sam@scharrisbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 022 342 0863
Customer Feedback:
- Gets the work done quickly
- Fair pricing
- All-round excellent reliable and honest service
- Great client communication
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive quote considering the client’s budget
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- S.C Harris Builders is owned by an experienced builder who started early in the industry during 2005
- In 2015, S.C Harris Builders started to operate locally in Canterbury, offering home builds, renovations, and extensions
- Provides services for project management, home renovation, bathroom renovation, planning and consent, decks and porches
Generation Homes Christchurch
Areas served: Christchurch CBD
Base: Halswell, Christchurch
Hours: Wed to Sat 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Generation Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Generation Homes Christchurch
Email address: hello@generation.co.nz
Phone: 021 216 2198
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Halswell, Christchurch
Hours: Wed to Sat 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Generation Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Generation Homes Christchurch
Email address: hello@generation.co.nz
Phone: 021 216 2198
Customer Feedback:
- Always include clients in everything in the building process
- Staff are friendly and professional
- Has strong attention to details
- Commits to delivering a high standard build on time
- Makes quality time to accommodate all queries and act on them promptly
Pros:
- Ensures homes are built for a fully fixed price and with a guaranteed build time
- New home comes with a 10-year residential Masterbuild guaranteed
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Generation Homes Christchurch serves a unique city undergoing constant evolution with the rebuild of the CBD
- Provides a 10-year residential building guarantee
- Follows industry best practice on all house builds, as well as building in 18 weeks from laying foundations every time
- Offers new house builds, subdivision, home and land packages
Peter Ray Homes
Areas served: Christchurch wide
Base: Sockburn, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Peter Ray Homes
Facebook Page: Peter Ray Homes
Email address: info@peterrayhomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 348 1994
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Sockburn, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Peter Ray Homes
Facebook Page: Peter Ray Homes
Email address: info@peterrayhomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 348 1994
Customer Feedback:
- Friendly staff and easy to talk to
- Always pleasant and professional towards dealing with clients
- Provides outstanding and high-quality finish
Pros:
- Passionate about Designing and Building quality homes
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Peter Ray Homes has proudly helped over 2000 families achieve their dream of Designing and Building their new home
- Accepts services house planning, house and land package, new home build and more
Build 7 Christchurch
Areas served: NZ Wide
Base: Edgeware, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Sat 8 am – 6 pm
Google Review rating: 4.1/5
Website: Build7 Christchurch
Facebook Page: Build7 Christchurch
Email address: christchurch@build7.co.nz
Phone: 027 858 8489
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Edgeware, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Sat 8 am – 6 pm
Google Review rating: 4.1/5
Website: Build7 Christchurch
Facebook Page: Build7 Christchurch
Email address: christchurch@build7.co.nz
Phone: 027 858 8489
Customer Feedback:
- Makes the whole experience stress-free, especially for first-time homeowners
- Offers solutions to execute their client’s ideas
- Builds houses on time and within the budget
- Great project management
- Knows what’s best for their clients
- Has great customer relationship
Pros:
- Open on Saturdays and Sundays
Cons:
- None
- Weekday consultations are by appointment only
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Build7 designs and build custom eco homes within the Canterbury region.
- Apart from their building services, they also offer house and land packages for sale.
Brewer Builders Ltd
Areas served: Canterbury Region
Base: Brighton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.3/5
Website: Brewer Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Brewer Builders Ltd
Email address: brewerbuilders@gmail.com
Phone: 0210 825 7952
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Brighton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.3/5
Website: Brewer Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Brewer Builders Ltd
Email address: brewerbuilders@gmail.com
Phone: 0210 825 7952
Customer Feedback:
- Friendly, professional and trustworthy builders
- Cleans after work
- Great at what they do
Pros:
- Provides 10 Year Residential Guarantee
- Certified Builder by Master Builders
- Licensed Building Practitioners
Cons:
- No operations on weekends
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Brewer Builders Ltd is a construction company in New Zealand that is an expert in commercial and residential projects.
- Their service includes new builds, home renovations, light commercial buildings, shop fit outs and house plans.
- They also have partnered with professional mortgage brokers to help clients get their dream houses.
Mark Prosser Builders
Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Merivale, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Mark Prosser Builders
Facebook Page: Mark Prosser Builders
Email address: office@markprosserbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 221 3301
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Merivale, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Mark Prosser Builders
Facebook Page: Mark Prosser Builders
Email address: office@markprosserbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 021 221 3301
Customer Feedback:
- High-quality build and repair
- Takes leadership during the building process
- They make the whole process synchronised
- Understands the quality of workmanship and timelines
Pros:
- A certified builder by Master Builders
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- Provides a Master Builders 10-year guarantee
- Designates a dedicated site foreman who will oversee the whole project
Cons:
- Office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Mark Prosser Builders are award-winning builders, creating architecturally designed homes.
- They have been operating since 1988.
- Their speciality lies in architectural and luxury home builds.
Orange Homes
Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Middleton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat to Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Orange Homes
Facebook Page: Orange Homes
Email address: enquiries@orangehomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 343 3955
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Middleton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat to Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Orange Homes
Facebook Page: Orange Homes
Email address: enquiries@orangehomes.co.nz
Phone: 03 343 3955
Customer Feedback:
- Provides an upfront, honest, and transparent service
- Happy to listen to the advice and ideas of clients
- Produce a superior finish
- Their sales, office staff, construction managers and builders all work as one, making the project easygoing
Pros:
- Owned and operated by expert home builders
- A certified builder by Master Builders
- Affiliated with Canterbury Safety Charter
- Available during the weekends
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Mark Prosser Builders are award-winning builders, creating architecturally designed homes.
- They have been operating since 1988.
- Their speciality lies in architectural and luxury home builds.
Fraemohs Homes
Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Kainga, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat to Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Website: Fraemohs Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Fraemohs Homes Christchurch
Email address: info@fraemohs.co.nz
Phone: 0800 809 899
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Kainga, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sat to Sun 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Website: Fraemohs Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Fraemohs Homes Christchurch
Email address: info@fraemohs.co.nz
Phone: 0800 809 899
Customer Feedback:
- Quickly replies to queries
- Their approach is honest, non pressuring and helpful
- Provides smooth project process
- Builds beautiful homes for a lot simpler process
Pros:
- A certified builder by Master Builders
- Available during the weekends
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Fraemohs Homes was established in 1968.
- They remained to be locally owned and operated since they started serving the Christchurch area.
- Being a Master Builder, they provide a Master Build Guarantee for every home that they build.
- Fraemohs Homes is known to provide building, planning and design services for new homes.
⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. 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. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this 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.
