The Best Builders in Christchurch
Updated 30 September 2025
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:
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Builders
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting DMC Projects, A1 Projects or L&B Building Solutions– our top builders, with proven reviews and a track record of outstanding results for Christchurch residents just like you.
- Calling a builder directly is the best way to get started – you can discuss your requirements and learn how they can deliver the solutions you need.
​
​Why Choose a New Zealand Certified Builder?
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The New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) represents the country’s most trusted trade-qualified builders. All NZCB members have a recognised building qualification and undergo a thorough approval process before joining. This means homeowners can have full confidence in the quality and professionalism of the builders they hire.
NZCB is the only builders' association in New Zealand whose members must be trade-qualified. Members have exclusive access to the industry-leading Halo 10-Year Residential Guarantee, providing protection on most types of building projects – from new homes to renovations and additions. Whether you’re building from scratch or planning a renovation, choosing an NZCB builder ensures your project is completed to a high standard, by someone who takes pride in their craft and stands behind their work. Disclaimer: While we proudly promote and recommend NZCB-certified builders for their proven standards, our guide includes a wider range of builders to ensure fairness and provide a complete view of Wellington's building professionals. |
​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.
​
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)
- 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 Christchurch Builders
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting DMC Projects, A1 Projects or L&B Building Solutions– our top builders, with proven reviews and a track record of outstanding results for Christchurch residents just like you.
- Calling a builder directly is the best way to get started – you can discuss your requirements and learn how they can deliver the solutions you need.
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.
DMC Projects
Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Christchurch Central
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: DMC Projects
Instagram: DMC Projects
Facebook Page: DMC Projects
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 361 8820
Customer Feedback:
Base: Christchurch Central
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: DMC Projects
Instagram: DMC Projects
Facebook Page: DMC Projects
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 361 8820
Customer Feedback:
- Known for clear communication and managing expectations throughout the project
- Professional, transparent, and proactive when handling changes or unexpected issues
- High-quality workmanship with a strong attention to detail
- Respectful and hardworking team with a diligent work ethic
- Fair pricing for top-tier renovation results
- Site Safe members
- Registered Master Builder and NZ Certified Builder (NZCB)
- Offers both Halo and Master Build Guarantees
- None
- Specialises in architectural homes, renovations, and light commercial builds
- Led by a certified builder with 20+ years of local and international experience
- Check out their past projects to get an idea of what they’re capable of building.
- Offers complete project management, from quoting to site scheduling and subcontractor coordination
- Completed over 20 custom residential and light commercial projects across Canterbury
- Provides fixed-price contracts with clear timelines and build expectations
A1 Projects
Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Bromley, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: A1 Projects
Facebook Page: A1 Projects
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 21 47687
Customer Feedback:
Base: Bromley, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: A1 Projects
Facebook Page: A1 Projects
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 21 47687
Customer Feedback:
- High-quality builds with excellent attention to detail
- Efficient, timely, and well-organised service
- Friendly and easy-to-work-with team
- Clear and helpful communication throughout projects
- Flexible and responsive for both residential and commercial work
- Provides a 10-year Masterbuild Guarantee for their services
- Offers free consultations
- None
- A1 Projects is part of A1 Group, providing full service project management across residential renovations and reclads, new homes and multi-units, as well as commercial fit-outs and refurbishments
- Registered Master Builder & Master Painter
- Site Safe Members - Awarded SiteWise Gold with a 100% score for health and safety standards
L&B Building Solutions
Base: Christchurch Central City
Hours: Mon to Sun 5 am–11 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: L&B Building Solutions
Facebook Page: L&B Building Solutions
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 567 2570
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Hours: Mon to Sun 5 am–11 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: L&B Building Solutions
Facebook Page: L&B Building Solutions
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 567 2570
Customer Feedback:
- Experienced and trustworthy builders delivering high-quality workmanship
- Clear and consistent communication throughout projects
- Professional, reliable, and respectful of client property
- Strong attention to detail in both structural work and finishing touches
- Skilled in managing large-scale renovations and complex builds
Pros:
- Free, no-obligation initial consultations on all building projects, plus transparent pricing and detailed quotes with no hidden costs
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Delivers new builds, renovations, extensions, decks, and outdoor spaces
- Licensed Building Practitioners with over 20 years combined experience
- End-to-end service includes site assessment, design & planning (including handling building consents), quality workmanship, regular communication, and final inspection & handover
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: [email protected]
Phone: 03 343 8260
Customer Feedback:
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: [email protected]
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
- Provides a 10-year Masterbuild Guarantee for their services
- Well-organised in arranging contract pack
- None
- 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
Ultimate Homes
Base: Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am–5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Ultimate Homes
Facebook Page: Ultimate Homes
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 227 4423
Customer Feedback:
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am–5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Ultimate Homes
Facebook Page: Ultimate Homes
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 227 4423
Customer Feedback:
- Professional and reliable building company with high standards
- Excellent communication throughout the design and build process
- Quality workmanship using high-quality materials
- Flexible and understanding team catering to client needs and wishes
- Master Builders
- None
- Christchurch-based builders specialising in new homes, renovations, extensions, and rebuilds
- Licensed Building Practitioners and Site Safe-certified team
- Experienced in architecturally designed homes and collaborative builds
- Multiple Master Builders House of the Year Award winners
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Builders
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting DMC Projects, A1 Projects or L&B Building Solutions– our top builders, with proven reviews and a track record of outstanding results for Christchurch residents just like you.
- Calling a builder directly is the best way to get started – you can discuss your requirements and learn how they can deliver the solutions you need.
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:
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
- Takes care of the whole process from design to project completion
- None
- 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: Lyttelton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: S.C Harris Builders
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 342 0863
Customer Feedback:
Base: Lyttelton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: S.C Harris Builders
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 342 0863
Customer Feedback:
- Excellent customer focus and technical knowledge
- Strong communication and reliable delivery on cost, specs, and timelines
- Expert advice and fast, precise work
- Professional, friendly, and skilled team delivering top results
- Great communication and attentive to client needs
- S.C. Harris Builders are members of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association and are backed by the Halo 10-year residential guarantee
- None
- Expertise in villa restoration, deck construction, and bathroom design
- Over 15 years of experience in the industry
- Provides project management, consent, and planning assistance
Generation Homes Christchurch
Areas served: Christchurch CBD
Base: Halswell, Christchurch
Hours: Wed to Sat 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Generation Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Generation Homes Christchurch
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 216 2198
Customer Feedback:
Base: Halswell, Christchurch
Hours: Wed to Sat 12 pm – 4 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website: Generation Homes Christchurch
Facebook Page: Generation Homes Christchurch
Email address: [email protected]
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
- 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
- None
- 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: 4.3/5
Website: Peter Ray Homes
Facebook Page: Peter Ray Homes
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 348 1994
Customer Feedback:
Base: Sockburn, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Thur 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.3/5
Website: Peter Ray Homes
Facebook Page: Peter Ray Homes
Email address: [email protected]
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
- Passionate about Designing and Building quality homes
- None
- 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
Brewer Builders Ltd
Areas served: Canterbury Region
Base: Brighton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Brewer Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Brewer Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 825 7952
Customer Feedback:
Base: Brighton, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website: Brewer Builders Ltd
Facebook Page: Brewer Builders Ltd
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 825 7952
Customer Feedback:
- Friendly, professional and trustworthy builders
- Cleans after work
- Great at what they do
- Provides 10 Year Residential Guarantee
- Certified Builder by Master Builders
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- No operations on weekends
- 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: [email protected]
Phone: 021 221 3301
Customer Feedback:
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: [email protected]
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 timeline
- 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
- Office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- 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: 4.4/5
Website: Orange Homes
Facebook Page: Orange Homes
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 03 343 3955
Customer Feedback:
Base: Middleton, 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: Orange Homes
Facebook Page: Orange Homes
Email address: [email protected]
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
- Owned and operated by expert home builders
- A certified builder by Master Builders
- Affiliated with Canterbury Safety Charter
- Available during the weekends
- None
- 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.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Christchurch Builders
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Christchurch who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting DMC Projects, A1 Projects or L&B Building Solutions– our top builders, with proven reviews and a track record of outstanding results for Christchurch residents just like you.
- Calling a builder directly is the best way to get started – you can discuss your requirements and learn how they can deliver the solutions you need.
⚠️ 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.