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The Best Builders in Tauranga

Updated 3 September 2025
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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga to save you time and money. 

Our Tauranga builder guide covers:​​​
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MoneyHub's Top Trusted Tauranga Builders
  • Our research highlighted the leading builders in Tauranga who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Built Construction or Down to Earth Construction – our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Tauranga 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.
​

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 Tauranga
Right now in Tauranga 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. 
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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:
  1. 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. 
  2. 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 Tauranga 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:
  1. Demand – Tauranga, 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

  1. Agree a written specification for when payments will be made. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. You may want to agree a retention, i.e 5% for 6 months, or 3% for 12 months, to guarantee against faulty workmanship.
  5. 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
  1. Direct Credit (internet banking)
  2. Credit Card via the builder's website (this will only apply for smaller-sized transactions, and a surcharge may apply)
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As mentioned above, cash is king to building business. Pay on time to avoid any tension in your working relationship.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Tauranga Builders
  • Our research highlighted the leading builders in Tauranga who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Built Construction or Down to Earth Construction – our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Tauranga 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.
​

Trusted Tauranga Builders

​Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Tauranga. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Tauranga, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.

Built Construction

Base: Parkvale, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am–4 pm, Sat 8 am–12 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Built Construction 
Facebook Page: Built Construction 
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone: 0800 541 659
Customer Feedback:
  • Reliable and skilled builder, highly recommended for quality work
  • Excellent craftsmanship on decks, pergolas, and renovations
  • Smooth and hassle-free construction process 
  • Clear and informative communication throughout the project
  • Professional and friendly team, creating a positive experience on-site
​Pros:
  • A Licensed Building Practitioner
  • Led by Sam Hartnett, a former lawyer turned builder, bringing legal and construction expertise
Cons:
  • None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Services include home renovations, extensions, recladding, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, granny flats, and new builds
  • ​Handles every detail from design to final touches, working closely with clients to select materials, finishes, and layouts that suit their lifestyle and budget. ​
  • Aims to transform clients' visions into reality, delivering high-quality craftsmanship and tailored solutions. ​
  • Explore their past projects to witness the quality workmanship produced by Built Construction

Down To Earth Construction

Base: Tauranga  ​
Hours: Monday 7:30 am–5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Down to Earth Construction
Facebook Page: Down to Earth Construction
Email address: [email protected] 
​Phone: 022 192 7781
Customer Feedback:
  • Clear and consistent communication throughout projects
  • Friendly, approachable, and professional team
  • High-quality workmanship on retaining walls, decks, fencing, and gates
  • Tidy and well-managed work sites
  • Flexible and thorough, confirming details before proceeding
Pros:
  • Members of NZCB, offering the Halo 10-year Residential Guarantee
  • Quality assurance includes a 257-point checklist ensuring a high-quality building experience
​Cons:
  • None 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Specialises in new homes, renovations, and passive housing projects
  • Commits to on-time delivery and within-budget builds, with transparent pricing and regular client updates via Builder's Trend software
  • Clear communication, fortnightly walkthroughs, and a trustworthy team selected for their professionalism and dedication.

​Tauranga Builders

Base: Gate Pa, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Tauranga Builders
Facebook Page: None
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone: 0274 699 579
Customer Feedback:
  • Delivers a high standard of workmanship  
  • Punctual and honest builders  
  • Easy to work with  
  • All works are completed on time
Pros:
  • Manages the projects well  
Cons:
  • None 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Tauranga Builders is a Licensed Building Practitioner creating new spaces and homes within the Tauranga area
  • It is a locally-owned and operated building company accepting residential and commercial management roles
  • Offers renovation, new home builds, house extensions, alterations, bathroom renovations and more​

Topline Carpenters

Base:  Greerton, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Website: Topline Carpenters
Facebook Page: Topline Carpenters
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  022 125 7807 
Customer Feedback:
  • Great at managing subcontractors and ensuring smooth workflow
  • Consistently left workspaces tidy at the end of each day
  • Minimised disruption to household during renovation
  • High-quality, award-winning workmanship
  • Great at managing subcontractors and ensuring smooth workflow
Pros:
  • Operated by a registered Master Builder 
  • A Licensed Building Practitioner 
Cons:
  • None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Awarded the Silver Award for Registered Master Builders House of the Year in 2024
  • Topline Carpenters is a local builder company in Tauranga, widely known for having highly qualified and experienced professional builders working on home renovations and recladding
  • They cater to small and large scale properties requiring solid solutions across the Bay of Plenty

Davy Construction

​Base:  Otūmoetai, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Davy Construction
Facebook Page: Davy Construction
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  021 244 3676
Customer Feedback:
  • Great communication, keeping clients informed throughout the project
  • Family-owned business that takes pride in execution and attention to detail
  • Professional and straight-up, always delivering on promises
  • Highly recommended for both builds and renovations
Pros:
  • Provides fixed-price contracts for budget certainty and clarity
  • A Licensed Building Practitioner
Cons:
  • None 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Fully licensed and certified team with over a decade of experience delivering high-quality workmanship
  • Specialises in re-cladding homes and new builds
  • Offers project-tracking software for real-time updates, photos, and reports via smartphone or tablet

Calley Homes Limited

Base: Second Avenue, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Calley Homes Limited
Facebook Page: Calley Homes Limited
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:   07 543 4052 
Customer Feedback:
  • All works are completed to a high standard  
  • Great people to work on and off-site  
  • Listens to the client’s requirements before proceeding with the project  
  • Professional and organised  
  • High-quality workmanship  
Pros:
  • Has a team of highly skilled and qualified builders and craftsmen 
Cons:
  • None ​
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Calley Homes Limited is a family-owned and operated building company that started in 2008
  • Provides high-quality building standards in Tauranga, Mt. Maunganui and Papamoa
  • Offers onsite consultation, building design, pre-consent, working drawing and building construction ​
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Tauranga Builders
  • Our research highlighted the leading builders in Tauranga who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Built Construction or Down to Earth Construction – our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Tauranga 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.

Fairbairn Builders Limited

Base: Bellevue, Tauranga 3
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Fairbairn Builders Limited
Facebook Page: Fairbairn Builders Limited
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:   021 180 6555 
Customer Feedback:
  • Offers helpful advice and works closely with the architect to ensure the plan goes well and as expected 
  • Good client communication  
  • High-quality workmanship with a professional finish  
  • Approachable and informative staff  
Pros:
  • Provides regular updates to the client every step of the way  
  • Works within the client’s allotted budget  
Cons:
  • None 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Fairbairn Builders Limited is based in the Bay of Plenty, providing renovations, alterations and new house building service to Tauranga area
  • Licensed Building Practitioner and a member of Certified Builders
  • A registered member of the Master Builders Associations practising outstanding project management skills to ensure a smooth building process
  • Provides home renovation, new home build, extensions and remedial building work

The Thorne Group

Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm, Sun 12 pm – 3 pm 
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Website:  The Thorne Group
Facebook Page: The Thorne Group
Email address: [email protected]
Phone:  0800 716 129 
Customer Feedback:
  • Quick to action and highly responsive  
  • Outstanding project management  
  • Fast turnaround time  
  • Down to earth builders  
Pros:
  • Comprised of qualified builders and professionals
Cons:
  • None 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • The Thorne Group is a design and building company in Tauranga that specialises in both small and large architectural homes
  • Offers small residential building, construction of large architectural homes and architectural service ​

Straight Up Builders

Base:  Omanawa, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Website: Straight Up Builders
Facebook Page: Straight Up Builders
Email address: [email protected]
​Phone:  027 656 0026 
Customer Feedback:
  • Makes the whole building process smooth and enjoyable  
  • Performs with a high level of workmanship  
  • Always punctual and good to work with  
  • Solves any unexpected problems they come across with  
Pros:
  • Has a team of skilled builders and qualified carpenters
Cons:
  • None ​
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Straight Up Builders has been in the industry for more than eight years providing quality builds at competitive prices
  • Helps with renovations and home constructions
  • A registered member of NZ Certified Builders Association and a Licenced Buiding Practitioner
  • Includes service for renovations, relocations, restorations, project management, recladding and house remodelling

Jafa Construction

Base: Welcome Bay, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Jafa Construction
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified 
​Phone:  07 544 7333 
Customer Feedback:
  • Empathetic and considerate of their client’s situation  
  • Patiently works on any difficulties  
  • High-quality workmanship  
  • Good organisational skills 
Pros:
  • Provides reasonable prices on their services
  • A Licensed Building Practitioner 
  • A member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand
Cons:
  • None ​
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Jafa Construction has more than 22 years of experience in the industry
  • Provides quality home construction and renovation service in the Tauranga area and across the Bay of Plenty
  • Offers home renovations, bathroom renovations, new home construction and commercial construction​

Landmark Homes NZ

Base:  Cameron Road, Tauranga
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website: Landmark Homes NZ
Facebook Page: None
Email address: Not specified 
​Phone: 07 578 2295  
Customer Feedback:
  • Good client communication  
  • Provides extensive support and advice throughout the process  
  • Trustworthy and confident in what they do  
  • Pays great attention to detail
Pros:
  • Upfront with the expected costs
Cons:
  • None​
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Landmark Homes NZ provides a home building service that’s being franchised across New Zealand
  • Their business was first established in Tauranga and had been operating for over 40 years
  • Has built an excellent reputation due to their high-quality workmanship, value for money and professional designs
  • Provides building design, new home construction, remove and build ​
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Tauranga Builders
  • Our research highlighted the leading builders in Tauranga who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
  • We suggest contacting Built Construction or Down to Earth Construction – our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Tauranga 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.