The Best Builders in Wellington

Updated 27 April 2023

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 Wellington 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 Wellington save you time and money.

Our Wellington builder guide covers:

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 Wellington
Right now in Wellington 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 Wellington 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:

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 6 Wellington 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 – Wellington, 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?

To manage payments, we suggest the following:

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

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.

Trusted Wellington Builders

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

Refresh Renovations

Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Ngauranga, Wellington
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Refresh Renovations
Facebook Page: Refresh Renovations
Email Address: info@refresh.co.nz
Phone: 0800 00 45 44

Customer Feedback:

Dedicated to providing quality service
Passionate about helping their clients
Ensures that they meet the needs of their customers
Good client communication

Pros:

Considers the client’s allowable budget
Provides smart options

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Refresh Renovations offers specialist renovation services with several locations spread across the Wellington region
The business was launched in 2010 and has since become a go-to home builder service in the area
Takes care of every stage of the renovation process, including design, costings, council consents, scheduling, construction, and decorating
Provides service for home-wide build, re-cladding, house painting and more

Built Construction Group Limited

Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Brooklyn, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Built Construction Group Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: info@builtconstructiongroup.co.nz
Phone: 022 126 3416

Customer Feedback:

Professional and reliable builders
Helps deal with the council
Keeps the client informed every step of the way
Has a keen eye for details

Pros:

Responsive and client-focused
High-standard finish
Licensed Building Practitioner and Registered Master Builders
Sitesafe and Sitewise accredited

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Built Construction Group Limited is a Wellington-based building firm specialising in residential, commercial & project management
Started its operation in 2014, catering to both small and large scale projects
Offers premium services for a residential build, commercial build, office fit-outs. Seismic remedial work, car decks and new home builds

Absolute Design Group

Areas served: Wellington Region, Hutt Valley, Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa
Base: Johnsonville, Wellington
Hours: 24/7
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Absolute Design Group
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: Not specified
Phone: 04 894 3651

Customer Feedback:

Offers helpful advice to maximise the use of space available
High-quality lacquered finishes

Pros:

Available for enquiry 24/7

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Absolute Design Group is a kitchen designer and renovation specialist
The business was established in 2010 and is continuously providing residential and commercial services within the Wellington region
Accepts custom kitchen layout and design, renovation, supply of kitchen storage solutions, laundry and scullery joinery services

Smartway Builders Limited

Areas served: Greater Wellington Region
Base: Tawa, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.6/5
Website: Smartway Builders Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: Not specified
Phone: 021 030 4291

Customer Feedback:

Keeps the project cost within the allowable budget
Makes sure that the renovation is done to a high-quality standard
Finishes the job on time
Makes the project run smoothly and stress-free

Pros:

Thoroughly discusses any problems that may arise during the process and provides a quick solution
Offers online consultation and booking

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Smartway Builders Limited is a Licensed Building Practitioner offering full end-to-end project management, home building and renovations to residential and commercial properties
They have a team of professional builders who can work with all architects, engineers, surveyors, plumbers, and electricians, making the whole process stress-free and easy-going
Accepts services for the construction of decks, pergolas, paths and paving
Assists with planning, landscaping and sleep-outs

Form & Dwell

Areas served: Wellington region
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Form & Dwell
Facebook Page: Form & Dwell
Email Address: josh@formanddwell.com
Phone: 027 318 2202

Customer Feedback:

Reliable and professional builder
Committed to client satisfaction
Great client communication
Highly responsive to enquiries

Pros:

No hidden costs
Has keen attention to details
Licensed Building Practitioner and Registered Master Builders

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Form & Dwell provides full building services in the Wellington region
Specialises in kitchen and bathroom builds
Accepts outdoor builds, interior and exterior home building projects
Provides renovation service for home, kitchen and bathroom

Redwood builders LTD

Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 7 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5
Website: Redwood Builders LTD
Facebook Page: Redwood Builders LTD
Email Address: info@redwoodbuilders.co.nz
Phone: 022 351 4392

Customer Feedback:

Professional and efficient builders
Easy to deal with
Excellent workmanship
Focuses on what the client wants to achieve

Pros:

Straight forward with the costs

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Redwood Builders LTD is a licensed building practitioner servicing the area of Wellington
They take pride in their high-quality home builds backed by the Redwood Builders Guarantee
Provides services for new builds, commercial builds and renovation

JDR Contracting

JDR Contracting
Areas served: Wellington and nearby areas
Base: Mobile only
Hours: 24/7
Google Review Rating: 4.3/5
Website: JDR Contracting
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: daniel@jdromero.co.nz
Phone: 020 4081 4988

Customer Feedback:

Highly rated for communications, quality, and timeframe
Finishes without delays
Offers helpful advice so clients can make a sound decision
Happy to come around and discuss ideas and then provide quotes for the work
Pleasant and polite the whole time they are working
High-standard workmanship
Certainly capable of handling challenges

Pros:

Available 24/7

Cons:

No disclosed affiliation to any building and construction industry association

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

JDR Contracting has years of experience in construction, project management, real estate & property sales.
Their services include timber construction of decks, pergolas and retaining walls.
Some of their other services are landscape design and development, driveway construction, paving, and lawn management.

Wellington Building Services

Areas served: Wellington and surrounding suburbs
Base: Ngauranga, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.9/5
Website: Wellington Building Services
Facebook Page: Wellington Building Services
Email Address: propertysolutions@wbs.org.nz
Phone: 04 472 4443

Customer Feedback:

Keeps the client in the loop about the progress
Provides the best possible design
Responsive, punctual and professional builders
Extremely helpful through the quotation process
High-quality build and finish

Pros:

Their builders are Licensed Building Practitioners
Ensures that our building work will comply with all relevant codes and standards.
Member of Site Safe

Cons:

Not available during the weekends

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Wellington Building Services has been specialising in residential and commercial property building services since 2008.
They offer a complete suite of building services, including house re-cladding, house extensions, kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, remediation for weather tightness issues, property maintenance, and repairs.
Having licensed building practitioners, they are competent to carry out essential residential building work.

⚠️ 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.