The Best Builders in Wellington
Updated 17 January 2025
Summary:
Our Wellington builder guide covers:
- 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:
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
​
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.
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.
​
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:
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:
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 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
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.
​
Trusted Wellington Builders
Below is our list covering Wellington. These selections are based on their longstanding service history within Wellington, as well as their location and reviews sourced from platforms like Google Business, BuildersCrack, Facebook, TradeMe Services, and others.
Kiwi Built
Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Thurs 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.9 (10+)
Website: Kiwi Built
Facebook Page: Kiwi Built
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 618 817
Renovation Guide: Home Renovation Guide: Wellington – Expert insights from Kiwi Built to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Thurs 7:30 am – 5 pm, Fri 7:30 am – 4 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.9 (10+)
Website: Kiwi Built
Facebook Page: Kiwi Built
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 0210 618 817
Renovation Guide: Home Renovation Guide: Wellington – Expert insights from Kiwi Built to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Customer Feedback:
- Known for delivering high-quality renovations with attention to detail
- Provides expert advice that ensures no regrets about renovation decisions
- Skilled in creating indoor/outdoor flow through verandah designs
- Exceptional craftsmanship in restoring and enhancing features of older homes
- Experienced with intricate detailing, including custom mouldings and balustrades
- Keeps building sites clean and organised throughout the project
Pros:
- Licensed Building Practitioners and registered Master Builders
- The Kiwi Built App provides clients with daily updates, expense tracking, and seamless project management for real-time transparency and collaboration
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Over 24 years in the building industry, providing comprehensive services with a highly skilled team and an in-house designer to assist with custom designs
- Specialises in high-quality villa renovations, restorations, new builds, and bathroom projects
- Services include high-quality construction, custom architectural designs, expert villa renovations, and comprehensive building maintenance
Fair & Square Building Services Limited/h3>
Areas served: Wellington and nearby areas
Base: Kilbirnie, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 5 pm
Fri 7 am – 4pm & Sat 7 am – 1 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0 (10+)
Website: Fair & Square Building Services Limited
Facebook Page: Fair & Square Building Services Limited
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 243 5264
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Kilbirnie, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Thur 7 am – 5 pm
Fri 7 am – 4pm & Sat 7 am – 1 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0 (10+)
Website: Fair & Square Building Services Limited
Facebook Page: Fair & Square Building Services Limited
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 243 5264
Customer Feedback:
- Known for excellent communication and a professional approach throughout the building process
- Works carefully and considers clients' needs, particularly in sensitive living situations
- Maintains a tidy worksite and provides positive suggestions based on experience
- Friendly, hardworking team with a focus on high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction
- Trusted for projects requiring extra care and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless experience
Pros:
- Accreditations include SiteWise, SiteSafe, Licensed Building Practitioners, and Amotai membership
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Fair & Square is a Pasifika family-owned building firm with over 25 years of experience
- They offer services in residential new builds, design & build, home renovations, and light commercial builds
- They manage projects from start to finish, working with a trusted team of subcontractors
- The company is known for its strong communication, quality, and commitment to safety
Redwood builders LTD
Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 7 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5 (10+)
Website: Redwood Builders LTD
Facebook Page: Redwood Builders LTD
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 351 4392
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 am – 7 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0/5 (10+)
Website: Redwood Builders LTD
Facebook Page: Redwood Builders LTD
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 351 4392
Customer Feedback:
- Impressive knowledge of building codes and ability to meet tight deadlines
- Consistently high standard of workmanship
- Transparent pricing and clear communication
- Focuses on what the client wants to achieve
Pros:
- Every build is backed by the Master Build 10-year guarantee for top workmanship
- 12-month maintenance guarantee included, covering all remedial work at no cost
- Extensive scope of work includes tasks such as earthworks, framing, cladding, insulation, painting, flooring, and kitchen installation
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Licensed Building Practitioners and registered Master Builders
- Expertise in new home builds, renovations, and commercial construction
- Years of extensive work in the Kapiti Coast and greater Wellington region ensures that their building work stands the test of time, providing you with years of enjoyment and satisfaction
- Manages entire construction projects from start to finish, coordinating sub-trades
All Built Company Ltd
Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Wellington
Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 am to 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (10+)
Website: All Built Company Ltd
Facebook Page: All Built Company Ltd
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 341 2116
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Wellington
Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30 am to 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.7 (10+)
Website: All Built Company Ltd
Facebook Page: All Built Company Ltd
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 341 2116
Customer Feedback:
- Known for exceptional quality work with no corners cut
- Specialises in extensions, renovations, repairs, and carpentry with genuine craftsmanship
- Takes pride in delivering hassle-free projects with a focus on high standards
- Highly recommended for professional, reliable service in building and maintenance
- Efficient in handling small, fiddly tasks with excellent attention to detail
Pros:
- Members of the Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) scheme and the New Zealand Certified Builders Association
- Offers 10-year Halo residential guarantee insurance through NZCB for customer protection
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Offers a range of services, such as kitchen/bathroom renovations, home remodelling, hard landscaping, decking, and fencing
- All Built specialises in residential building services, including renovations, extensions, and new homes
- Led by Jeremy Grove, a Licensed Building Practitioner and NZ Certified Builder with 15+ years of experience
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
Built Construction Group Limited
Areas served: Wellington wide
Base: Brooklyn, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.8 (10+)
Website: Built Construction Group Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 126 3416
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Brooklyn, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.8 (10+)
Website: Built Construction Group Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 022 126 3416
Customer Feedback:
- Known for professional and reliable service with a focus on quality results
- Provides clear guidance and communication throughout the building process
- Ensures smooth project progress, handling permits and council requirements efficiently
- Delivers projects on time and within budget, maintaining high-quality standards
- Highly recommended for both new builds and maintenance/renovation work
Pros:
- 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
Smartway Builders Limited
Areas served: Greater Wellington Region
Base: Tawa, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (20+)
Website: Smartway Builders Limited
Facebook Page: Smartway Builders
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 030 4291
Customer Feedback:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Tawa, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 4.6 (20+)
Website: Smartway Builders Limited
Facebook Page: Smartway Builders
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 030 4291
Customer Feedback:
- Specialises in transforming challenging projects into successful outcomes
- Expertly removes and replaces outdated structures, creating functional outdoor spaces
- Known for excellent communication and clear, transparent pricing
- Completes renovations on time, ensuring consistent progress with no delays
- Skilled at staying on budget and managing timelines effectively
- Licensed Building Practitioner, offering full end-to-end project management, home building, and renovation services for both residential and commercial properties
- Offers online consultation and booking
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Their team of professional builders collaborates seamlessly with architects, engineers, surveyors, plumbers, and electricians, ensuring a stress-free and smooth process
- They provide construction services for decks, pergolas, paths, and paving
- Smartway Builders also assists with planning, landscaping, and building sleep-outs
Form & Dwell
Areas served: Wellington region
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0 (60+)
Website: Form & Dwell
Facebook Page: Form & Dwell
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 318 2202
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
Base: Mobile only
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review Rating: 5.0 (60+)
Website: Form & Dwell
Facebook Page: Form & Dwell
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone: 027 318 2202
Customer Feedback:
- Known for exceptional attention to detail and high standards of craftsmanship
- Adds value at every stage of the project, from design to completion
- Highly regarded for sourcing reliable sub-contractors and resolving issues promptly
- Possesses a keen eye for aesthetics, making informed decisions on design choices
- Delivers projects on time while maintaining excellent communication and quality workmanship
Pros:
- No hidden costs
- Licensed Building Practitioner and Registered Master Builders
Cons:
- None
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
- Form & Dwell is a full-service building practice based in Wellington, specialising in bespoke residential spaces
- Focus areas include kitchen, laundry, and bathroom renovations
- Their approach emphasises value, functional beauty, and close collaboration with clients and partners
- They aim to create inspiring, elevated environments by crafting surfaces and exploring concepts
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: [email protected]
Phone: 04 472 4443
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
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: [email protected]
Phone: 04 472 4443
Customer Feedback:
- Known for quick, professional, and high-quality repair work
- Provides excellent communication and project management throughout the process
- Specialises in restoration after water damage, offering reliable and efficient services
- Demonstrates superb customer service, ensuring client needs are met and projects stay on track
- Skilled in handling insurance jobs, delivering quality repairs within the required timeframe
Pros:
- Licensed Building Practitioners
- Site Safe Members
Cons:
- None
- Wellington Building Services offers building remediation, renovations, repairs, and maintenance across the Wellington region
- Services include architectural consultancy, project management, and house extensions
- Specialises in small to large-scale renovations, including kitchen and bathroom makeovers, and re-cladding
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting Kiwi Built —our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- For expert tips and advice, read the Home Renovation Guide by Kiwi Built, designed to help you plan and execute your project with confidence.
⚠️ 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.
