The Best Builders in Wellington
Updated 15 November 2024
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 RedWood Builders - our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick off your project—discuss your plans and learn how to achieve the desired results.
​
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.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting RedWood Builders - our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick off your project—discuss your plans and learn how to achieve the desired results.
​
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.
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: [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
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
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: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 00 45 44
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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: [email protected]
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: [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: 5.0/5
Website: Built Construction Group Limited
Facebook Page: None
Email Address: [email protected]
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:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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: [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: 5.0/5
Website: Form & Dwell
Facebook Page: Form & Dwell
Email Address: [email protected]
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
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting RedWood Builders - our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick off your project—discuss your plans and learn how to achieve the desired results.
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: [email protected]
Phone: 020 4081 4988
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Phone: 04 472 4443
Customer Feedback:
Pros:
Cons:
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
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:
- 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.
MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Builder
- Our research highlighted the leading builders in Wellington who deliver exceptional results for their clients.
- We suggest contacting RedWood Builders - our top builder has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
- Contacting a builder by phone is the best way to kick off your project—discuss your plans and learn how to achieve the desired results.
⚠️ 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.