FAQs — Clear Answers, Upfront
What to expect, what it costs, and how to avoid surprises
Building or renovating a home involves big decisions — around cost, timing, design, and risk.
Our FAQ Library brings together the most common questions we’re asked by homeowners across Cambridge and the Waikato, with clear, practical answers based on real-world experience.
These FAQs are designed to help you understand the process, avoid surprises, and make confident, informed decisions — whether you’re planning a new build, a renovation, or a rural lifestyle project.
How much does it cost to build a custom home in the Waikato?
What site checks are needed before building on a rural section?
The cost to build a custom home in the Waikato varies depending on size, complexity, site conditions, and finish level. As a general guide, most high-quality custom homes sit within a broad per-square-metre range — but no two projects are truly the same.
Factors that influence cost include:
Architectural complexity
Ground conditions and access
Level of specification and finishes
Rural vs town services
Consent and compliance requirements
At MDB Homes, we focus less on “ballpark guesses” and more on accurate, transparent pricing. Our background in both construction and finance means we take the time to understand your brief, your site, and your budget before providing realistic guidance — not just optimistic numbers that unravel later.
What is the average cost per square metre to build in Cambridge, Hamilton or the greater Waikato?
Cost per square metre is one of the most common questions we hear — and one of the easiest to misunderstand.
While it can be useful as a starting reference, it doesn’t account for:
Earthworks and foundations
Site access and services
Roof forms and structural complexity
Bespoke joinery or architectural detailing
Two homes of the same size can differ significantly in price depending on these factors. That’s why MDB Homes prefers to price projects, not averages — ensuring you understand what’s included, what’s excluded, and why.
Here are some figures, which are indicative only and vary widely based on the above outlined influencingfactors. These numbers should be used as a guide, not a quote.
Standard new build: $2,700 – $3,500 per sqm
Architectural new home: $4,000 – $5,500+ per sqm
If you’re early in the planning stage, we’re happy to talk through realistic ranges and help you sense-check feasibility before committing further.
Why do builder quotes vary so much in price?
Large price differences usually come down to what’s been allowed for — or left out.
Common reasons quotes vary:
Different assumptions around finishes
Unrealistically low PC Sums or Provisional Sums
Missing scope or vague allowances
Limited consideration of site-specific challenges
Cheaper quotes often shift risk back onto the homeowner, leading to variations and cost increases later.
At MDB Homes, we aim to remove ambiguity upfront. Our pricing is detailed, realistic, and designed to reflect the true cost of building properly — so there are fewer surprises once construction begins.
What’s included in a fixed-price building contract — and what isn’t?
A fixed-price contract means the agreed scope of work is delivered for an agreed price — provided the scope doesn’t change.
Typically included:
Defined construction works
Specified materials and finishes
Labour and project management
Compliance and inspections
Items that may sit outside a fixed price include:
Client-driven design changes
Upgrades beyond the agreed specification
Unforeseen site conditions
The key isn’t just the contract type — it’s how well the scope is defined. MDB Homes spends significant time upfront clarifying inclusions, exclusions, and allowances so clients fully understand what they’re committing to.
What are PC Sums and Provisional Sums, and how do they affect my budget?
PC (Prime Cost) Sums and Provisional Sums are allowances used when exact selections or scope details aren’t finalised at contract stage.
PC Sums usually relate to fixtures and fittings (e.g. taps, appliances)
Provisional Sums relate to work where the scope can’t yet be fully defined (e.g. excavation)
If these allowances are unrealistic, they can cause budget blowouts later.
At MDB Homes, we take a conservative and transparent approach — using realistic allowances and clearly explaining how they may change, so clients can make informed decisions early rather than reactive ones later.
How does MDB Homes help clients avoid budget blowouts?
Avoiding budget blowouts starts long before construction begins.
Our approach includes:
Detailed, transparent upfront pricing
Clear explanation of allowances, exclusions, and risk areas
Ongoing cost tracking throughout the build
Proactive communication when design or specification decisions affect budget
With a background in finance and banking, MDB Homes’ leadership brings a level of financial discipline, forecasting, and structure that many clients find reassuring — particularly on larger or more complex projects.
The goal isn’t just a great home, but a calm, controlled experience from planning through to completion.
Read more in our detailed guide:
The Complete Budget Checklist for Waikato Home Builds
How long does it take to build a house in the Waikato?
The construction phase for a new home typically spans several months, but the full journey includes:
Design development
Engineering
Council consent
Procurement
Construction
Each stage can be influenced by weather, council processing times, and material availability.
MDB Homes provides clients with a clear, realistic timeline and keeps them informed throughout the process — so you always know where things are at and what’s coming next.
What factors can delay a building project?
Delays most commonly arise from:
Council consent processing
Weather conditions
Late design decisions
Material supply constraints
Client-initiated changes during construction
Many of these risks can be reduced with good planning and early decision-making. Our role is to identify potential pinch points early and manage them proactively — rather than reacting once delays occur.
When does the build timeline actually start — design, consent, or construction?
The build timeline starts earlier than most people expect — typically at the design and feasibility stage, not when construction begins on site.
Before any physical work starts, time is required for:
Design development and documentation
Engineering and technical input
Council consent and approvals
Pricing, procurement, and scheduling
Delays often occur when this early phase is rushed or underestimated, leading to pressure later in the build.
At MDB Homes, we help clients understand the full journey from the outset — so timelines are realistic, decisions are well-informed, and stress is reduced once construction begins.
Read more about our end-to-end approach here:
The MDB Homes Premium Process
How does MDB Homes keep builds running on schedule?
Keeping a build on schedule comes down to planning, communication, and timely decision-making.
Our approach includes:
Clear sequencing and coordination of trades
Early ordering of long-lead and critical items
Regular site planning and supervision
Prompt, proactive communication when client decisions are required
While no build is immune to weather events or supply disruptions, strong management significantly reduces downtime and avoids last-minute scrambling.
At MDB Homes, we focus on foresight rather than firefighting — so projects move forward steadily and expectations stay aligned throughout the build.
Learn more about our team and how we work:
About MDB Homes
Is it cheaper to renovate or rebuild an existing home?
It depends on the condition of the existing home, the scope of work, and your long-term goals.
Renovations can appear cheaper at first, but they often involve hidden costs such as:
Unknown structural or weathertightness issues
Building code and compliance upgrades
Design limitations imposed by the existing structure
A rebuild typically requires a higher upfront investment, but it offers greater certainty around cost, programme, and performance — along with full design freedom and modern building standards.
At MDB Homes, we help clients weigh both options honestly by looking beyond the initial price and considering long-term value, livability, and risk — so you can make the right decision for your situation.
Read our full breakdown here:
Renovation vs Rebuild — What’s the Best Option for New Zealand Homeowners?
Why are renovations often more complex than new builds?
Renovations involve working within the constraints of an existing structure — which means:
Hidden issues only revealed once work begins
Tight sequencing around occupied spaces
Careful integration of old and new
They require experience, planning, and adaptability.
MDB Homes specialises in renovations and extensions where detail matters. Our systems are designed to manage uncertainty, protect homeowners living on site, and keep projects moving even when the unexpected arises.
Can I live on site while renovating my home?
In many cases, yes — but it depends on the scope of work and how the renovation is staged.
Living on site during a renovation requires:
Careful separation between living areas and work zones
Clear site safety planning, especially for families
Thoughtful sequencing to minimise disruption and downtime
MDB Homes regularly works with clients who remain in their homes during renovations and extensions. With the right planning, communication, and safety systems in place, it’s often possible to keep daily life functioning while progress continues on site.
Read our full guide here:
Living Through a Renovation in New Zealand — What to Expect
Do I need building consent for my project?
In most cases, yes.
Building consent is required for most structural work, extensions, new homes, and significant renovations.
Consent is typically required for:
New homes
Additions and extensions
Structural alterations
Plumbing, drainage, or services changes
Consent requirements can vary depending on the scope of work and local council rules, which is why early guidance is important.
At MDB Homes, we discuss consent requirements at the planning stage and guide clients through the process early — helping avoid delays, redesigns, or unexpected costs once work is underway.
Learn more about how we manage the consent process:
The MDB Homes Build Process
How long does council consent take in the Waikato?
Council consent timeframes vary depending on:
Project complexity
Quality and completeness of documentation
Current council workload
For standard residential projects designed in accordance with the NZ Building Code and NZS 3604 (timber-framed buildings), councils have a statutory timeframe of 20 working days to process a building consent.
However, this clock can be paused if:
Information is missing or unclear
Additional engineering or documentation is requested
Amendments are required during review
More complex builds — such as architectural homes, significant renovations, or projects outside NZS 3604 — often take longer due to engineering input and additional checks.
At MDB Homes, we work closely with experienced designers, engineers, and consultants to ensure documentation is complete and coordinated before submission. This reduces back-and-forth with council and helps keep approvals moving as efficiently as possible.
Learn more about how we manage planning and consents:
The MDB Homes Build Process
Who manages council inspections and compliance during the build?
At MDB Homes, we manage the full compliance process, including:
Booking inspections
Coordinating with inspectors
Ensuring work meets consented documentation
Clients don’t need to chase council or interpret technical requirements — that’s part of our role as the main contractor.
What’s different about building on a rural or lifestyle block?
Building on a rural or lifestyle block involves more variables than building in town, which is why early planning is critical.
Common rural considerations include:
Site access and driveway construction
Water supply (rainwater collection, bores) and wastewater systems
Power, communications, and connection distances
Wind exposure, soil conditions, and site orientation
These factors can significantly influence design, consent requirements, build cost, and programme if they’re not assessed early.
At MDB Homes, we carry out detailed site assessments at the feasibility stage so rural builds are designed around the land — not forced onto it — helping avoid cost surprises and delays later.
Read our full rural build guide here:
The Ultimate Guide to Building on a Rural or Lifestyle Block in Cambridge and the Waikato
Do rural builds cost more than town builds?
Often, yes — but not always.
Additional costs can include:
Longer service runs
Earthworks and access
On-site infrastructure (tanks, septic systems)
However, rural sites may offer design flexibility and lifestyle value that offsets these costs. MDB Homes helps clients understand the true cost early so expectations are aligned.
Read our full rural build guide here:
The Ultimate Guide to Building on a Rural or Lifestyle Block in Cambridge and the Waikato
Before building, it’s important to assess:
Soil conditions
Wind zones
Vehicle access
Sun orientation
Service availability
These checks inform design, foundation type, and budget. Skipping this step is one of the biggest causes of rural build cost blowouts.
What guarantees does MDB Homes provide — and how is my investment protected?
MDB Homes provides multiple layers of protection to give clients long-term peace of mind.
These include:
Our own Nailed Down Guarantee, which reflects our commitment to clear process, quality workmanship, and accountability
The Registered Master Builders 10-Year Guarantee, offering independent protection on eligible residential projects
Together, these guarantees help protect your investment well beyond completion — providing confidence that your home is backed by both our business and an industry-recognised scheme.
Read full details about our guarantees here:
The MDB Homes Nailed Down Guarantee