Extending your Auckland property is a great way to achieve a bigger home without moving away from the area that you love. But before any building can begin, you’ll need a set of plans – technical drawings that your builders can follow, and that the council will need to assess and approve.
To get your building plans drawn up, you’ll need to employ an architect or a draftsperson. Both can produce plans and manage the building consent process for you, but each comes with a different skillset and cost. How do you know which one to choose?
A draftsperson
A draftsperson will have completed up to three years’ tertiary training, which qualifies them to produce accurate technical drawings. They’ll often work in collaboration with architects and engineers, but an experienced draftsperson can sometimes offer design guidance themselves. They will have a strong focus on the practical aspects of the job, and will usually charge up to three percent of the final building costs. A draftsperson is most suitable for small to medium jobs that are fairly straightforward, such as extensions, minor dwellings, new bathrooms and kitchens, decks over 1.5 metres, and anything else that requires building consent.
An architect
An architect will have completed five years’ university training, which qualifies them to take care of the artistic as well as the technical parameters of your project. They will take a holistic approach to the design, including aesthetics, function, and aspect, and will manage the project from plans through to completion, including all services, site works, and council approvals. An architect can help you tailor a project to your budget and unique needs, and will advocate for you with all the other professionals involved in the construction. Architect’s fees usually come to around ten percent of the final building costs. They are most suitable for large or complex jobs, major renovations or extensions, or where you want to incorporate a specific design style.
Regardless of whether you choose a draftsperson or an archictect for your project, we’re ready to work alongside them to build the house extension of your dreams. And if you don’t know where to start, we’re happy to recommend someone you can trust.
Build Right Contactors is a family-operated business serving the Greater Auckland Region
We have more than 15 years of experience completing building projects. We cover a wide area of Central Auckland, East Auckland and South Auckland. No matter what type of residential or commercial building project you have in mind, we have the knowledge and expertise to make it a reality. From new homes, house extensions and renovations to significant upgrades to Daycare Centre and Community Projects, we offer a full range of building services.