FAQ

How does the enquiry process work?

Send us a message here on our website, including as much information as you can about your potential project. We read every message and will respond within 1-2 business days. If it looks like we can help you, we'll arrange a catch up at our office to have a cuppa and get a better idea of your needs. You’re also welcome to call us directly!

If I build with JRAB, who will I be dealing with?

In the early stages, John our director (and also an experienced builder) will work out the scope and budget of the project with you in conjunction with an architect and an engineer. Our Interior Designer will then take you through the entire selections process ... not just paint colours! When every detail is accounted for, your project is put in the capable hands of our Project Manager. In other words - you don't deal with any salespeople, and you have a key contact at every stage.

How much does it cost to build on the hill?

Ultimately it comes down to the style and size of the house, and the level of engineering needed. To give you a ‘ballpark’ - good land is 400k and upwards in the current market. Our house and land packages tend to range from 1.4M up to 2.8M. This is our ‘sweet spot’ where we can impart the most value. There’s usually a dramatic difference between the build cost and the value of the finished home - an increase of 15% within a year or two is typical for our builds.

How do the budget & payments work?

A detailed and transparent breakdown of each and every aspect of the build is laid out right from the beginning, including contingencies. Any changes you wish to make down the line are dealt with individually, as we work through the selections process. Payment is arranged in build stages - so you only ever pay for completed work.

Where exactly are these hill sections?

Quality hill sites are few and far between. The sections we find aren't usually listed on TradeMe or even for sale necessarily! We often physically hunt for good spots and keep an ear to the ground for any opportunities. We’ve had good success in Moncks Bay, Clifton, Mt Pleasant and Huntsbury. Sections in Cashmere, Redcliffs and Sumner are scarce but not impossible to find. If you get in touch with your requirements, we're usually able to come back to you with some suggestions.

Just how much engineering is involved?

It's entirely dependent on the land, but all hill builds will require specially engineered foundations, bracing and roofing, along with site excavation and backfill. We always aim to minimise costs by designing in conjunction with the contours of the land and by using a range of foundation types. The absolute best way to avoid overspending is to get expert advice off the bat, (i.e before you start the design process) or better yet - before you purchase a site.

What's the timeframe on a hill build?

We’re creating something special and we’re doing it right - so for us, the average hill build takes around 10-12 months from consent to compliance. We’re currently seeing material delays across the industry due to COVID-19, but we’ve generally been able to avoid the effects of this by pre-planning and smart decision making. You’ll get a clear idea of your build timeframe when the schedule is created.