Resources & Guides
Practical information to help you make confident decisions about building your new home in Canterbury.
Cost to Build a House in Canterbury
Everything you need to know about building costs. Compare prices by home size, location, and finish level.
Read the full guideFirst Home Buyer's Guide
Grants, finance options, deposits, and the building process explained for first-time buyers in Canterbury.
Read the full guideFrequently Asked Questions
Showing 28 articles
Are Building Guarantees Worth It? What You Need to Know Before You Build
When building a new home, you’re making one of the biggest investments of your life—so it’s natural to want protection in place if anything goes wrong. That’s where building...
Watch + readAre There Covenants and Design Rules You Need to Know About?
If you're looking to build in a new subdivision or development, you may be wondering: “Are there covenants or design rules I need to follow?” The short answer is yes - but the...
Watch + readAre There Hidden Costs in Your Build Price? How to Protect Yourself from Unexpected Expenses
When embarking on a home-building project, one question every homeowner should ask is, "Is the price quoted really the final price?" Unfortunately, many build agreements contain...
Watch + readAre Today Homes Pre-Built and Ready to Move Into?
If you're exploring new home options, you may be wondering: “Are Today Homes pre-built and move-in ready?” The short answer is typically, no - and that’s by design. At...
Watch + readBuilt to Last: How Today Homes Ensures Quality in Every New Build
When it comes to building a home, not all builders hold themselves to the same standard. While every home may look great at first glance, the difference in long-term performance...
Watch + readBuying an Existing Home vs Building New: Pros and Cons for Home Buyers in New Zealand
If you're considering buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, you're likely facing the big question: should you buy an existing home or build a new one? Both options...
Watch + readCan We Help You Find a Solicitor or Mortgage Broker?
If you're new to the building or home-buying process, one of the most intimidating steps can be choosing a solicitor or mortgage broker. Many clients ask us: “Can you help us find...
Watch + readCan You Make Changes to a House Plan?
If you’ve found a house plan you like but want to make a few adjustments, you might be wondering: “Can I actually change the design?” The short answer is yes -...
Watch + readDo We Offer Turnkey? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you're exploring new build options, you’ve probably come across the term “turnkey” - and you might be wondering whether Today Homes offers this type of funding structure. The...
Watch + readHow Long Does It Really Take to Build a Home in New Zealand?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How long does it actually take to build a home?” While the construction phase is often the focus, the full timeline includes...
Watch + readHow Long Does It Take to Build a New Home in New Zealand? Understanding Build Timelines
A common question home buyers ask is: "How long will it take to build my new home?" Knowing the timeframe helps you plan your move, manage your finances, and set realistic...
Watch + readHow Much Deposit Do You Actually Need for a New Build in New Zealand?
For many first-home buyers, the deposit is the biggest hurdle to getting on the property ladder. The good news? If you’re looking at a new build, the path is often much easier...
Watch + readHow to Avoid Budget Blowouts When Building Your Home: Essential Tips to Prevent Hidden Costs
Budget blowouts and hidden costs are every homeowner’s nightmare, particularly when building a new home. Unexpected costs can derail your plans, cause financial stress, and delay...
Watch + readHow to Choose a Reliable Home Builder: 3 Essential Tips for New Home Buyers and Investors
Building your new home or investment property is an exciting but significant commitment, and choosing the right builder is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make during...
Watch + readHow to Know If Your Builder Is Financially Stable: 3 Essential Checks Before You Sign
Choosing a builder for your new home is one of the biggest decisions you'll make—but how do you know if your builder is financially stable and trustworthy? Unfortunately,...
Watch + readSigning a Building Contract: Essential Clauses and Traps to Avoid Before You Commit
Signing a building agreement for your new home or investment property is a significant milestone. It's exciting—but also a moment that demands careful attention. Contracts can...
Watch + readThe Home Building Process in New Zealand: What to Expect with Today Homes
Building a new home is a major milestone, and having the right builder makes all the difference. At Today Homes, we’ve helped hundreds of Kiwi families navigate the journey with...
Watch + readThe Role of a Contracts Manager: Ensuring Quality and Smooth Communication in Your Home Build
Behind every smooth, stress-free home build is a dedicated professional known as the contracts manager. But what exactly is a contracts manager, and what do they do during the...
Watch + readUnderstanding Progressive Payments: How to Safely Manage Your Building Costs in New Zealand
When building a new home, understanding how you'll fund the project is critical for keeping your build on track and protecting yourself financially. One of the most common funding...
Watch + readWhat Does 'Turnkey' Really Mean? Understanding Turnkey Home Builds in New Zealand
The term "turnkey" is frequently used in the building and property industry—but what does it actually mean? While it sounds simple and convenient, many homeowners find the concept...
Watch + readWhat Happens After Signing Your Building Contract? A Simple Guide to the Next Steps
Congratulations—you’ve just signed your home-building contract! This is an exciting milestone that marks the beginning of transforming your vision into reality. But what exactly...
Watch + readWhat Happens Before You Get the Keys? Final Inspections and Passed Compliance Inspection Explained
Getting the keys to your brand-new home is an exciting milestone—but before that moment arrives, your home must go through a series of final checks and approvals to ensure it’s...
Watch + readWhat’s Included in Our Build Price?
If you’re comparing builders or looking through home and land packages, a common question is: “What exactly is included in the build price?” At Today Homes, the answer depends...
Watch + readWhat's Involved in Building a New Home? A Step-by-Step Guide to the Construction Process
If you're thinking about building a new home, it’s important to understand exactly what's involved in the construction process. While it can feel overwhelming at first, having a...
Watch + readWhy a Strong Foundation Is Essential When Building Your New Home
When planning your new home, it’s easy to focus on the exciting parts—kitchen designs, colour palettes, and floorplans. But before any of that takes shape, the most critical part...
Watch + readWhy Do Some Home Builds Take Longer? Understanding Build Timelines and Avoiding Delays
Have you ever noticed how some new homes seem to go up swiftly, while others drag on for months longer than planned? This is one of the most common frustrations experienced by...
Watch + readWhy Framing Is Crucial in Home Construction: Building Strong, Long-Lasting Homes in New Zealand
When it comes to building a home, most of the attention often goes to the design, finishes, and features you can see. But what truly makes a home durable and liveable for the long...
Watch + readWhy Variations in Building Contracts Can Be Costly — And How to Manage Them
If you're building a new home and thinking about making changes after signing the contract, you’ve probably heard this warning:“Be careful—variations can be expensive.” And...
Watch + readReady to start your build?
Talk to our team about your new home in Canterbury. No obligation, just a friendly conversation about what is possible.
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