The steps before you hand over a cent.
No account, results in minutes.
Tick off what you've done.
Each box is a protective step you can confirm, not a rating of any builder.
0 of 6 protective steps done.
This is general information you can use to ask better questions. It's not legal, financial or building advice, and ticking these boxes is not a guarantee against loss. For decisions that matter, talk to a licensed professional.
Four patterns worth a second look.
These are common general patterns. They don't prove anyone is acting in bad faith, but they're a fair reason to pause and ask more questions.
- Cash-only deals or pressure to pay outside the contract
- A deposit that's a large slice of the total project value
- Payments demanded by date rather than what's been delivered
- Refusal to provide a company name and NZBN you can look up
You're not alone, and here's where to get help.
Ready when you are.
Got the builder's name? Check their public record before you sign.
General information for New Zealand homeowners. This page is not legal, financial, building or contractual advice. Examples and patterns described here may not apply to every situation. For binding guidance see consumer.govt.nz, building.govt.nz, or talk to a licensed professional.