FAQs
The Answers You Need
HOW CAN I MAKE AN EQUITY GAIN OF $50,000 TO $100,000?
When you build a home with Simple Homes you’ll be getting the best value home in the marketplace. However, on completion, the value of your home will be comparable to all other homes on the market. We have a number of examples that demonstrate this. Call me and in 5 minutes I can show you how you can make huge gains with a Simple Home.
CAN WE BUILD ON TC2 AND TC3?
Our homes are ideal for any land that would usually require stronger foundations. As these homes are lightweight, the foundation requirements are not as rigorous as they would be for a conventional home. This also makes building our homes more time efficient and cost effective on those sites that usually require additional foundation work.
I’M ONBOARD! HOW DOES IT ALL WORK?
For many years now, I’ve been searching for great, more cost-effective home options. I have finally created a system that makes great financial sense in this difficult market, especially for investors and first home buyers. I don’t claim to have invented this system – I have simply worked out how to utilise the available resources in the best possible way, and to find more cost effective housing solutions.
Though I work with industry partners to make it all possible, I manage everything from start to finish on your behalf, while of course keeping you informed at every stage along the way. For you, that means not just a more affordable entry into home ownership, but an easier and more enjoyable journey too.
ARE YOUR HOMES ALL-INCLUSIVE?
Yes, our homes come completely finished and ready for you to move into. They include heat pump, carpets, vinyl and even curtains. The kitchen includes an oven and hob or stove and extractor fan.
HOW ARE YOU ABLE TO PROVIDE HOMES SO AFFORDABLY?
With our partners, we’re able to provide pre-fabricated homes that remove all the unnecessary costs that go into the usual building process. In short, there is:
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No GIB board
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No plaster
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No painting
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No scaffolding
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No ceiling required
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A 2-month construction period, not the usual 6 months
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Fewer inspections
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The most direct route for electrics and plumbing
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And less wastage all round.
Our goal is always to ensure that we offer the most cost-effective homes on the market. We’re not looking to compete with more indulgent designs – if price is no option, you’ll find plenty of builders who will build a home to your exacting specifications. We’re here for the more sensible home buyer – who appreciates and recognises value. We’ll continually strive to bring costs down while maintaining high quality standards. That’s how we roll. That means we work to plans that enable us to build homes that reduce wastage, both in terms of money and space, and that focus on the most cost effective way to build above other considerations.
CAN I EXPECT ANY OTHER COSTS?
Our pricing policies are very transparent. We do everything we can to ensure you receive no unexpected costs. So, the price you see is the price you can expect to pay. Of course, that price is based on a standard foundation (TC1 or equivalent) and a flat accessible site, so difficult sites may incur additional expenses. If there are additional costs unknown to us or beyond our control, they will be brought to your attention before we start.
Building consents, council fees and any potential development contributions are not included in our price. Furthermore, there are also additional options you can add to your home which are not included. However, these options are for your benefit, and are made optional precisely so that you’re empowered to make the choice of paying for them, or not.
CAN I OPT FOR AN EVEN CHEAPER PLAN?
There are some areas that you can make further savings on should you choose. .
HOW CAN I GET INTO MY HOME WITH NO SAVINGS AT ALL?
By using your Kiwisaver contributions and government subsidies you may already have the deposit you need. As long as you’ve been in Kiwisaver for a minimum of 3 years you can use your contributions towards your deposit. And, with the Homestart Grant, you can get up to $10,000 per individual or $20,000 per couple. Talk to us and we’ll show you how much you’re entitled to, and how much you need to take from your Kiwisaver. There's a good chance we can have you in your home sooner than you think.
CAN YOU HELP WITH FINANCE?
The good news is ‘yes, often we can’. The fact is – finance is frequently difficult to get, and that’s especially the case for prefabricated homes. Some banks are now making it a little easier, but there are still many issues. At Simple Homes, however, we can put you in touch with mortgage brokers who know how to get the mortgage you need. We also work with a lender who offers bridging finance for our clients (subject to certain criteria), and we’ll be more than happy to help you work through your numbers to assist you in the process.
WHAT ARE THE HOMES MADE FROM?
Our homes are made from Structurally Insulated Panels (SIP's). They are commonly used in Portacom type buildings. We have adapted them to be far more efficient and compliant for homes, and have made them more aesthetically pleasing. These homes have received building consent, meaning that all the engineering and the components have already been approved by MBIE, and consequently by all councils around NZ.
CAN WE CHANGE THE PLANS AROUND?
Yes. We have a designer and Engineer on board who are able to create any design you want. However we have predesigned homes which have been designed to minimise all costs and keep prices to a minimum.
HOW CAN THEY BE BUILT SO FAST?
Simple Homes have been designed for rapid construction. We use a unique system to ensure the homes are built fast while still maintaining their strength and structural integrity:
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There are no GIB walls, no fluffy insulation, and no timber frames or trusses
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Timber is used only for decks and piles
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Steel bearers are all pre-cut and pre-drilled
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The wall panels are designed to slot into one another like tongue and groove. Lock up can be achieved inside 2 weeks.
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Windows are designed to be easy to fit, taking only about two hours to install them all.
CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN COLOUR SCHEME?
Yes you can. Our homes come in one colour – Titania. However, if you’re willing to pay the additional cost we’re happy to provide your home in any colour you wish.
WHAT ARE THE RULES ON MINOR DWELLINGS?
The rules for minor dwellings differ from council to council, and usually vary significantly between rural and urban properties. Having said that, many rules are very similar across the country. The main differences between councils tend to lie in the size of the minor dwelling allowed – anything from 30-80m2 – and on site coverage, which can range from 30-80% of the site. There are also rules that apply to the required distance of the dwelling from the boundaries, to car parking, and to outdoor living space. However, in general, all of these rules are easily navigated. We have a good understanding of the rules around minor dwellings and can help you find the information pertinent to you.
WHAT ARE THE MINOR DWELLING RULES PERTAINING TO CHRISTCHURCH?
Christchurch has recently changed the rules around minor dwellings. In the past, most homes could include an additional dwelling, but only if used by a family member. Hence the term Granny Flat. However, the rules have recently changed. It is no longer necessary for a family member to be resident in this dwelling – it can be anyone. Your section simply needs to be over 450m2. You are also able to build a dwelling up to 80m2. You’ll find the rules here: