FAQs

Q:  What types of homes do you build?
A:   We can design and build any type of home.  We design, personalise and build a home that is specific to your site, and your needs and lifestyle; whether it be senior living, family, lifestyle, apartment, farmhouse, bach or renovation or light commercial project that you are looking for. 

Q:  Do you have standard plans?
A:   No, we do not have standard plans as we believe every person has different needs and every building site is different. By designing a home that is personalised to your needs and lifestyle will mean that your home works for you and is functional to live in. It is important to consider all aspects of your building site, for example the sun, prevailing wind,  views, neighbours etc.  The design of your home specific to the site will mean your home is more comfortable to live in as it will capture all day sun, views and excellent indoor/outdoor living.  We do have plans available that we have previously built to provide you with design ideas.

Q:  What awards have you won?
A:  We won the National Award for new homes $450K-$600K at 2007 House of the Year and took out the $250-350K at the 2006 House of the Year.  Achieving the Gold Reserve Award in new homes $450K-$650K at the 2008 House of the Year.  This is the sixth consecutive year where urbo has reached the National Master Build Finals.  In 2008 and 2005 we received the Supreme Award for the Rotorua Master Build and Taupo Master Build Awards respectively.  We have won many awards at the regional awards, including the Energy Efficiency Award and Future Proofing Award. 

Q:  What qualifications does your team have?
A:   Director Martin Dobbe is a Trade Qualified and Registered Master Builders with over 20 years experience in the building industry.  Our Operations Team has a wealth of experience with a strong focus on quality, and our bank of architectural designers design homes that capture your dreams, look stunning and are enjoyable to live in.  All urbo homes’ staff and trades people are selected based on their ability to perform to urbo’s high expectations with a focus on quality and ability to meet timelines.
During the construction stage there are many quality checks along the way to ensure your new urbo home is of an award winning standard.

Q:  Where do you build?
A:   We build around the Central North Island:  Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga, Whakatane, and Waikato.

Q:  Do you have a showhome?
A:  We have recently sold our Rotorua showhome.

Q:  How does the design process work?
A:  We provide a personal, friendly service with our architectural designer meeting with you on site.  We begin designing your new home by discussing your wish list and budget, and reviewing your building site; a scheme plan is drawn up, followed by working drawings.  Your home is personalised to you, product and colours are selected, kitchen designed, contract confirmed and construction starts. 

Q:  How long will it take you to build our house?
A:  There are two stages, the design stage and the building stage. Every situation is different, the design stage can take 6-8 months of planning.  This stage depends on how quickly decisions are made and includes design, product and colour choices, costing, building permits, and selecting trades people. The building stage can take 5-8 months dependent on house size and the time of year.  Urbo will provide you with an approximate timeline prior to construction but it depends on factors such as weather and your own decision-making.

Q:  Is there a guarantee?
A:  Yes.  urbo homes is a member of the Master Builders Association.  We offer a seven year Master Builder Guarantee on each home that we build. 

Q:   How much does a house cost per square metre?
A:  The cost of the home is driven by you. It is difficult to put a specific cost per square metre, as there are many variables that will influence the rate, for example, the house design and products selected, such as exterior cladding, floor coverings, lighting, appliances etc. 

Q:  Do you offer a fixed price contract?
A:  Yes.  Once the scheme plan has been drawn, working drawings completed and products selected, we will provide a fixed price contract for you.  If you change your mind during the process and want to upgrade or change your products, for example, whiteware, floor coverings, lighting accessories etc, then we will provide you with the revised costs.

Q:  How are progress payments made?
A:  Your contract will advise how many progress payments are made, how much each payment will be and the timing of each progress payment.

Q:  Are we able to use our own tradespeople?
A:  No.  urbo homes carefully select our trades based on skill and a quality focus to provide you with a home that is of an award winning standard.

Q:  Who applies for building consents?
A:  We do.  This is part of the service we provide to our clients. 

Q:  Are we allowed through our home while it is under construction?
A:  Yes.  It is an exciting time to watch your dream unfold.  Once the house is closed in we will provide you with a construction key and you are able to let yourself in to your home at your convenience. It is important that you take care on all building sites as there are many hazards. We will also meet with you regularly on site to walk through your home during construction.