How to find and engage a design professional to draw your house plans, the different types of designers available, how much they might cost and what services they provide.

Design costs

Getting what you pay for - a look at what it costs to have a house designed and what you can expect for the fee.
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Designer briefings & contracts

How to tell your designer what you want to achieve, and what your budget is. You’ll discuss what service the designer can provide and sign a contract.
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Custom designs

We look at the different types of designers: architect, architectural designer and architectural draughtsperson.
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Choosing the designer

Where to go to find a designer, with a handy checklist to help you choose the best person for the job. Also, professional indemnity insurance – why this is important.
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Planning your design

Gathering together your ideas for your new home – what to consider and where to go for inspiration.
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Design options

We outline your options for having a house designed: group housing companies, design and build services, and custom design.
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Plans - a three stage process

Plans are developed over three stages, providing more detail at each stage until final plans are reached for building consent and construction.
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Getting consents

The two types of consents – you’ll always need a building consent, and you’ll often need a resource consent.
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Disputes with designers

What to do when something goes wrong on your building project.
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