FAQ's
Our FAQ section at Hive Homes answers all your key questions about our building process, guarantees, fixed pricing, and communication. We cover topics like what sets us apart, how we ensure transparency, the details of our guarantees, and how we keep you informed throughout your build journey. Whether you’re curious about custom designs or fixed-price contracts, our FAQs are here to give you clarity and peace of mind
Will my preliminary fees be deducted from my contract price? 
Yes – We deduct all preliminary fees you have paid up until contract quote. These fees will be deducted from your total contract price. For example: Your preliminary fees and engineering fees total $27k and your build budget is $900k, these fees will come off the 900k Note: We collect engineering and design fees upfront to guarantee transparency and prevent unexpected costs. Many other builders estimate these fees, leading to unforeseen price increases that could exceed your budget
How long are preliminary and contract quotes valid for?
Our concept and prelim quotes are valid for 30 days. Contract quotes are valid for 14 days.
How do you select your colours, fittings and fixtures?
Once you have paid your first 10% instalment your Hive Homes account manager will book you in with our colour consultant. In this meeting you will be going through your colours, kitchen requirements, and through all your products within your specification.
Can I make changes to the house plan once construction has started?
Once your plans have been consented and construction has been started, you will be unable to make structural changes to your home. Minor cosmetic changes may be possible depending on the stage your build is currently in. This will be charged out as a variation to contract incurring a $500 + GST payment on top of the desired change.
How and when will the final contract price for my home be determined?
Once you have signed off your final plans and these plans have been quoted, our design consultants will then present final pricing to you for contract.
Will you let me supply and install my own items or provide my own contractors?
On some occasions we allow clients to provide their own supply items and/or their own contractors. This is on a case-by-case basis and decided by Management. Due to health and safety regulations we will need to make sure everyone is set for any liability and the workmanship is up to the Hive Homes standard
Am I responsible for connecting my water & paying water bills on my site during construction?
As the owner you are responsible for connecting water to your section before construction has commenced to ensure our builders/contractors have access. If water has not been connected, you will be required to pay a fee for temporary water until the meter has been connected. However; the Hive Homes team will be checking this through any due diligence on the section, most of the time water will be connected if you are buying titled land.
How do I get a water meter installed?
To connect your water please visit:
www.watercare.co.nz/Water-and-wastewater/Building- and-developing
www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/forms/ application-for-connection-to-water-supply
www.watercare.co.nz/Water-and-wastewater/Building- and-developing
www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/forms/ application-for-connection-to-water-supply
Am I responsible for connecting site power & paying monthly power bills on my site during construction?
As part of your build with Hive Homes, we are responsible for connecting power to your site/build. Yes - As the owner you are responsible for paying monthly power bills during construction on your site/build.
Do you need my bank manager or mortgage broker details?
Yes - We require all contact information for your nominated bank manager and mortgage broker at contract signing. Upon sending your 10% deposit invoice, we will introduce ourselves to your nominated bank manager to ensure a smooth process for future payments.
What Is IGC and do I have to pay it or does Hive?
Yes - as the owner of the section, you are responsible for any site related charges including Infrastructure Growth Charges.
Please contact your local council for more information on payment. Hive Homes is not responsible for any site related charges unless agreed upon. During Hive Homes due diligence we will be checking if IGC charges will need to be paid.
Please contact your local council for more information on payment. Hive Homes is not responsible for any site related charges unless agreed upon. During Hive Homes due diligence we will be checking if IGC charges will need to be paid.
When can I visit my new home’s construction site?
We schedule up to five guided tours with our project manager during your build. Your safety is our top priority, so we do not allow unauthorised visitors to enter the
site under any circumstances. Failure to comply with this policy could result in immediate suspension of works to your build.
site under any circumstances. Failure to comply with this policy could result in immediate suspension of works to your build.
How do I track progress on my build, who do I contact if I have any questions?
There are two ways we keep you up to date on your build:
1. You will have access to Hive Homes’ innovative client portal which allows you to track and chat with us during your process. This is where we will be giving you regular updates and photos of your build as it progresses.
2. The project manager in charge of your build will give you an update every Friday, which includes your construction programme.
1. You will have access to Hive Homes’ innovative client portal which allows you to track and chat with us during your process. This is where we will be giving you regular updates and photos of your build as it progresses.
2. The project manager in charge of your build will give you an update every Friday, which includes your construction programme.
If I have a rural site, will hive homes fill my water tanks as part of the contract?
No, we do not fill water tanks. We ask that you please organise this yourself.
How many progressive payment stages does Hive have?
We offer seven payments for single level builds, and eight for two-level builds.
The payment stages are as follows:
Single Level
• 10% Unconditional on build contract
• 15% Slab down
• 15% Frames up
• 20% Roof on
• 15% Lock up stage
• 20% Finishing
• 5% Practical Completion
Two Levels
• 10% Unconditional on build contract
• 10% Slab down
• 10% Frames up
• 20% Mid floor
• 20% Roof on
• 15% Lock up stage
• 20% Finishing
• 5% Practical Completion
The payment stages are as follows:
Single Level
• 10% Unconditional on build contract
• 15% Slab down
• 15% Frames up
• 20% Roof on
• 15% Lock up stage
• 20% Finishing
• 5% Practical Completion
Two Levels
• 10% Unconditional on build contract
• 10% Slab down
• 10% Frames up
• 20% Mid floor
• 20% Roof on
• 15% Lock up stage
• 20% Finishing
• 5% Practical Completion
FAQs
Our FAQ section at Hive Homes answers all your key questions about our building process, guarantees, fixed pricing, and communication. We cover topics like what sets us apart, how we ensure transparency, the details of our guarantees, and how we keep you informed throughout your build journey. Whether you’re curious about custom designs or fixed-price contracts, our FAQs are here to give you clarity and peace of mind
FAQs
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