If you’ve been thinking about building a home in New Zealand, you’ll already know there’s no shortage of options. But with so many choices out there, it can be tricky to work out what really makes one home builder different from another, and what that means for your build experience, the quality of your finished home, and how it’s going to work for you and your family in the long run.
So we asked Sentinel Homes Managing Director, Stuart Shutt, to break down what sets Sentinel Homes apart, and why so many Kiwis choose them for their mid-market home builds.
One of the first things that Stuart brought up in our conversation was the bespoke approach that all Sentinel teams bring to the home-building process, which he explained focuses on first understanding who they’re building for.
“Every home is designed with the client in mind,” he explains. “We put a lot of thought into how the house is actually going to be lived in, and how we can enhance the lifestyle of the people in it. That might be thinking of ways we can give them more privacy if they want privacy, or enhance their family time when they need family time. So every home is bespoke. Nothing is just done by chance.”
While Sentinel Homes does offer standard plans, Stuart says they’re really just a starting point.
“We put a lot of time and attention into the planning process to make sure that we’re getting the most out of the site and putting the most into it for the client,” he says. “Most of the time we can tailor a home to suit both the site and the family for the same price.”
The end goal is to be New Zealand’s leading mid-market home builder for bespoke design.
“We’re here to make architectural homes affordable,” Stuart explains. “We’ll only spend people’s money if it’s justified and makes a real difference for the people living there.”
Stuart says one of the main motivations when starting Sentinel Homes was his concern about slipping standards across the building industry.
“I saw an erosion of quality, so I wanted to create a company that built quality every single time.”
Decades later, this ethos remains at the heart of Sentinel’s philosophy, and something Stuart is passionate about maintaining.
“Over the last 10 years, it’s been surprising how much standards have slipped, and how some have come to accept that as the new norm. We don’t want any part of that.”
This commitment to quality runs through every part of a Sentinel Homes build, from craftsmanship and workmanship to the materials used.
“We make sure everything we use is high quality, comes with strong guarantees, and is backed by good warranties. We also try to use trusted New Zealand brands as much as possible,” Stuart explains.
“It’s important to us that our clients feel confident that when they build with Sentinel, they’re getting something built to last. Everything is done with quality and longevity in mind, plus every home comes with an independent warranty for added assurance and peace of mind.”
One of the key ways Sentinel Homes stands out from the competition is through its remarkable success at the Master Builder House of the Year Awards, New Zealand’s most prestigious competition recognising building excellence.
“Every year we enter the Master Builder House of the Year Awards, and every year we’ve consistently won across multiple categories and regions,” Stuart says proudly. “Over the years, we’ve won hundreds of awards, and we’re quickly becoming the most awarded builder in New Zealand.”
This consistent recognition speaks volumes about Sentinel’s commitment to quality and innovation across all their projects.
“Our success isn’t just limited to mid-level and high-end homes,” Stuart explains. “This last year, we won the Best Home in New Zealand award at the Master Builders Awards for a home under $500,000, which is the lowest value category. That win was significant for us because it clearly shows that no matter the budget, we build homes with the same high standards and attention to detail.”
Another factor that has set Sentinel Homes apart for clients is their commitment to local expertise and hands-on care. Unlike many large home builders who rely on centralised offices with teams working remotely, Sentinel chooses to keep things as local as possible.
“All of our franchises have their own local designers and architects, so they can meet clients face to face and visit the site when needed,” Stuart says. “The local franchise owner is also involved throughout the whole process from start to finish, and they’re always available to chat. They don’t hide away in an office!”
Clients have often expressed how much they appreciate this level of attention, and it’s something Stuart is especially proud of.
“We try to make each client feel like they’re our only client. They really enjoy the bespoke experience, the care, and knowing there’s always someone to talk to,” he adds. “We offer the care and attention of a small bespoke builder, but with the support and confidence of a larger company.”
Stuart says that for the whole Sentinel Homes team, their unique approach to building quality homes that truly have meaning for the families who live in them is something they’re all passionate about.
“That’s what gives it meaning for us,” Stuart explains. “We’re in this industry to do a great job, exceed expectations, and have a happy client at the end of the build. There’s a lot of satisfaction that comes from that.”
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