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Build pricing
We believe in clear, upfront pricing. Here’s everything you need to understand how we price a Sentinel home — and how we can help you make it work financially.
Find your styleWhen comparing prices, be wary of square metre rates. They’re only an average and don’t reflect differences in design, materials, specifications or site conditions, so they can give a misleading picture of true value.
More about m² ratesThe price of your new home is greatly affected by the types of products and finishes you include. That’s why we provide a very detailed specification when we give you an estimate.
More about specsWe bring in geotechnical engineers, surveyors and underground cameras (when needed) before giving you a final price. It helps identify issues now, and avoid surprises later.
How sites affect pricing
Finance
With hundreds of homes built across New Zealand, Sentinel has an established reputation with the country’s major banks.
They know we are experienced, reliable and committed to finishing every home to a high standard. That can make financing a House & Land package, subdivision or new build a more straightforward process.
We also work with specialist lending partners and finance experts who can help explore other options if your bank cannot.
Square metre rates
A square metre rate is calculated by dividing the total build cost by the floor area. It sounds simple, but it can hide major differences between homes.
The cost of a home is shaped by much more than its size. Rooflines, ceiling heights, glazing, kitchens, bathrooms, materials, engineering, site access and ground conditions can all make a significant difference.
It also matters what is included in the price. One builder’s rate may include flooring, landscaping, appliances and site costs, while another may not. Comparing the two can make a lower rate look better than it really is.
At Sentinel, we take the time to understand the full picture before giving you a price. That means fewer assumptions, clearer expectations and a quote you can plan around.
Pricing your home
The products, materials and finishes included in your home can make a significant difference to the final price.
Two homes may look similar on paper, but the cost can vary widely depending on what is included. Flooring, appliances, tapware, cabinetry, insulation, heating, glazing, lighting and exterior materials all affect both the price and the finished result.
This is why it is important to compare more than the bottom line. A lower quote may simply include fewer products, lower-grade finishes or more allowances that could increase later.
At Sentinel, we provide a detailed specification with your estimate, so you can see exactly what is included. This makes it easier to compare quotes properly, understand where your money is going and make informed decisions about where to spend.
Finance
The land you build on can make a significant difference to the final cost. Ground conditions, slope, access, drainage, retaining, services and existing infrastructure can all affect what is required.
Once we have discussed your ideas, suitable plan options and ballpark pricing, the next step is a paid design phase. The fee varies depending on the project, but generally starts from around $5,000.
This covers the early work needed to properly understand your build, which may include architectural concept drawings, surveying, geotechnical investigations and other specialist reports.
By doing this work upfront, we can identify potential issues, refine the design and give you a highly accurate price before you commit to a building contract.
Common questions about building with Sentinel Homes.
How much does it cost to build a new home, and what is your rate per square metre?
Building costs depend on your location, design, specifications and site. A rate per square metre gives a rough guide, but homes of the same size can cost different amounts because of their shape, roof, glazing, finishes and foundations. Smart design can make your budget go further through efficient layouts, well-chosen materials and considered specifications. See our pricing page to find out more about what affects the cost.Once we’ve seen your section and talked through your ideas, we can give you a realistic starting point for your budget. Get in touch to arrange a free site check and ballpark estimate.
Can you design a home to suit my budget?
Yes. Tell us your overall budget early, including land and other project costs, so we can design towards it. Efficient layouts, a considered building shape and well-chosen materials and specifications can help your money go further. We’ll discuss your priorities and explain the trade-offs as the design and pricing develop.
What are the first steps to building a new house?
Start with your budget, your ideas and a conversation with your local Sentinel team. These five steps will help you get underway:1. Set a comfortable budget. Talk with your bank or mortgage adviser about what you may be able to borrow, allowing for land and the full project cost.2. Think about how you want to live. Note your must-haves, collect a few ideas and consider where you’d like to build.3. Talk to your local Sentinel team. Bring your ideas, indicative budget and any land information. We’ll help you explore what’s possible.4. Check the section before you commit. If you don’t already own land, get in touch to arrange a free site check before buying. We can help identify issues that may affect design and cost.5. Explore design and pricing. We’ll discuss suitable options and preliminary costs, then explain the design work, investigations and approvals needed.
How long does it take from the first meeting to moving into a new home?
The time from your first meeting to moving in depends on your site, design and the approvals needed. Before construction, we assess the section, develop your design, confirm pricing and finance, and obtain the necessary council approvals.Your local Sentinel team will map out the full programme: site investigations, design and selections, pricing, finance, council approvals, construction and handover. The pre-construction stages can take several months or longer, depending on the site, design and approvals. Subdivision also involves services and titles and needs its own programme. Ask your local team for a realistic timeframe from enquiry to moving in; construction time alone does not cover the whole process.
Do you offer fixed-price building contracts?
Yes. Sentinel generally offers fixed-price contracts ‘from slab up’: once the foundations are poured, the price for the agreed remaining construction work is fixed, subject to the contract’s terms.Ground conditions can reveal work that could not be confirmed beforehand. We’ll explain the groundwork and foundation estimate, allowances and responsibilities before you commit.Client-requested changes, exclusions and other adjustments allowed by the contract can still affect the total price. We’ll take you through these details before signing.
Do you offer free site checks and ballpark pricing?
Yes. Get in touch to arrange a free site check and ballpark pricing, with no obligation. This gives you early guidance; a detailed feasibility study, specialist reports and final building quote come later. We’ll explain any paid investigations or design work before you commit.
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