How we work
A clear, personal process designed to keep you informed, involved, and confident that every detail of your build is being taken care of.

A clear, personal process designed to keep you informed, involved, and confident that every detail of your build is being taken care of.

Our approach: A partnership from start to finish
Building a new home is one of the biggest decisions you can make, and we believe it should be one of the most rewarding. From the moment we first meet to the day you get your keys, you'll have a dedicated consultant by your side, guiding every step.
You stay involved throughout the process, making the decisions that matter and watching your home take shape. We handle the details so you can enjoy the journey.
Our process
A clear, step-by-step home building journey, from start to finish
Step 1: Getting to know you
Every build starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision, your lifestyle, and your budget, talking through your must-haves, your wish list, and any site details so we have everything we need to get started.
Step 2: Choosing your design
We'll guide you through your options, whether that's a house and land package, a customisable house plan, or a fully bespoke design. Not sure which approach is right for you? We'll walk you through the pros and cons of each and, once you're ready, our designer will work with you to develop your plans.
Step 3: Estimate and proposal
With your plans in place, we prepare a clear, detailed proposal outlining costs, timelines, and everything that's included. No hidden surprises, just full transparency from the very start so you can plan your finances and enjoy the journey.
Step 4: Finalising your finishes
With your estimate agreed, your Sales Consultant will work with you to select your materials and finishes at your own pace. If there's too much choice, we'll provide expert advice to point you in the right direction and take the pressure off the decision-making.
Step 5: Detailed quotation
Once your selections are confirmed, we provide a final, accurate quote based on exact measurements, selected materials, and the agreed scope of work, so you can move forward with complete confidence.
Step 6: Approvals and consents
Whether you’re subdividing property or building in a rural, urban or suburban area, the consents required will vary from council to council. We’re well-versed in building consent applications in Canterbury and Marlborough and will prepare and submit on your behalf to keep you focused on the bigger picture.
Step 7: Pre-build preparation
Before construction begins, you'll visit our trusted suppliers to view and approve your selections. We then confirm your build schedule, lock in the materials, and make sure everything is in place for a smooth, well-managed build from day one.
Step 8: Building your home
This is where your vision starts to come to life. We manage scheduling, contractors, and construction from start to finish, keeping you informed and involved with regular updates, progress photos and site visits throughout.
Step 9: Handover and beyond
The day you've been waiting for. We carry out a thorough quality check and walk you through your new home before handing over the keys. We have a 90-day maintenance period where you can call on us to fix anything that doesn’t feel quite right.
Our commitment to you doesn't stop there. We’re always at the end of the phone to help keep you happy in your new home.
Testimonials
Spread
the word
So many of our clients come back to build with us again, and many bring their friends and family along with them. That kind of trust means everything to us, and it's the greatest compliment we can receive.
If you know someone who's thinking about building, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out more about our referral opportunities.
Talk to us about referralsYour questions, answered.
Can you design a completely custom home for us?
We’d love to! Our team of fully qualified, in-house architectural designers will work with you to create a home that's completely unique to you, your section, and your lifestyle. We're flexible at every stage of the design process, so if you want to make changes along the way, we'll make it happen.
Learn more about Design & BuildCan we make changes to your house plans
Definitely. We're flexible at every stage of the design process and will work with you to tailor your plans to suit your needs, your lifestyle, and your section. Every home we build is unique and made especially for the people who will live in it.
Explore our house plansWill you help us choose a section?
Absolutely. In fact, we'd encourage you to get in touch before you've made any decisions. We can advise you on which sections work well for sun, site access, and the size and style of home you're hoping to build, so you can make the right choice with confidence.
Do you offer a fixed price contract?
Yes, once the design stage is complete and you're happy with every detail, we'll draw up a fixed price contract so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises, just full transparency from start to finish.
Who applies for building consents?
That’s us! Our designers will prepare and submit your building consent and any resource consent on your behalf, so you can focus on the exciting parts of your build while we take care of the paperwork.
Is there a guarantee on my new home?
Absolutely. As a Registered Master Builder, we offer a 10 year Master Build Guarantee on every home we build. This covers loss of deposit, non-completion, and structural, material, and workmanship defects, giving you complete peace of mind from the moment you sign your contract.
What financing options are available to help us into our new home?
There are a couple of useful schemes worth exploring, depending on your situation. If you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for more than three years, you may be able to withdraw a portion of your savings towards your new home. Your KiwiSaver provider will be able to walk you through the process.
If you're a first home buyer, a First Home Loan could also be an option worth considering. Offered through selected banks and lenders, and underwritten by Kāinga Ora, it allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit. Income thresholds and eligibility criteria apply, so we'd recommend visiting the Kāinga Ora website for full details.
Our team is happy to talk through your options and point you in the right direction from your very first conversation with us.

Ready to talk through your plans or want to learn more about building with Peter Ray Homes? Our team is here to help. Let’s bring your dream home to life.
Get in touch with our team