Frequently Asked Questions.

Every project is different, but a standard custom home typically takes between 6 and 9 months from the first slab pour. During the Discovery Session, we'll give you a detailed project timeline based on your specific build.

Not at all. Our Discovery Session is specifically designed to help you create them. Ben manages a team of trusted local designers to get your vision on paper. If you already have plans, we're happy to work from those.

Yes. Discovery Homes is a full design and build company. One accountable team handles every stage of your project, from the first design conversation through plans, building consents, construction and handover. The benefit for you is a single point of responsibility, no gap between the architect and the builder, and a fixed-price build contract agreed before construction starts. The whole journey begins with our Discovery Session.

The fee covers Ben's professional time and all external costs associated with setting your project up: design coordination, initial plans, and the building consent process. You receive a complete, portable package with a fixed price for the build attached.

No. Discovery Homes is 100% locally owned and operated in Marlborough. There are no franchise fees, no head office, and no middlemen. You get direct access to Ben and the team throughout your build.

Renovation costs vary significantly depending on the scope of work, the condition of the existing structure, and your specifications. The best way to get an accurate picture is through the Discovery Session, where we assess your project properly and provide a fixed price.

Yes. We regularly work across the wider Marlborough region, including coastal and rural locations. If you're building or renovating in the Sounds, talk to us early. There are specific site, access, and consent considerations worth understanding upfront.

A Registered Master Builder has been independently assessed and accepted into the Master Builders Association based on their experience, qualifications, and quality of work. The key benefit for you is the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee: a formal guarantee backed by the association, not just a builder's word. All eligible Discovery Homes builds come with this guarantee.

It depends on the scope. Minor cosmetic changes generally don't require consent, but anything involving structural work, plumbing, drainage, or changes to the building's exterior usually will. We'll advise you clearly during the Discovery Session so there are no surprises.