It’s only natural to have questions when you’re making a big investment in a new home or commercial build. You deserve the confidence that you’re in safe, experienced hands. Below are some of the questions we’re asked most often, to help give you clarity, peace of mind, and a better understanding of what it’s like to build with HB Homes & Commercial.
Common Questions
Yes, we would love to show you around. Please make sure to make an appointment with us prior. When you meet us at 1139 Maraekakaho Road, Hastings you can ask us all of your home building and house design questions. We will be able to show you our designs as well as buildings that are currently under construction. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. Weekends by appointment only.
We have a range of standard floor plans that can be modified to ensure you get the home that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Yes, you can design your own plan with our designer, which is an exciting process to go through. Please note that this can add an additional two to three months to the process.
Yes, we transport throughout the North Island and have shipped houses to the South Island.
Yes, we can provide you with multiple solutions for projects such as police stations, offices, RSE facilities, MOE approved class rooms, farm accommodation, and medical centres.
Pre-fabricated commercial builds have the advantage of reducing building time frames for projects as we don’t have any weather delays, our builds have higher quality control as well as reduce on-site disruptions.
Building Process
Most of our transportable homes are completed within 12–16 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the design. This streamlined off-site construction process allows us to deliver your home much faster than traditional on-site building methods.
Yes, we will deal with the councils on your behalf. Our buildings come with a Building Consent and Code Compliance Certificate.
Off-site construction offers many advantages. Building in a controlled factory environment allows for faster build times, higher quality control, and reduced costs, while minimising disruptions on-site and avoiding delays due to weather. It also creates a more sustainable, streamlined construction process, reducing waste and helping us deliver a home that’s built to last.
Yes, we provide a turnkey solution, managing every stage of your project from design and consents through to delivery and installation. Our goal is to make the process seamless, so you can move into your new home or commercial space with confidence and ease.
Sustainability & Quality
Yes, our homes are designed to be transported and craned into place, so they are built with strength and durability in mind. This often makes them more robust than conventional buildings. High-quality materials and construction methods mean the home will last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Our homes are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, which significantly reduces material waste, energy use, and site disruption. Unlike traditional building methods, where weather delays and inefficiencies often increase costs and waste, prefab uses precise design and manufacturing to create efficient, high-performing homes. This results in a smaller carbon footprint, less disruption to the land, and a healthier home to live in.
Off-site manufactured homes are designed with energy performance in mind from the very start. Factory-built modules allow for better insulation, reduced thermal bridging, and airtight construction. Many designs also integrate passive solar orientation and natural ventilation. We also offer solar options, such as:
- Solar power systems (PV panels) for generating electricity
- Solar hot water systems to reduce energy use for heating water
- Battery storage to increase independence and resilience
- These solutions lower running costs, reduce reliance on the grid, and improve the long-term sustainability of your home.
Sustainability isn’t just about how a home is built, it’s about how it performs over its lifetime. Our homes are designed for efficiency and low running costs, which means less energy use and lower carbon emissions.
Support & Aftercare
We are a member of New Zealand Certified Builders and can offer you the NZCB Halo 10-year residential guarantee. This allows you to build with peace of mind.
Our support continues long after you’ve moved in. We offer friendly, comprehensive aftercare to answer any questions, help with maintenance, or support any future needs. Our team is always just a call away.
In the unlikely event you notice any issues with your home, our team is here to help. We provide prompt and efficient support to resolve defects and ensure your home meets the high standards you expect - keeping you confident and satisfied long after handover.
Finance
We work closely with Westpac, who offer home loan options for the construction of prefabricated homes and are familiar with our business and processes. We’re happy to connect you with their team, or we can work alongside you to explore other financing options that suit your needs.
The cost of a transportable home depends on the size, design, and level of customisation you choose. We offer transparent, fixed turnkey pricing right from the start, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden surprises. You can view pricing for our standard designs on each model page, and we’re happy to discuss options to suit your budget and needs. Please do get in touch with the team if you are after a Bespoke solution.
A 10% deposit is required when signing your building contract. Progress payments are then scheduled according to the stages of work completed throughout the construction process. We’re happy to work with you to create a payment plan that suits your needs.
Some additional costs may include site preparation, geotechnical reports, transport and piling and service connections such as plumbing and electrical. Extras like decks, driveways, or landscaping can also add to the budget. We provide a comprehensive estimate upfront, so you have full clarity and can plan your project with confidence.
Checklist
Building a new home is exciting! Here are some key things to start thinking about as you begin the process.
Do you already own land, or are you still on the hunt for the perfect site? For transportable homes, site access is key. It’s also worth considering proximity to services (if any are in place already) such as water, power, and sewage connections, as these will influence site preparation and costs.
A geotechnical report helps identify soil type, drainage, and ground stability. These factors determine foundation requirements and can influence timelines and budgets. Having this sorted early avoids unexpected surprises later on.
Every family has different priorities. Think about the features that matter most to you: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, open-plan living, budget, or a design that allows for future growth. Clarifying your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves” helps guide the design process.
When do you want to move in? Your ideal timeframe should take into account build time (typically 12–16 weeks for our transportable homes), council consents, and any site preparation such as earthworks. We are here to help guiding you through all these steps.
We offer both flexible standard plans and bespoke options. Some people are happy with a tried-and-true design, while others have a specific layout in mind. Thinking ahead about customisation and future-proofing ensures your new home works for you now and in the years to come.
Visit Our Show Home
There’s nothing like experiencing a home in person. Come visit our Show Home in Hawke’s Bay to see the quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail for yourself and imagine how your own space could come to life.
