Here’s some information to help you decide. For more information, please contact us
Step 1: Starting your ITI dream
The first step is to meet with our team, come to the factory where the magic happens. During this meeting we’ll discuss your design aspirations and show you various stages of production we may have going on in the factory. We want you to be as comfortable with us as we are with our builds. If you can’t come in person, we are happy to meet via video call, email or phone to address any questions.
Step 2: Build Deposit
Once you’re satisfied, the next step is the build deposit. This deposit is non-refundable. The payment ensures you are in the queue for your build. Once the deposit is received we’ll also book an appointment time with our design team in preparation for specifics for your build.
Step 3: Design and Planning meeting
This is where the magic happens.
We run through your design options and selections in detail. We typically allow 2 - 3 hours for this meeting.
Of course, we’ll discuss budget and timelines at a high level once we get a feel for your home. We’ll look at various selections of flooring, colours, kitchen options etc. You’ll have a blast!
Step 4: Build Proposal and Contract
After the design and planning meeting, we’ll email you our build proposal and contract to approve.
We use a traditional build contract which is easy to read and understand and if there are any questions, we are happy to provide clarification. We will include copies of our insurances and indemnities so you have piece of mind knowing you are making the right choice and are fully informed.
If we need to tweak the contract to suit your budget, this is the time to do so. We can offer solutions on alternative materials.
When satisfied, sign and return the contract to us, and you’re set to go! Keep in mind, that we generally only maintain costs in our proposal for 30 days. Not by choice - its just as long as our suppliers can. So, keep that in mind.
Step 5: Your build journey
We’re just as excited to share progress of your build as you are waiting for it. We have our own portal where we’ll regularly post photographs of your build.
While not necessary, we’d encourage you to come by the factory to see progress. We’ll invite you at several stages of the build process in particular:-
Visit 1: Internal linings fitted
Visit 2: External cladding fitted
Visit 3: Final inspection - generally 1 - 2 weeks out from final completion.
Step 6: Preparing for your new ITI
What you can do to prepare for the arrival of your Helix Iti Lifestyle Space …
We will send you an info pack with some recommendations on how to prepare your building platform. You may want to consider how to restrain your home in case of high winds - we are happy to provide guidance here.
Speak with your local council about their rules and regulations (if you haven’t already).
Find a transport company with suitable lifting and transportation experience. Ask them about their insurance and what that covers.
Talk with your insurers, about transit cover during transport & on-site cover.
Check your surroundings to ensure adequate room for delivery. This may mean pruning trees etc.
Think about what you are going to do with your storm water and sanitary waste and have a plan ready.
There is a lot of misinformation and in cases the councils are being blamed for preventing people building tiny homes. This is not true . Our experience is that councils are more than willing to guide you and offer advice. Our best advice is to speak with your council directly about their specific rules and regulations - each council can differ.
We predict regulation in this area will become better regulated, and we believe that it good for the industry and ultimately home owners. There are many people building homes that we feel would not meet the New Zealand Building Code and the Act and this needs to stop. Remember, just because a space may not require consent, it still must comply with the Building Act.
As designers it is our duty to design to the building code and its regulations, as builders, it’s our responsibility to ensure that this is achieved.
Rules and Regulations
Installment 1
45%. This is used to order our preliminary materials such as trailer, joinery and building materials. Usually due 8 weeks prior to build starting date. By purchasing materials early we are able to guarantee material costs (within 30 days of our quote). If we are able to commence your build earlier, then we can discuss a payment schedule which works for us both.
Deposit
To secure your build spot, we require a $8,000 (incl. GST) non-refundable deposit
Payment Schedule for Tiny Homes
Installment 2
25% is due when your build has exterior cladding fitted and we have roughed in your plumbing and electrics internally. (Approximately 3 weeks into the build).
Installment 3
20% is due when your build has reached the internal fit-out stage. (Approximately 6 weeks into the build). At this stage of the build.
Variations
Should you wish to make changes to your home which result in a variation to the contract, we will cost this and provide a price variation. If you want us to proceed with that change we ask that that cost is paid prior to making the change.
*** Please enquire about our payment terms for ITI Pods, these differ from the payment terms above. Generally speaking we’ll require a non-refundable deposit to secure the spot 10%, a further 60% when the build starts to secure materials, the balance 30% one week prior to completion.
Installment 4
10% balance remaining of the quoted price. This must be paid in full prior to your tiny house leaving our factory. (Approximately 1 week before delivery).
What happens if I am not ready to collect my ITI when it is ready?
First, don’t Panic. We know this happens from time to time. We can store your ITI in our factory until you are ready to collect or arrange delivery. We charge $250 per week for storage. Our factory is enclosed, alarmed and monitored but you’ll need to arrange your own insurance while in our factory.