Our Projects - Renovations + New Builds

20/08/2026

If you've never heard of "contract works insurance," you're not alone – it rarely comes up until it's already a clause in your contract.

Here's the short version: public liability insurance is your builder's cover, for if they cause damage to your property. Contract works insurance covers the build itself – materials, fire, storm, theft – while the work's underway. For a renovation, arranging that cover is often down to you, not your builder. Worth five minutes with your insurer before work starts.

Learn more at: https://www.ourprojects.co.nz/articles/what-is-contract-works-insurance-nz

If you've never heard the term "contract works insurance" before, you're not alone.

17/08/2026

Meet the Kererū – a three-bedroom home we built on a long, narrow site in Waihi. Rather than fighting that shape, the design leans into it: open-plan kitchen and living, a covered deck tied into the main living area, and a walk-in scullery that keeps small appliances off the bench.

This one was finished in brick and board and batten for a cottage feel – but like all our plans, it's a starting point. Change the materials, tweak the layout, make it yours.

To view the floorplan and more details, visit: https://www.ourprojects.co.nz/plan/kereru

13/08/2026

You've probably seen the stories – a homeowner pays a deposit, the builder stops answering the phone, and the job never gets finished. Most of the warning signs actually show up early, before you've signed anything or handed over a cent.

We've put together what to check first: written contracts (even under $30k), disclosure statements, deposit size, and how to confirm a builder's actually licensed for the work involved.

Learn more at: https://www.ourprojects.co.nz/articles/how-to-choose-a-trustworthy-builder-nz

You've probably seen the stories. A homeowner pays a deposit, work stalls, the builder stops answering calls, and the money's gone along with months of their life.

10/08/2026

We’ve just added six new plans to our website – Hihi, Huia, Kererū, Korimako, Toutouwai, and Tūī XL. Between them they cover a lot of ground: a 25m² sleepout, three- and four-bedroom family homes, sites that slope, sites with height restrictions, sites that are long and narrow.

Every one of them is a starting point, not a fixed product – tailored to your site, your goals, and your budget. Swipe through for a first look, and keep an eye out over the next few weeks as we go through each one in more detail.



https://www.ourprojects.co.nz/house-plans

02/08/2026

Happy Birthday to our co-founder and Operations Manager, Ryan! 🎉

The man who keeps the wheels turning, solves problems and loves a standing desk… and somehow still insists on supporting the Sydney Roosters. We can’t all be perfect. 😉

Ryan has been a huge part of building Our Projects into what it is today. His calm approach and commitment to doing things properly are a big part of what our clients and team value every day.

We hope you have a fantastic birthday, Ryan. Just don’t expect too many birthday presents from the Warriors supporters around here! 🎂🍻

Happy Birthday from all of us at Our Projects!

31/07/2026

Sophie, Simon, and now their young child have a home built around exactly where they are in life – close to family, with room to grow, and nothing left to fix or finish. There's something pretty satisfying about handing over a brand-new home that's just ready to live in.

More photos and the full story of the Takahē New Build at ourprojects.co.nz/projects

23/07/2026

Not every part of a build makes it onto socials, but this one's worth knowing about. With building performance requirements shifting – external wall framing moving from 90mm to 140mm – we planned ahead and used Firth's HotEdge slab insulation to close off the cold spot where slab meets wall. Small detail, big difference to how warm and dry the home stays.

More photos and the full story of the Takahē New Build at ourprojects.co.nz/projects

14/07/2026

The standout of this build, hands down. A skillion roof lifts the ceiling and floods the space with light, oak joinery runs through the kitchen, a butler's pantry sits tucked just off to the side, and a freestanding wood burner keeps things cosy through the colder Waikato months. Designed by The Architecture People as part of our Takahē plan – we brought it to life on site.

More photos and the full story at ourprojects.co.nz/projects

07/07/2026

This one's a bit special to us. The Takahē build in Ngāhinapōuri was the project that brought Our Projects properly into the Waikato – Simon's part of our team, and when he and his partner Sophie decided to build, it was the perfect chance to extend south to a region we already had deep ties to. Their site came through a transferable title arrangement with Sophie's parents, who own a lifestyle block nearby – meaning the couple could put down roots close to family, on land that suited exactly what they had in mind.

More photos and the full story at ourprojects.co.nz/projects

29/06/2026

Sneak peek of a new home build we've added to our portfolio, based in the Waikato.

Full story drops in tomorrow's newsletter - not signed up yet? Sign up here: https://www.ourprojects.co.nz/about/newsletter