KDH News - Sept 2026
BUILD NOW OR WAIT?
With the OCR increases and the 2026 General Election coming up, it’s easy to understand why some people might be thinking, “...let's wait to build?”
While it may seem like the "safe" option, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best outcome. While you may be hoping for lower interest rates in the future, construction costs could continue to rise in the meantime. The right decision isn't about trying to perfectly time the market, it's about looking at the total cost, your financial position, and the value of getting into your new home sooner. Historically, construction costs have trended upwards on an average of 4% annually.
So, the question isn’t just “What will interest rates do?” — it’s also “What will it cost me to build the same home 12 months from now?”
If you already know you want to build, getting your plans underway now can have some real advantages:
Lock in your project sooner — The earlier you get your design, pricing and build underway, the less exposure you have to future cost increases.
Construction costs trend upwards — Delaying can mean facing a higher construction price later.
You’re investing in the long term — A new home isn't a short-term decision. If you're planning to live in it for 10+ years, trying to perfectly time a few months of economic uncertainty may be less important than creating the right home for your future.
Build smarter, not just bigger — A new home can be designed around energy efficiency, insulation, heating, and orientation. That can mean a more comfortable and efficient home with lower running and maintenance costs.
You control what you’re getting — Instead of buying an existing home and potentially spending money renovating, repairing or upgrading it, building allows you to put your money into the home you actually want from day one. New build warranties also cover you for a period of time.
And remember, the election will come and go. Interest rates will rise and fall. Markets will change. But if building your new home is already part of your long-term plan, waiting for the “perfect” economic conditions could simply mean paying more later for the same dream.
Sometimes the smartest time to build isn’t when everything feels certain, it’s when you’ve done your homework, have a solid plan, and are ready to make a long-term investment in your future.
MUM'S NEW VIEW
These beautiful rolling hills will be our clients view once her new 2 bed 80sqm granny flat is finished! Construction is now well underway on her family's Raglan property. It's also positioned right next to the kid's basketball court, so gran can ref their 1v1's and block any airballs coming her way.
FARMER NEEDS A NEW HOME
This Thames farm is in desperate need of a new home! The old cottage is getting the boot and a brand new 70sqm 2 bed transportable home will replace it. The farmers new home is currently under construction in our yard, set to hit the farm in January.
Lucky farmer won't know himself!
A RED BACH FOR RIVERSDALE
Our customers new home is shore to stand out in Riversdale beach with a red roof and cladding soon to match! Once completed it will take the transporter 2 nights to reach this beachside community. It's a long hike from Hamilton but one we have done many times before to this popular area.
MEET MARK THE SPARK!
Mark has been our main man for a long time. Way back in the dinosaur era, when he was a young buck starting out in his electrical apprenticeship, Mark worked at KDH for a number of years, under our main electrician at the time.
After a decade of perfecting his craft and working for others, Mark decided it was time to start his own company. He came back to where it all started and we were more than happy to take him on. Pretty quick he became our main electrician for all our work. Time sure does fly, because that was 14 years ago!
Today, Power Smart Electrical has grown into a team of five, including two apprentices, offering electrical services across residential, commercial and the private sector. The majority of his work comes from three main contracts, KDH being one, making up around 38% of his workload. We like to keep him busy.
When asked “What is the best part of working for KDH?”
He said “It's the people. It's nice working in the yard aswell but it's the people that make it a great place to work".
Nawww, shucks, Mark. We think so too!
Thanks for being part of the KDH whānau for all these years! and here’s to many more! For any electrical needs check out Power Smart Electrical online.
ANOTHER GRANNY FLAT SHIPS OUT!
This build is the first granny flat building consent exemption we’ve completed since the new law came into effect.
Obtaining the PIM was quick and easy and saved our customers around $7,000 in building consent fees across Waikato and Auckland councils.
Their new home is still built to the same building standard, with the same checks and requirements in place, just without the extra red tape.
With our clients choosing upgraded features such as a stone bench top, gas cooker, heatpump and vinyl plank flooring this home is set to make someone very happy and comfortable.
NEW CAMBRIDGE HOME COMPLETED
This modern 202sqm 3 bed brick home is completed and ready for tenants! Our clients purchased two sites next to each other, in this lovely subdivision, with plans to build on both. A quality investment, and starting from $2600 per sqm, why wouldn't you!
BRINGING IT HOME
George's son Kauri has come home a winner! With Gold and Silver medals won for NZ in the men's indoor netball tournament held in South Africa. What a superstar! That's him at the back 3rd from the left with the big smile on his face lol
Well done Kauri! We knew we were backing a winner!
GET REWARDS!
Did you know each year we gift out multiple Referral Rewards to customers who’ve referred friends and family to build with us?
Word of mouth is hands-down our preferred form of advertising, as we think it’s the most genuine way to grow. Plus, it gives us the warm fuzzies knowing our happy customers love sharing their KDH building experience with others.
IT'S A WIN-WIN, WE THINK!
