Frequently asked questions
Is Compare Auckland Builds free for homeowners?
Yes. Homeowners will never pay to post a job or compare quotes. Builders pay for optional extras such as featured listings and lead access. Today this site is a demo and nothing is charged.
Is this site live? Can I really get quotes?
Not yet. This is a working demo of a planned Auckland directory. The quote form and the leads board use example data and send nothing. The builders shown are unclaimed sample listings.
Who are the builders listed?
Nine real Auckland builders are shown as unclaimed sample listings to illustrate how the directory will look. They have not paid, claimed or approved their listing. Ratings are dated third-party snapshots, and licence, NZBN and insurance are shown as not checked.
How will builders be ranked?
Search results sort by a rating and review snapshot you can change. Paid placements are labelled Sponsored, and bids decide access to leads, never where a builder appears in your quote comparison.
How do I check a builder is licensed?
Search the Building Practitioners (LBP) public register for licensed building practitioners, and check the company on the New Zealand Business Number register. Ask for current public liability insurance and for a written contract. See the About page for links.
Do I need building consent for a deck, bathroom, roof or carport?
It depends. A deck with no fall over 1.5 m often needs no building consent. Like-for-like fixture swaps in a bathroom or kitchen often need none, but a new tiled shower or added fixture can. Comparable roof replacement in the same position is often exempt. A ground-level carport up to 20 m2 can be exempt. Always confirm with Auckland Council. See the consent guide.
How much does a renovation or new build cost in Auckland?
The price guide gives illustrative placeholder ranges only, not quotes. Real prices depend on scope, site, design and materials. Get at least three itemised quotes.
Why three quotes?
Three itemised quotes make differences in scope, price and timing visible, and help you spot an outlier that is too cheap or too expensive.
Which Auckland suburbs are covered?
The demo has pages for Ponsonby, Grey Lynn, Remuera, Albany, Glenfield, Pakuranga, Papakura and Glen Eden. The live site is planned to cover all of Auckland.
What are register flags?
In the planned live site, a flag shows a fact from an official public register, such as a removed licence, with the source and date checked and a right of reply for the business. No flag is applied to any real business in this demo.
Where do ratings come from?
From dated snapshots of Google Maps data, top5.nz or a business's own website, always attributed. Ratings are not verified by us and may be out of date. The live site is planned to fetch Google ratings live with attribution rather than store them.
Is anything here legal or building advice?
No. It is general information only. Check requirements with Auckland Council, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (building.govt.nz) and a qualified professional.