Building a home in New Zealand can feel like a huge job. There are plans to choose, builders to find, and a lot of money to plan for. Many people look for a simpler way to start, and one name that comes up often is Coast to Coast Homes (sometimes searched as “CoasttoCoastHome”).
Who Is Coast to Coast Homes?
Coast to Coast Homes is a New Zealand company that supplies kitset homes, transportable homes, and house and land packages. Their website says they offer affordable, modern homes made from quality materials.
They say they supply both standard and custom kitset homes across New Zealand. You can use one of their plans as it is, or change it to fit your needs. They also offer a custom design service if you have your own ideas.
An ArchiPro profile for the company gives a bit more background. It says the company is a design and build business that works with the Lockwood Group, a well-known New Zealand building system. It also says they have been building since 2014 and that their homes come with a 10 year building warranty from Builtin Insurance. This profile text comes from the company’s own listing, so it is a good idea to ask them to confirm warranty details before you sign anything.
One note about the name. Many other businesses use “Coast to Coast” in the US and other countries, such as home inspectors and air conditioning companies. This article is only about the New Zealand home builder.
What Is a Kitset Home?
Before we go further, let’s explain the word “kitset”. A kitset home is like a very big kit. ASB Bank describes it as a home where the main parts, like the frame, are made in a factory. Then they are delivered to your land and put together there.
This is different from a transportable home, which is built in a factory and moved to your land in one piece. ASB calls these “prefab” homes. They are made off site, driven to your section, and connected to services like water and power.
ASB also says that both options can often be finished faster than normal building. It also warns that you may have fewer ways to add your own personal touches, and that you should plan for extra costs. That is useful advice for any home project.
The Three Home Types You Can Choose
Coast to Coast Homes sells three main types of home. Let’s look at each one.
1. Kitset Homes
The company calls kitset homes its most cost effective option. You can work with a local builder, or build parts of it yourself if you have the skills.
Here is what their website says you get:
- All major materials are included.
- You get full plans to give to your builder.
- The plans can be customised.
- Materials come from well-known New Zealand brands such as Fairview, Englefield, GIB, and Roofing Industries.
The website lists about 37 plans. They go from small two bedroom homes to large four bedroom homes with double garages. Here are a few examples, with the prices shown on the site:
| Plan | Size | Bedrooms | Price on website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | 62m² | 2 | $98,990 |
| Rahu | 74m² | 2 | $109,990 |
| Birchfield | 99m² | 3 | $128,990 |
| Kawatiri | 148m² | 3 | $167,990 |
| Fairdown | 164m² | 4 | $188,990 |
| Rochford | 216m² | 3 | $199,990 |
So the lowest kitset price we saw was $98,990 and the highest was $199,990.
2. Transportable Homes
A transportable home arrives fully finished. The company says you only need to connect it to services and then you can move in. This makes it a good choice for places where it is hard to find tradespeople. It is also helpful for land that is far from big towns.
Their website lists nine transportable plans. Some examples:
| Plan | Size | Bedrooms | Price on website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | 62m² | 2 | $209,990 |
| Buller | 79m² | 2 | $259,990 |
| Haast | 98m² | 3 | $308,990 |
| Rapahoe | 120m² | 3 | $379,990 |
You may notice that some plan names, like Fox and Haast, appear in both the kitset and transportable lists. The kitset version costs less, but it does not include the factory building work, so the two prices are not a fair side by side comparison. We explain why in the cost section below.
3. House and Land Packages
With a house and land package, you buy the home and the section together. The company says this can make it easier to get a loan, because the bank knows the full cost of your new home.
At the time we checked, the site showed three packages:
- A 2 bedroom home in Westport for $375,000 (73m² house on a 190m² section).
- A 2 bedroom home in Westport for $399,000 (67m² house on a 199m² section).
- A 3 bedroom home in Christchurch for $950,000 (163m² house on a 360m² section).
Packages change over time, so check the website for what is available now.
How the Building Process Works
One thing we like is that the company shows each step on its website. That helps you know what to expect.
Kitset Process
- Find your section (your piece of land).
- Pick a plan and options. You can change the plan if you need to.
- Get a quote.
- Sign the kitset contract and make the first payment.
- The plans are drawn up and sent to your council.
- You get council approved plans.
- Materials start to arrive.
- The build begins.
- More materials arrive when needed.
- The build is finished.
- You get a code of compliance from the council.
- You move in.
Transportable Process
For a transportable home, the first steps are the same. After you sign the contract, the building consent is sent to the council. Once it is approved, the house is built in a factory. While that happens, piles and bearers (the base that holds up the house) are built on your section. The house is then driven to your land by truck and lowered onto the piles. Services are connected, and the council gives a code of compliance.
House and Land Process
For packages, you choose a package, decide if you want changes, and work with their designer. Then you go over the contract and specs and sign. After the building consent work, the build starts. At the end, you do a final walk-through, fix any small things, and receive the keys.
What Do Customers Say?
We found only a small amount of public feedback, so we want to be honest about that.
On ArchiPro, one customer said their kitset home is roomy and modern, and that it copes well with a harsh coastal environment. On the company’s own website, another customer said the team gave excellent service and found solutions easily, which made building simple.
These are positive comments, but two reviews are not enough to judge a company. Before you decide, we suggest you do your own checking. Ask the company for names of past clients you can call. Visit a finished home if you can. Also read what your local council and a lawyer say about any contract.
What Are the Good Points?
Based on the public information, here are the main strengths.
Clear prices. Many builders do not show prices online. Coast to Coast Homes lists a price for each plan, which makes early planning easier.
A choice of home types. You can pick a low cost kitset, a ready-made transportable home, or a full package with land.
Plans you can change. The company says all plans can be customised, and that their designers can help.
A clear process. The step by step lists help you see what comes next.
Known brands. They say they use New Zealand brands for key materials.
Good for remote land. Transportable homes can help if you live far from builders.
What Should You Be Careful About?
No option is perfect, so here are some things to think about.
The price is not the final cost. This is the most important point. A kitset price covers the kit. It does not appear to include things like land, the foundation, your builder’s work, driveways, or connecting power and water. The website does not list all of these items, so ask the company exactly what is and is not included. ASB gives the same advice and says to allow extra money for costs that go over budget or are not included.
You still need a builder. With a kitset home, you work with a local builder or build it yourself. In New Zealand, some building work must be done by licensed people, so check the rules with your council.
Fewer personal touches. As with most kitset and prefab homes, you may have less room to change small details than with a fully custom home. The company says plans can be customised, but extra changes can add cost.
Transport limits. A transportable home has to travel by truck. The company says custom plans must stay within transport limits, so very wide or large designs may not work.
Prices can change. The prices in this article come from the company’s website at the time of writing. Building costs move over time, so always ask for a current written quote.
Tips Before You Choose
Here are some friendly, simple steps to help you.
- Start with your budget. Talk to your bank before you buy land or sign a contract. ASB suggests this too.
- Ask what is included. Make a list of every cost, from the foundation to the final inspection.
- Compare more than one company. Get at least two or three quotes for similar homes.
- Check the warranty. Ask for the warranty papers in writing and read them carefully.
- Talk to your council. Rules for building depend on where you live, so check what your area needs.
- Add a safety buffer. Many people keep extra money aside, because building projects often cost more than planned.
- Get advice. A lawyer can read your contract, and a good builder can check the plans.
Final Thoughts
Coast to Coast Homes offers a simple way into home building in New Zealand. Their kitset homes look like a low cost starting point, their transportable homes help with hard-to-reach land, and their packages can make loans easier. The clear prices and step by step process are helpful for first-time builders.
But the best choice depends on your land, your budget, and how much of the work you want to manage. Ask a lot of questions, compare quotes, and read every contract carefully. If you do that, you will be in a much better place to make a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kitset home?
A kitset home is a home where the main parts, such as the frame, are made in a factory and then sent to your land. A builder puts the parts together on site. It is a bit like building a very large kit. Many people like this option because it can cost less and may be quicker than a normal build.
How much does a Coast to Coast Homes kitset home cost?
On their website, kitset plans range from about $98,990 for a small 62m² two bedroom home to about $199,990 for a large 216m² home. Please remember that this is the price of the kitset only. You will also need to pay for land, foundations, building work, and other costs. Ask the company for a full written quote.
Does Coast to Coast Homes offer a warranty?
An ArchiPro company profile says their homes come with a 10 year building warranty from Builtin Insurance. Because this comes from a business listing, you should ask the company to show you the warranty papers and explain what is covered before you sign a contract.
