What Everyone Gets Wrong About Building a Home – Advice from Hedgley Corporation & Kian Clements-Ormond

You’ve heard the horror stories.

Builders ghosting halfway through.

Budgets blown to pieces.

Timelines slipping like sand through your fingers.

It feels like building a home is a gamble.

And honestly?

That fear is valid.

But here's the truth nobody tells you:

You can build your home exactly how you want it, without ever having to go through the horror stories. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the 3 most common mistakes people make when building their dream home in Christchurch (or anywhere)—insights directly from a seasoned home developer, Kian Clements-Ormond, who's run more than 101 successful projects. 

3 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Building Their Dream Home By Kian Clements-Ormond (Seasoned Home Developer)

1. Thinking "Cheapest" Means "Best Value"

The quote comes in.

It’s thousands less than the others.

You want to believe you just found a steal.

But nine times out of ten?

That price doesn’t include:

• Driveways

• Landscaping

• Building consents

• Upgraded finishes

• Hidden clauses that say "we can change the price whenever we want"

At Hedgley Corporation, we use a fixed-price contract, so you will know exactly what you’re paying for.

2. Starting Without a Roadmap

"Do we find land first? Choose a builder? Go to the bank? Where do we start?"

At Hedgley Corporation, we understand that this is the #1 stress trigger for first-time builders.

So here’s a clear and easy-to-understand roadmap:

1. Book a pressure-free consultation, and we’ll discuss what’s most important to you.

2. We’ll help you understand your land, loan, and lifestyle options

3. Lock in a design that fits your future vision

4. Get a fixed price on your home, without hidden costs.

5. Build it with no surprises

   
   

We handle the whole process and keep you updated every step of the way.

3. Working With a Builder You Can’t Reach

You should never wonder:

• “Have they even started yet?”

• “What stage are we in?”

• “Why aren’t they answering my calls?”

That’s not normal.

With Hedgley Corporation, you get a dedicated project manager who will consult you throughout the whole process, ensuring you're able to have input into the build.

How Caddy Built Her Dream Home (Without Losing Her Mind)

"When we were looking for a building company, we did a lot of research as we naturally wanted to make sure we align ourselves with a professional company that delivers what they say they will and that is sound. 

We took a leap of faith with Hedgley Corporation as they were relatively new and we have not been disappointed from start to finish. 

What we liked initially about Hedgley Corporation was their designs and vision for creating a house that was not your regular run-of-the-mill house. 

Hedgley Corporation, along with a fantastic builder, built us a stunning, quality home, which we are absolutely thrilled with. 

Their communication, follow-up and professionalism—especially from their Project Manager and founder, Kian Clements-Ormond—was brilliant throughout.

We highly recommend Hedgley Corporation."

How Lynn Briggs Built Her Dream Home (While Being Listened to and Respected)

“Hedgley Corporation built my house in Halswell, Christchurch, which I'm very pleased with, and I now have a lovely home. 

I was consulted throughout the journey which ensured I was able to have an input into the build, both externally and internally. 

Everyone I had any contact with, were both helpful and respectful and made every attempt to answer my queries and resolve any issues. 

I was away in Australia for most of the build and his ability to manage everything made an enormous difference for me.”

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