Project builder - value for money

we are in the planning stage and want to knock down and build a duplex. A limited budget means we can't go with custom or boutique builders but want to choose the best out of the volume builders.

My pick is as good as the representation of the sales team. Going through the forum for all duplex builders but most of the reviews are from pre covid era so can't rely on them 100%.

The current picks are Masterton and Meridian. Any other builder to consider? Are there any good or bad reviews for the two suggested builders? Aiming to get at least three quotes.

I want to build one side of the duplex with a custom design and the other would be a standard pick.
If there are any good and value for money custom builders then happy to consider them.

you either have budget for custom or you dont. Dont pick based on sales (miss)representations. Product review should be a good place to start for reviews of builders.

Thanks, I am going through it as well.

As a tradesmen get a private inspector although I don't think there worth it in their profession themselves the reminder they serve to the tradesmen doing the work is worth it - don't grt to bafooned on the countless of items they may pick