Builder and Renovator Website Profile in New Zealand

What a Websta profile should contain

Your profile page is where potential customers learn who you are and what you do. Start with a clear description of your trade - for example, whether you do renovation, new builds, carpentry, kitchens, bathrooms, extensions, or weathertightness work. Be specific about the types of projects you handle and the areas of New Zealand you service.

Add a services section that lists the main work you offer. This helps customers understand your scope and makes it easier for them to find you when they search for a specific job - say, kitchen renovation or roof repair.

Photos matter. Include images of completed projects if you have them. Show before-and-after shots where possible. If you do not yet have project photos, a photo of you and your workspace or tools is better than no image at all.

A contact form and quote request option let customers reach you without needing your phone number or email address in public. You can also set up online booking if you offer fixed-price services or consultations. For most builders and renovators in New Zealand, a quote request form works better than booking, since jobs vary widely.

• Services list - be specific about what you do
• Project photos - before-and-after shots work well
• Your location and service areas across New Zealand
• Quote request form or booking calendar

Languages to publish in

Publish your profile in English. This covers the vast majority of customers and business in New Zealand. If you speak Te Reo Maori or another language and want to reach specific communities, you can check whether Websta supports additional languages in your region, but English is the baseline.

How people in New Zealand search for builders and renovators

Customers in New Zealand typically search by service and location. On Websta's marketplace for construction, they filter by what they need - kitchen renovation, general carpentry, weathertightness work, bathroom fitting - and by town or region. They may also post a task describing their project and invite builders to make offers.

Most searches are local. Someone in Auckland looking for a bathroom renovation will search for builders in Auckland or nearby suburbs. A homeowner in Wellington will search Wellington. This means your profile should clearly state which areas you cover - whether that is your local town, a region, or multiple regions across New Zealand.

Customers also look at your photos and description to check whether you have done similar work before. A renovator who shows kitchen and bathroom work will attract those inquiries. A carpenter who displays custom joinery will attract different customers.

What to sort out before you start

Before setting up your profile, check your legal standing as a builder or renovator in New Zealand. The Building and Construction Industry Council maintains a register of licensed builders. Depending on the type and value of work you do, you may need to be licensed. Contact your local council or the Building and Construction Industry Council to confirm whether your trade requires a license.

If you trade as a sole proprietor, you will need an IRD number. If you run a company, check your company registration with the Companies Office. Make sure your business details are current.

Check your insurance. Public liability insurance is standard for builders and renovators working on other people's property. Confirm your coverage is adequate and current before you take on jobs through your profile.

Decide how you want to receive payments. Websta processes card payments through Stripe and pays out to your own bank account. Check that you have a New Zealand bank account set up to receive these payments, and that you understand Stripe's fees and payout schedule.

• Check whether your trade requires a builder's license
• Confirm your IRD number or company registration
• Verify your public liability insurance
• Set up or confirm your bank account for Stripe payouts

What to write in your first hour

You do not need everything perfect on day one. Start with the essentials. Write a short description of what you do - two or three sentences explaining your trade and the types of projects you handle. For example: 'I do residential renovations including kitchens, bathrooms, and general carpentry. I work in the Auckland area and take on projects from small repairs to full home renovations.'

List your main services - four to six bullet points covering the work you most often do. Keep it straightforward: 'Kitchen renovation', 'Bathroom fitting', 'Roof repair', 'Weathertightness work', and so on.

Add your location and service area. Be honest about which towns and regions you cover. If you work only in one area, say so. If you travel across New Zealand, say that too.

Upload one or two photos if you have them - a project photo or a photo of yourself. This takes just a few minutes and makes your profile feel more real to customers.

Set up your quote request form or booking calendar. This is usually a few clicks and requires minimal information from you.

Write a simple opening message that customers will see when they click to contact you. Keep it brief and professional: 'Hi, thanks for getting in touch. I'll respond to your quote request within one working day.' You can refine this later.

Growing your profile over time

After your first hour, you have a working profile. Over the following weeks and months, add more detail. Upload photos of completed projects as you finish them. Update your services list if you take on new types of work. Respond to quote requests promptly - fast replies help you win jobs.

Keep your location and service area up to date. If you expand to a new region, update your profile. If you stop servicing an area, remove it.

Ask satisfied customers if they are willing to be contacted as references. A few words from someone you have worked for can be powerful, though this is not a formal review system.