Home Categories Judging Entry requirements Create/manage entries Contact us

How judging works

  • All judging is based on a visual inspection only, for the purposes of the House of the Year competition.
  • Judging does not assess the home for compliance, value, or any purpose outside the competition.

Who attends the judging

  • The person who was in charge of the build on site must be present at judging.
  • A sales representative alone is not sufficient, as judges may ask technical questions.

Judging schedule

  • You must make the property available during the nominated judging period.
  • Judging times will only be rescheduled in significant circumstances, and this is at the discretion of the National Management Committee.

Regional and national judging

  • If your home is selected as a Top 100 finalist, it will be rejudged by the national judging team.
  • Regional judging scores are not carried through to the National Competition.
  • Multi Unit and Mixed Development categories do not go through national rejudging.

Categories and eligibility

  • Before judging begins, scrutineers will confirm that your entry is in the correct category.
  • Judges and scrutineers may:
    • Move an entry to a different category, or
    • Disqualify an entry if it has been entered incorrectly.
    You will be notified if any category change or disqualification occurs.

Directions to site

  • You must provide a map or clear directions to the property to assist judges in finding the site.

Judge decisions and feedback

  • All judges’ and scrutineers’ decisions are final.
  • Judges are not able to provide direct feedback on judging or results.
  • Entrants and homeowners must not contact judges, including at Regional or National Awards events.
  • Contacting judges for feedback may result in disqualification or affect future entries.

What the judges look for

Each category has its own judging criteria to reflect the different types of homes and projects in the competition. These criteria explain what the judges are looking for and how entries are assessed. We recommend reviewing the criteria for your category carefully so you understand how your project will be judged and can prepare accordingly.

Judging criteria for New Home categories and Builder's Own Home Judging criteria for GIB Show Home Judging criteria for Renovation categories Judging criteria for Multi Unit and Mixed Development categories Judging criteria for Lifestyle Awards

Awards

Top 100 explained

The Top 100 recognises the best renovations and new builds in New Zealand and marks the transition from the regional competition to the House of the Year National Competition. Being named a Top 100 finalist is a major achievement and something to celebrate.

After regional judging is complete, entrants will be advised whether their project has been selected for the Top 100.

How the Top 100 is decided

  1. All Gold Award entries from across the country are grouped by category.
  2. The top three highest-scoring entries in each category nationwide automatically qualify for the Top 100.
  3. The remaining Gold Award entries are then pooled together, and the highest-scoring projects overall, regardless of category, fill the remaining Top 100 places.

Top 100 Finalist Fees

Builders who choose to continue in the National Top 100 competition are required to pay a Top 100 Finalist Fee. This fee contributes to the costs of national judging and the National Awards Gala, and includes two complimentary tickets to attend the event. A scaled fee applies for 2nd and 3rd Top 100 entries by the same builder, and any entries beyond three do not incur an additional fee.

1st entry in the Top 100 $715+GST
2nd entry in the Top 100 $350 +GST
3rd entry in the Top 100 $350 +GST
4th+ entry in the Top 100 Free

Top 100 - FAQs


Most Top 100 homes are rejudged by the national judging panel to determine one national winner per category.

Multi Unit and Mixed Development categories do not undergo national rejudging.

 

National judging typically occurs between August and October.

 

The Top 100 fee is $715 + GST.

This includes:

  • Two complimentary tickets to the National Awards Gala.

Multiple entries (same builder):

  • Second and third Top 100 entries: $350 + GST each
  • Any entries beyond three do not incur a fee

 

Some entrants choose not to proceed to the National Competition for various reasons. If you have concerns, please contact the House of the Year team — we may be able to help.

If you withdraw:

  • You retain your Top 100 status
  • Withdrawn entries are not replaced by the next highest-scoring projects

Important:
There is a two-week window after the Top 100 announcement to withdraw without being charged the Top 100 fee.

 

No. Regional scores are not used in the National Competition. National judging is conducted by a new judging panel.

 

When compared nationally, your entry was not among the top three highest-scoring projects in that category across the country.

 

When results were compared nationally, your entry either:

  • Placed in the top three in your category nationwide, or
  • Ranked among the highest-scoring entries overall after category qualifiers were confirmed.

 

Tips for Top 100 Finalists

  • Tell your homeowner- Celebrate the achievement and let them know the home will be judged again, typically between August and October.
  • Revisit the property- There may be several months between regional and national judging - allow time for touch-ups and maintenance.
  • Check compliance- Be aware of any homeowner changes that could affect compliance (for example, removed handrails or pool fencing).
  • Ask questions early- The House of the Year team is here to support you through the national stage.