Is it hard to get a tradesperson in Tauranga?
It can be — the region has grown faster than the trades in it, and the honest constraint is the calendar. Putting your timing in the request means a business that cannot make it says so up front instead of going quiet.
How are architects' fees calculated?
Most commonly as a percentage of the build cost, sometimes hourly for early work, and occasionally a fixed fee for a defined stage. Ask which, and ask what the percentage covers, because full service and consent drawings only are very different scopes.
Architect or architectural designer?
In New Zealand only a Registered Architect may use that title, while architectural designers are often Licensed Building Practitioners who do excellent consent and residential work for less. For a straightforward extension, either may suit. Say what the project is and you will hear from both.
Do I need one for an extension?
Not always, but you will need drawings a council will accept, and someone has to produce them. The question is really who does that and how much design input you want alongside it.
What happens at concept stage?
Usually a site visit, a discussion about how you want to live in the space, and sketch options before anything is drawn properly. It is the cheapest stage to change your mind in, so it is worth not rushing.