AI receptionist for builders in NZ (2027)
New enquiries, quote visits and calls from current clients, for building businesses in New Zealand.
What callers ask a builder
Most calls are one of a handful of questions. An AI receptionist handles these well because the answers come from facts you’ve written down once:
| The caller says | What Ora does |
|---|---|
| “We’re thinking about an extension. Do you do those?” | Answers from your services, asks a few questions about the job and books a quote visit |
| “How far out are you booked?” | Gives the lead time you’ve approved, such as “starting new jobs from March” |
| “Are you LBP licensed?” | Answers from your approved facts |
| “It’s Sarah from the Hill Road job.” | Takes the message and creates a task for you |
| “Am I talking to a person?” | Says it’s an AI |
What to give it before the first call
- The work you take on and the work you don’t (small repairs, for many builders).
- Your lead time, updated when it changes.
- Licences and memberships you’re happy for it to mention.
- Questions to ask new enquiries: type of job, rough budget, plans or consent stage, timing and address.
Ora only states facts you’ve approved. When a caller asks something that isn’t covered, it says it isn’t sure and takes the details for you, instead of guessing.
Booking the job
Quote visits go into your Google Calendar at times you’re free. Many builders keep two or three set times a week for quote visits; put those in the calendar and Ora fills them.
Sorting good leads from tyre-kickers
Because Ora asks the same questions every time, you see budget, timing and consent stage before you drive out. You decide who gets a visit. JENA can then draft the quote for your approval; see how to write a quote in NZ.
What it costs in 2027
| Ora plan | Price (plus GST) | Call minutes a month |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | NZ$149 a month | 100 |
| Growth | NZ$349 a month | 400 |
| Team | NZ$790 a month | 1,000, up to 3 businesses or branches |
There are no extra-minute charges: you get an email at 80% and 100% of your minutes, and answering carries on for 20% more. You connect your own phone number through Twilio. Prices are as at 3 November 2026; we’ll recheck them in January 2027. Full detail on the pricing page.
Will customers mind?
Some will want a person, and that’s fine: Ora says it’s an AI on every call and takes a message for you. Most callers care more that someone picked up and their job got booked. Read why an AI caller should say it’s an AI, and compare Ora with voicemail or other AI receptionists in NZ.
Short on time? Read Bjorn’s short version on LinkedIn.
Questions
Can an AI receptionist book quote visits for a builder?
Yes. Ora asks your set questions, then books a quote visit into a free time in your Google Calendar.
Will it tell people my prices?
Only what you approve. Most builders give a lead time and book a visit rather than quoting by phone.
What does it cost?
From NZ$149 a month plus GST for 100 call minutes. Setup and practice calls are free.
Try Ora on your own business.
Free to set up and practise calls in your browser, no card. Or ring Veronica, our own Ora, on 09 873 4723.