Smith & Sons vs Zen Builders:Which is more popular?

In September 2026, Zen Builders had more branded searches than Smith & Sons among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand. Zen Builders had about 40 branded searches, while Smith & Sons had 30. Zen Builders made up 11.1% of all Christchurch renovation builder searches we track, and Smith & Sons accounted for 8.3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about Christchurch renovation builders, Zen Builders appeared in all three answers and Smith & Sons in two. Zen Builders was mentioned before Smith & Sons in every answer.

Among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand in September 2026

Who do people search for more?

Zen Builders, about 33% more searches than Smith & Sons

Zen Builders 40 searchesSmith & Sons 30 searches

Who does AI mention more?

Zen Builders, mentioned in every answer we collected

Zen Builders in 3 of 3Smith & Sons in 2 of 3

Who does AI recommend more?

Zen Builders, named ahead of Smith & Sons in every answer

Zen Builders first in 3Smith & Sons never first

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Top Christchurch renovation builders in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews

In three ChatGPT questions, Zen Builders appeared in all three answers. Smith & Sons was mentioned in two out of three: in two of the three ChatGPT answers. Zen Builders was listed before Smith & Sons in every answer.

Most recommended by AI

Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.

Mentioned by AI

Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.

How many AI answers named each brand
Brand	ChatGPT	Answers that named it
Summit Construction	Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers	3 of 3
Zen Builders	Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers	3 of 3
Trent Builders	Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers	2 of 3
Refresh Renovations	Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers	2 of 3
Smith & Sons	Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers	2 of 3
Harris Build	Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers	2 of 3
Sinclair Builders	Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answers	0 of 3

Summit Construction3 of 3Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Zen Builders3 of 3Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Trent Builders2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Refresh Renovations2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Smith & Sons2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Harris Build2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
Sinclair Builders0 of 3Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answers

See every answer about Christchurch renovation builders

3 answers

Asked ChatGPT
“Which renovation builder should I hire in Christchurch, New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best renovation builders in Christchurch, New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best renovation builder in Christchurch, New Zealand for a house renovation?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“home renovation christchurch”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Searched Google, AI Overview
“house builders christchurch”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.

Not named in any answer:

Sinclair Builders

Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 20, 2026.

Is Smith & Sons or Zen Builders more popular in search?

This chart shows how often people search Google for Smith & Sons and Zen Builders by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven Christchurch renovation builders we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.

Smith & Sons and Zen Builders among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand, by month

Month	Summit Construction	Sinclair Builders	Trent Builders	Refresh Renovations	Zen Builders	Smith & Sons	Harris Build
Oct 2025	17.5%	17.5%	22.5%	20%	7.5%	12.5%	2.5%
Nov 2025	18.9%	13.5%	29.7%	16.2%	10.8%	8.1%	2.7%
Dec 2025	22.6%	16.1%	16.1%	22.6%	9.7%	9.7%	3.2%
Jan 2026	39.5%	11.6%	11.6%	18.6%	9.3%	7%	2.3%
Feb 2026	40.9%	11.4%	15.9%	11.4%	11.4%	6.8%	2.3%
Mar 2026	22.4%	14.3%	18.4%	20.4%	10.2%	12.2%	2%
Apr 2026	31.8%	9.1%	25%	15.9%	9.1%	6.8%	2.3%
May 2026	18.6%	25.6%	20.9%	14%	11.6%	7%	2.3%
Jun 2026	17.1%	22%	26.8%	9.8%	12.2%	9.8%	2.4%
Jul 2026	22.5%	17.5%	17.5%	15%	12.5%	12.5%	2.5%
Aug 2026	24.4%	15.6%	20%	13.3%	11.1%	11.1%	4.4%
Sep 2026	22.2%	19.4%	19.4%	16.7%	11.1%	8.3%	2.8%

How has the Smith & Sons and Zen Builders comparison changed over the last 12 months?

3 findings

The lead changed hands 3 times in the 12 months ending September 2026: Zen Builders took it in November 2025, Smith & Sons took it in March 2026, Zen Builders took it in April 2026.
Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Smith & Sons’ share of searches among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand moved from 12.5% to 8.3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 50 to 30.
Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Zen Builders’ share of searches among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand moved from 7.5% to 11.1%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 30 to 40.

How did search popularity change for New Zealand Christchurch renovation builders in September 2026?

2 changes

In September 2026, Smith & Sons lost share of searches among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand, from 11.1% to 8.3%.
In September 2026, Zen Builders rose from 6th to 5th among Christchurch renovation builders in New Zealand.

How are branded searches counted?

7 search terms

Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Smith & Sons’ and Zen Builders’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.