Renovations and Extensions

Auckland and North Shore

A house extension is a great opportunity to breathe new life into a home with great bones. And that’s one of the main benefits of expanding a home, if you have sentiment for your home or it is in a great location, it makes little sense to sell and relocate just to have access to these modern conveniences. Couple this with today’s property market, where relocating is an expensive exercise in which the real estate fee alone would cover the cost of a new replacement kitchen.

Kitchens allow you to create a space that inspires you, a conversation starter for guests, while also adding convenience and functionality to your day-to-day life. It is a space that lends itself to creativity, and the sky is truly the limit when it comes to kitchen renovations.

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Many homes that were built in the 50s, 60s and 70s lack contemporary design sensibilities that have made modern houses a dream to live in.

Better light, an open plan layout and better lifestyle features are only a few of the considerations missing from these older homes. Thankfully, a home extension is a great opportunity to breathe new life into a home with great bones.

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And that’s one of the main benefits of a home expansion, if you have sentiment for your home or it’s in a great location, it makes little sense to sell and relocate just to have access to these modern conveniences. Couple this with today’s property market, where relocating is an expensive exercise in which the real estate fee alone would cover the cost of a new replacement kitchen.

Many people are under the impression that you need to have land to extend onto… but this is only one of the many ways available to you to extend your home. Building up, developing roof space into a loft or using a basement are all excellent options that do not increase site coverage. These are all opportunities to tap into the unused potential of your current property.

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Insider Tips for Planning Your House Extensions

Planning a house extension can be an exciting yet complex process. For Renovation Works, it’s crucial to approach such projects with careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to guide you through planning your house extension.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to manage your house remodelling project. Remember, careful planning and choosing the right partners are your best tools for turning your house into the home of your dreams.

1.

Understand Your Goals::


Clearly define why you need the extension. Whether it’s adding more rooms, enhancing the living space, or increasing property value, your goals will significantly influence the design and budget.

2.

Research Local Building Regulations:


In New Zealand, certain types of building work require consent from the local council. It’s essential to understand these regulations early in the planning stage to ensure your extension complies with local building codes and zoning laws.

3.

Set a Realistic Budget:


Cost is a critical aspect of any renovation project. Setting a realistic budget that includes a contingency fund for unexpected expenses is crucial. Consider the costs of materials, labour, permits, and any additional features you wish to include.

4.

Hire the Right Professionals:


Engage with experienced and reputable professionals such as architects, builders, and interior designers who specialise in extensions. They can provide valuable insights, help navigate legal requirements, and ensure high-quality workmanship。

5.

Design Considerations:


The design of your extension should complement the existing structure while meeting your needs. Consider aspects like natural light, space utilisation, and how the extension will flow with the rest of your home.

6.

Sustainability:


Incorporating sustainable building practices can increase energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs. Consider using eco-friendly materials, solar panels, efficient heating systems, and water-saving fixtures.

7.

Neighbour Considerations:


Extensions can affect your neighbours, so it’s important to communicate your plans with them early on. This can help manage expectations and avoid disputes related to privacy, views, or boundary issues.

8.

Timeline Planning:


Establish a realistic timeline with your contractors. Delays can happen, so it’s important to be flexible while ensuring there’s a plan in place to keep the project moving forward.

9.

Insurance and Contracts:


Ensure that all work is covered by the appropriate insurance and that you have detailed contracts in place with your contractors. This protects both parties and ensures clarity on expectations, payment schedules, and project scope.

 

10.

Quality Control and Inspection:


Regularly inspect the work done to ensure it meets the agreed standards. Engaging an independent inspector or consultant can provide an unbiased assessment of the quality and compliance of the work.

Additional Extension Services

Second Storey Extensions

Using roof space for a loft development or building up from the existing building to add bedrooms and a bathroom or two allows you to configure your ground or entry level for better living areas. Extending up is a particularly good option as a house extension for owners of brick homes, especially ones with concrete floors.

Building up is often a great solution for people who have recently entered the property market, as starter homes are often two-bedroom units. Inevitably, these new homeowners families begin to grow and they quickly start running out of space. A home extension on a two-bedroom unit is the perfect solution to transforming their unit into a family home.

Another popular home extension option is building a master suite. An ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe have become a basic expectation of new homes, so including these features in your extension will bring your property up to date with current trends.

Basement Development

It is not uncommon for older homes to be built on steep sites. Often this results in large underfloor areas, usually bare dirt or small storage areas. These areas are potentially a wealth of opportunity for a home extension. Digging under a house and retaining the exposed hillside can give you some fantastic living spaces.

Furthermore, basement developments provide a great sense of separation from the original house. This type of house extension is a great option if you have teenagers or extended families that need their own space. The exercise of creating a large single room for future use is a great investment into your home.

It pays to investigate the potential your property may have with a home extension.

Talking to the team at Renovation Works, and taking advantage of their 25+ years of experience in home extensions, may provide you with options that you haven’t even considered.

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Frequently asked Questions

Do I need building consent for my house extension?

Answer: Yes, most house extensions require building consent from your local council in New Zealand. The need for consent depends on the scale and type of extension. It’s essential to check with your local council or a professional builder like Renovation Works NZ to understand the specific requirements for your project.

The timeline for a house extension varies depending on the project’s complexity, size, and any unforeseen challenges that arise. Typically, an extension can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Renovation Works NZ will work with you to establish a realistic timeline based on your specific project details.

The cost of a house extension varies widely based on factors like the extension’s size, materials used, and the complexity of the design. It’s important to set a realistic budget and include a contingency for unexpected expenses. Renovation Works NZ can provide you with a detailed quote based on your project’s specifications.

Working with experienced designers and architects, like those partnered with Renovation Works NZ, can help ensure your extension complements and seamlessly integrates with your existing house. They will consider architectural styles, materials, and finishes to create a cohesive look.

This depends on the extent of the extension and the impact on critical areas of your home, like kitchens and bathrooms. In some cases, it may be possible to live in your house during work, while in others, you may need to find temporary accommodation. Renovation Works NZ will discuss this with you in the planning phase.

Choose a contractor with experience in house extensions, a good reputation, and positive client feedback. Renovation Works NZ offers expertise in house extensions, ensuring that your project is handled professionally from start to finish.

Consider incorporating energy-efficient windows, insulation, solar panels, and eco-friendly materials. Renovation Works NZ can advise on sustainable building practices to enhance your extension’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Generally, a well-designed and executed house extension can add significant value to your home by increasing its size, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. However, it’s important to ensure that the extension is in line with market expectations and trends. Renovation Works NZ can help you make informed decisions that maximise your investment.

Delays can occur due to weather, supply chain issues, or unexpected challenges. Renovation Works NZ will keep you informed and work closely with you to mitigate delays and address any issues promptly, ensuring the project stays as close to the timeline as possible.

The first step is to contact Renovation Works NZ to discuss your vision and requirements. They will guide you through the initial consultation, and design process, and provide you with a detailed quote and project plan.

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