The Complete Guide to Planning a Building Extension

We’ve helped thousands of happy homeowners extend their homes, so we know firsthand that planning a building extension can be an exciting yet daunting task. 

If you’ve yet to embark on this journey, you need to know where to start and to secure a safe pair of hands to help you through the construction process from beginning till end. 

Whether you’re looking to add more space to your home to accommodate a growing family, level up your aesthetics, create functionality, or enhance its value, it’s crucial to approach the building extension project with meticulous planning and the right skilled expertise. 

We’ve compiled a complete guide to help send you on your path and set you up for success with home renovation projects. We’ll walk you through the essential steps to ensure your building extension is a success.

1. Define Your Goals

First things first. It’s important to clearly define what you want to achieve with your building extension. Are you looking to create additional living space, a new kitchen, or perhaps a home office? Understanding your goals will help you make informed decisions throughout the process. For instance, if you’re planning a kitchen renovation or a bathroom renovation, you’ll need to consider the specific requirements for plumbing and electrical work.

2. Hire Qualified Builders

Choosing the right professionals is key to a successful building extension. We suggest you look for Licensed Building Practitioners and qualified builders in Auckland who have experience with similar projects. 

This ensures that your extension is built to the highest standards and complies with local regulations. Experienced and seasoned builders, like our team at West & Sons Construction, can also provide valuable insights and suggestions that can enhance the overall design and functionality of your build.

We understand you may be able to hire builders who are unqualified at a slightly lower price. However, to protect your biggest asset, your home, you need to ensure your construction company holds all the necessary qualifications to ensure the job’s done right, the first time. 

3. Plan Your Budget

When renovating, no one welcomes any unexpected financial surprises. However, if you can be savvy from the outset, you can minimise budget blowouts. Budgeting is a crucial aspect of any extension project. 

We can work with you to consider and quote all costs, including materials, building labour, council permits, and even advise of any possible unexpected expenses. 

Any builder in Auckland would recommend you remember to include a contingency fund for any unforeseen issues that may arise during building an extension. 

Proper budgeting will help you avoid financial stress and ensure that your project stays on track.

We will always raise any change in scope along the way to avoid any unwanted surprises. 

4. Obtain Necessary Permits

Before extension construction begins, you may need to obtain the necessary permits from your local council. 

This step is crucial to ensure it complies with building codes and regulations. Your builders and contractors, such as us at West & Sons Construction, can often assist with this process, ensuring that all paperwork is correctly completed and submitted. Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in noncompliance, painful fines and may even require you to undo completed work.

There are multiple councils across the city who look after specific areas, such as; 

Auckland City Council

Auckland City Council jurisdiction includes inner city suburbs such as The Auckland City Centre, Westmere, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Grafton, Ponsonby, Arch Hill, St Marys Bay, Parnell, Freemans Bay, Newton, Eden Terrace as well as Newmarket. This also includes Remuera, Epsom, Mt Eden, Greenlane and One Tree Hill. It also covers the inner East foreshore suburbs like Orakei, Mission Bay and St Heliers. 

Waitakere City Council

Waitakere covers West Auckland’s unique bush and West Coast beach areas such as; Henderson, New Lynn, Titirangi, Kelston, Te Atatū, Whenuapai, Hobsonville, Ranui, Green Bay, Glendene, Kaurilands, Woodlands Park, Swanson, Henderson Valley, Sunnyvale, Oratia, Waiatarua, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia, Whatipu, Karekare, Waima, Piha, Anawhata, West Harbour, Bethells / Te Henga and Waitakere township. 

North Shore City Council 

This expansive area north of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge is established around the Northern East Coast Beaches is separated into multiple wards; Northern, Harbour, Central, Albany, Birkenhead / Northcote, Devonport, Glenfield and Takapuna, East Coast Bays and our local community, Hibiscus Coast. These ward cover; 

Albany, Albany Heights, Fairview Heights, Greenhithe, Lucas Heights, Oteha, Paremoremo, Pinehill, Rosedale, Schnapper Rock, Unsworth Heights, Windsor Park, North Harbour, Browns Bay, Long Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcross, Okura, Rothesay Bay, Torbay, Waiake, Beach Haven, Birkdale, Chatswood, Northcote, Northcote Point, Highbury, Glenfield, Bayview, Hillcrest, Wairau Valley, Bayswater, Belmont, Devonport, Narrow Neck, Stanley Bay, Takapuna, Campbells Bay, Castor Bay, Forrest Hill, Hauraki, Milford, Sunnynook. The Hibiscus Coast area covers; Orewa, Stillwater, Millwater, Milldale, Silverdale, Whangaparaoa, Silverdale, Hatfields Beach and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, consisting of Red Beach, Stanmore Bay, Arkles Bay, Army Bay, Manly, Matakatia and Gulf Harbour. 

Rodney District Council 

The Rodney Council looks after Kawau Island, Kumeū and Huapai, Coatesville, Riverhead, Helensville, Warkworth, Matakana and Wellsford.

5. Design and Layout

Depending on the scope of your renovation, we can work with an architect, draftsman or designer to create a detailed plan for your building extension. Collaborating together, we can consider factors such as the layout, materials, and overall aesthetic. This is also the time to think about specific features like cladding, exterior plastering, and house or roof painting. A well-thought-out design will not only enhance the functionality of your space but also ensure that it complements the existing structure of your home.

6. Choose the Right Materials

Selecting the right materials is essential for both the functionality and appearance of your extension. And will be a major determining factor in budget. Options like brick laying, block laying, and external plastering and masonry construction can provide long lasting durability and a timeless look. For interior finishes, you’ll need GIB stopping, and house painting. The choice of materials will significantly impact the longevity and maintenance requirements of your extension. We can help you make the right choice for your budget. 

7. Hire Specialised Construction Contractors

Once you’ve undertaken all your due diligence you should be ready to hire your crew. Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to hire qualified and reputable contractors for tasks such as kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation and external plastering. Ensure these professionals are experienced and have a good reputation as well as the necessary health and safety processes and liability insurances to protect you and your home. Experienced builders, like us at West & Sons Construction, bring specific skills and expertise that can ensure high-quality workmanship and adherence to industry standards.

8. Monitor the Construction Project and Process 

Once your dream construction commences, we advise you to stay involved in the process. Regularly check in with your builders and contractors to ensure everything is progressing as planned. You will want to keep abreast that the project is running on time and to budget. You’re best placed to address any issues promptly to avoid delays. Regular site visits and check ins with your builder will help you stay informed about the progress and ensure that the work meets your expectations. We encourage regular communication and collaboration with our clients and keep them updated every step of the way. This always fosters a smooth outcome. 

9. Final Touches

As your extension nears completion, you’ll be needing to focus on the final touches. This includes interior house painting, exterior home painting, and any additional cladding services. These details can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your new space. Pay attention to the quality of finishes and ensure that all aspects of the project are completed to your satisfaction.

10. Enjoy Your New Space

After all the hard work, it’s time to enjoy your newly extended home. Whether it’s a new living area, a spacious kitchen, or a luxurious bathroom, your building extension should enhance your lifestyle and add value to your property. Take the time to furnish and decorate your new space to reflect your personal style and preferences.

By following these steps and working with experienced professionals like West & Sons Construction, you can ensure your building extension project is a success. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team of custom home builders and qualified builders in Auckland. We’re here to help you create your dream home. Building trust, one project at a time. 

‍