What to Know Before Starting a Home Renovation in Auckland’s Housing Market
Renovating your Auckland home can be one of the most rewarding investments of time and money you’ll ever make. But, let’s be fully transparent, any building renovation is not for the faint hearted or without its challenges.
From navigating through possibly lengthy, consents through one of the seven city councils, such as; Auckland City Council, Waitakere City Council, North Shore City Council, or Rodney District Council. And from choosing the right materials for Auckland’s unique climate, to keeping to your construction budget, there’s a lot to consider before swinging the first hammer in your building renovation.
At West & Sons Construction, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the city with their building renovations and transformed their properties into idyllic, homely sanctuaries.
Whether you're planning a full building renovation, extension, tackling home recladding, or searching for trusted building renovation contractors in Auckland, this guide will help you start your project on the right foot.
Auckland’s Renovation Boom: Why It’s Happening
Auckland is currently experiencing a surge in renovation activity. With house prices still elevated and new builds less accessible for many, now more homeowners are choosing to renovate and reclad their existing properties rather than the hassle of moving.
Based on council data, in 2025, more than 33,500 new homes have been consented nationwide thus far, but that number is trending downward year on year as more homeowners choose renovations over more costly and time prohibitive new builds.
The Auckland Unitary Plan, which was launched in 2016 has made it easier to renovate or extend, especially on properties previously limited by zoning restrictions, which have now lifted.
According to ArchiPro, kitchen renovations can recoup up to 80% of their cost in resale value.
So whether you're refreshing a bungalow in Ponsonby or undertaking a full home renovation in Takapuna, now is a great time to improve your existing property.
Set Clear Goals and a Realistic Renovation Budget
Before you begin home renos, ask yourself:
- What's the purpose, resale, lifestyle upgrade, or future-proofing?
- Are you doing cosmetic improvements or structural changes?
- Does it involve a full home renovation or targeted areas like bathrooms, the kitchen or outdoor living?
In Auckland, the average renovation cost can fall between $2,000 and $5,000 per square metre, depending on materials, complexity, and property condition.
Be sure to account for the following indicative costs in your home reno budget;
Design and architectural services
Architectural Designer - 3%–7% of build cost (or fixed fee from $15,000+)
Registered Architect 6%–12% of build cost (can exceed $40,000+)
Or a draftsperson to execute basic plans, can command 1%–3% of build cost (or $5,000–$15,000)
Council consents
If required, council consents can call from $1000 - $10,000 based on the complexity of the build.
Building material and labour costs
These costs can vary significantly based on the build. Indicatively speaking, material costs could command 40-50% of the budget and labour around 30 - 40%.
Contingency buffer
Allow for at least 15–20% of your budget for any unforeseen issues, particularly in renovations with older homes, which can be more unpredictable.
Want a deep dive into avoiding surprise renovation expenses? Read our blog;
Top 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating a Home in the North Shore West & Sons Construction
Know When Recladding Is Necessary When Renovating your Auckland Home
Home recladding isn’t just about upgrading the outward appearance, it’s about weatherproofing and compliance. Many Auckland homes built in the late '90s and early 2000s have suffered cladding vulnerabilities due to monolithic systems that failed to manage moisture ingress.
Signs your home may need recladding;
- Visible exterior cracks, bubbling, or swelling
- Mould, mildew, or musty odours
- Difficulty obtaining insurance or a CCC (Code Compliance Certificate)
With the average cost of home recladding in Auckland ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 per square metre, it’s a major investment, yet also one that significantly improves your home’s longevity and marketability.
Learn more in our article: Understanding Cladding: A Comprehensive Guide by West & Sons Construction
Choose the Right Building Renovation Contractors in Auckland
Not all builders are created equal. Builders will vary with qualifications, experience, expertise, and quality of their craftsmanship output. Choosing experienced building renovation contractors in Auckland will make all the difference between a smooth transformation and a stressful project fraught with issues, headaches and budget leakage.
Here’s what to look for when signing a reno contract with a home extension builder;
- Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)
- Strong portfolio of previous renovations
- Clear, honest and transparent communication
- Deep local knowledge of Auckland building codes and climate
- End-to-end service covering all trades, planning, construction, and finishing
With over 100 years of family experience, West & Sons Construction has seen (and fixed) it all. We’re proud to be trusted LBPs and are known for quality craftsmanship, especially across the North Shore, Rodney, Northland, Hibiscus Coast, Whangaparaoa, North-West Auckland and Auckland central suburbs.
Understand the Renovation Consent Process
Many home renovation projects will require Auckland Council consent, especially if structural, plumbing, or exterior changes are involved.
Projects that typically need building consent:
- Home recladding
- Removing or relocating walls
- Installing new windows or doors
- Adding extensions, second storeys, or decks
Prepare for Renovation Disruption
If you’re planning on renovating while living on-site, we urge you to be prepared for:
- Noise, dust, and trade traffic
- Temporary loss of bathrooms or kitchen functionality
- Limited access to certain areas of the house
Some projects are best done in phases, or during holidays. Our team works around your family, schedule and lifestyle, keeping the site tidy and disruption minimal. We even help with temporary living setups if needed.
Make Your Home Renovation Energy-Efficient
Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your home’s comfort and performance:
- Adding wall, ceiling, and underfloor insulation
For more information read our recent blog Comparing Traditional and Modern Types of Insulation in New Zealand West & Sons Construction Auckland
- Installing thermal windows
- Upgrading to low-energy appliances and lighting
- Considering ventilation systems and heat pumps
And of course ensuring your home meets the Healthy Homes standards.
Eco-friendly renovations are popular in Auckland’s coastal climate. They save energy, improve health, and make your home more attractive to future buyers.
When it’s Time to Paint, We’re Here to Help
Once your final plaster coat or home recladding is complete and fully dried, it’s ready for painting. This stage is critical, not just for appearance, but to seal in and protect all the work underneath. Painting over damp surfaces can lead to bubbling, cracking, and long-term damage.
At West & Sons Construction, as a one stop shop, we offer internal and external painting services and roof painting too, ensuring a smooth, polished finish that’s both beautiful and built to last. Whether you're finishing a crisp white weatherboard exterior or bringing a pop of colour to your sparkly, new interior layout, our team handles the final touches with perfect painting precision.
Why Choose West & Sons Construction for Your Home Renovation or Home Extension?
We’re not just another name on a Google search for building renovation contractors in Auckland, we're a trusted, local, family-run team with over a century of expertise. From home renovations and home recladding to plastering, painting and finishing, we manage everything under one roof.
What makes us different?
- Proud Licensed Building Practitioners with proven experience
- Speciality in Auckland housing types—from bungalows to townhouses
- Transparent quotes, timelines, and consistent communication
- Detailed planning, skilled craftsmanship, and quality results
- Local resources like our renovation-focused blog that offer free advice and inspiration
A successful home renovation in Auckland isn’t just about the tools, it’s about the people, the planning, and the pride you put into the project.
By choosing the right team, setting a realistic budget, and knowing when it’s time to update your cladding, you’ll avoid costly headaches down the track.
And for a few more final tips before you get cracking, best to read our Esstential Renovation Checjklist;
Essentials Checklist for Planning Your Home Renovation Works West & Sons Construction
At West & Sons Construction, we take the pressure off and help turn your vision into a renovation to be truly proud of.