Renovating and altering houses is one of the favourite pastimes of New Zealanders. We take a look at what's involved.

Why renovate?

Renovating can be costly and inconvenient, but can also increase the value and enjoyment of your home. We look at the main reasons for renovating and how to avoid overcapitalising.
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Planning & designs

Some of the more extensive renovation projects – such as adding a new room – require the skills of a designer or architect. We explain how to work through the planning process.
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Selecting tradespeople

Choosing the right people to do the job makes the difference between a positive experience or a nightmare which causes endless stress and unresolved problems.
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Insurance

Making sure your home and contents insurance provides cover during renovations is vital. We also look at the types of insurance the builder should hold.
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Building & resource consents

A lot of renovation work requires a building consent before you start. We look at the type of work which requires consent and also when you are likely to need resource consent.
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The building phase

Living through the building phase of a renovation project can be a very busy time. We look at what is involved and some safety aspects to consider.
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When renovation exposes other problems

After renovation work is underway you can discover some nasty surprises. We look at common problems discovered behind walls, ceilings and under floors.
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Case studies

Real-life examples of experiences with renovations.