Home Extensions Auckland

Start with a rough idea

Before you start detailed planning have a good idea of what you want to do and make a list. Where are you going to add the new extension, and what will it be used for? Do you want to remove existing walls to make more space? Do you want the new extension to match the existing house or look different? Are you going to renovate the rest of the home while you are doing the building work? These are all key questions to ask during your planning.

Think about your needs and wants

Needs are usually non-negotiable when it comes to your plan and your budget. Think about why you need the extension - for example, upgrading the kitchen or making the area larger or

getting that extra bedroom for the kids. Needs are the first things you should factor in when you are setting your budget. Wants are things that would be nice to have but are necessary if it makes things too expensive. For example, it might be nice for the kids to have an en-suite in their room but if that’s too expensive, then you should just concentrate on getting the room itself.

Get some inspiration

Have a drive around your local area and look at the outside of properties, maybe visit some open homes for ideas. Look at real estate listings on websites or look at general home design and decor websites. This will give you some ideas of what might work and if you can show us your ideas online it can help us understand what you are trying to achieve.

Check if you need consent

It is always best to check if you will need a building consent for the work you want to do as this can add time and cost to your project. If you do the work without consent when it was needed this will cause serious problems down the track. It can also be an issue if you come to sell as the buyer may as for a Certificate of Acceptance (COA) if they find out work has been done without consent. You can check this government website to see if what you want to do requires consent.

If you aren’t sure about whether you need consent it can be a good idea to chat to us or an architect and ask for advice or have a chat with someone at your local council.

Adding a second storey home extension to your existing property can be a good way of creating more space, or changing the layout. Second storeys work especially well on smaller sections where you don’t want to sacrifice outdoor space. Adding a second floor can also let you take advantage of the view from higher up. But there is a lot of work involved in adding an upstairs.

Here are five key areas to consider if you are planning a second storey home extension

Cost: You might not realise but building upwards can actually be more costly than building outwards. Extra costs come from areas such as having to remove and replace the roof, moving services such as water. There may also be additional building costs such as scaffolding.

Regulations: If you are planning to increase the height of your property, you will need to check council regulations. There may be height limits in your local area or you may need further consent for a second storey. You may also need to consider privacy issues and ensure you are not encroaching on your neighbours.

Impact on the current building: Building a second storey can have quite an impact on your existing building. Firstly you will need to ensure your building is structurally sound. You might need to make changes so it is capable of supporting a second floor. You will also need to consider how the layout will change. For example, you will need to find space for a staircase in your existing ground floor layout. You will also need to think about whether you are going to match the style of your extension to the current building or contrast it.

Future-proofing: When thinking about a second storey you should consider how you or others will use the building in the future. If you are planning to sell, a two-storey house may reduce interested buyers as it won’t suit everyone. For example, older people may struggle with stairs. If you are planning to live in the house for many years consider how you will manage as you get older. Consider future-proofing measures – have one bedroom on the ground floor or add a downstairs bathroom.

Where will you be during renovations: Unlike adding a ground floor extension it may not be possible to remain in your home while a second storey is added. Plan where you will stay while the renovations are taking place. And remember to factor in the additional cost if you will need to rent or stay in a motel.

Budgeting for a house extension needs to be done as carefully as budgeting for a new home build. Often working within the existing framework of a home can be more difficult than building from scratch. To avoid running out of money halfway through your project, you need to make sure your budget is accurate.
Three tips to follow when budgeting for a house extension

Think about what kind of project you are planning

Obviously, the cost of your extension will depend on how big it is. But it can also be affected by the amount and complexity of the work involved.

If you are planning a second storey home extension, it will be more expensive than if you are extending by doing a garage conversion.
Prepare for extra costs.

Depending on your plans, you might have some additional costs. These can include council consent and paying for an architect to draw up your plans.

If your extension involves major work, such as removing walls or moving key fixtures and fittings, you may also need to budget for alternative accommodation while the work is carried out.

Lastly, make sure you have a contingency in your budget for unexpected issues. This will ensure you will have money to cover additional costs.
Involve a builder early on

By working with a builder early on, you’ll benefit from professional advice before you commit.

A builder can often recommend more cost-effective options. These might be more affordable fixtures and fittings or finishes that will achieve the same look or better use of space. They can also highlight any potential issues that might add to your budget before getting too far into the project.

Even though the idea of extensions seems simple, they still need plenty of planning and sometimes creative thinking. Things to think about include:

Regulations - you may need consent for your extension, and there may be height restrictions. If you are planning a second storey, you should check with the council.

Impact on your existing property - think about how you will have to move or change existing rooms to accommodate your new plans.

Matching your house extension to the existing property - you will want to match your existing property both outside and inside. Think about cladding, roof lines and windows and doors.

Future-proofing - extensions give you a chance to make sure your building is fit for the future. Think about how you will use rooms as you get older or how other people will if you sell.

The project length - you may be able to stay at home during the building work, or you may have to move out. Either way, having a project timeline will help you make the right arrangements.

A good builder can help you make the most of your new space. They can also advise you through the planning stages.

If you love your location but need more space, or need to change the way your home is set out, then a rear house extension could be the perfect solution.

An extension allows you to create more space for anything from an extra bedroom, to a bigger kitchen to a second living room to escape the kids. There are many ways to extend your property. You can consider an attic conversion, extend out the side or even add a second storey home extension. But a rear house extension is often the best option.

Benefits of a rear house extension

Adding an extension at the back of your home has many benefits.

There may be more space to develop

Because of the way properties are usually positioned on sections, you may find there is more space at the back. This gives you more space to develop than if you try a side or front extension and still allows you to keep some of your outdoor section.

It may be the perfect position compared to existing rooms

The rear of the house is often where the type of rooms you want to add to are located. Use rear extensions to add extra bedrooms or ensuite bathrooms. Or you may choose to extend your kitchen with a sun room or additional family living space.

It can improve indoor/outdoor flow

When you extend living areas at the back of your house, into your section, it gives you the chance to improve the flow between house and garden. Think about adding bi-fold doors or a sun room as part of a new living space.

It doesn’t affect the property’s frontage

The front of your home is what people see when they pass by. By adding a rear house extension you remove some of the problems of trying to match the existing house. You can still match your home extension to your existing property, but you could also decide to go for a contrasting style. The extension is less likely to be seen, so neighbours and planners might be less inclined to complain.

What to consider when you are building an extension at the rear of your property

A rear house extension needs all the same considerations as any other kind of addition or alteration to your property. You need to think about:

• how much can you realistically afford and whether you have enough money for contingency plans.
• obtaining council consent for any work.
• whether any utilities must be realigned in order to accommodate the new extension.
• whether you want to match your home or go for something different or change your existing decor to match the new extension.
• where you will live during the work or whether you will stay on site.

How do I price a home extension?

If you don’t need a building consent for your project then get in touch with us and we can discuss your options.

If you do need consent then you will potentially need an architect or draftsperson to draw up your plans. We recommend getting us involved early too. Often clients engage an architect directly and get their design work done before engaging a builder. This can work very well, but can also have its issues.

In the past few years we have had several occasions where a client has come to us with a plan which we have priced as part of a selection of quotes from builders and once the prices have come in the owner realises that that just can’t afford the project at all and the jobs haven’t gone ahead at all. In one case the owner had spent around about $25,000 between getting the design work done and obtaining the building consent and ultimately they did not end up doing any work at all after spending all that money to get there.

Most designers have great ideas and are very good at what they do, but many don’t have an accurate idea of what things cost. It is easy to suggest that an extension costs between$2500-$3500 per m², but ultimately when the builder’s prices a job we include a lot of variables a designer might not.

We are pricing building work all the time, which means we have a fairly accurate idea of what things will cost therefore being able to give you a more accurate price.

We can also make suggestions on where you might save money or might need to get rid of one of your “wants”.

We can work with your architect or recommend an architectural firm for you.

Adding a house extension in Auckland has a number of important steps such as designing, budgeting, getting the building consent - these are required before the physical building starts. Please see Our Process page for an outline of the building process we use at Build Right Contractors to get your project up and running.  We can guide you every step of the way.

Designing a house extension involves several steps. First, you'll need to identify your needs and objectives for the extension. Are you seeking extra living space, a new bedroom, or a home office? Once you have a clear idea, consult with professionals like architects or designers to translate your vision into a feasible design. They can help you with layout options, material choices, and even 3D renderings. It's crucial to consult with an engineer to ensure that your design complies with structural requirements.

There are several factors to consider when looking at the feasibility of a house extension. These include the size of your property, zoning regulations, and any restrictions that might be in place. You'll also need to obtain the necessary building and resource consents from the Auckland Council.

The cost of a house extension in New Zealand can vary widely depending on the project's scope, materials used, and labour costs. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $60,000 to $200,000 for a basic to moderate extension. More elaborate extensions, especially those that require complex structural work, can cost even more.

In Auckland, the cost per square metre for a house extension can range from $2,500 to $3,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the project and the materials used. This is just a ballpark figure; it's best to consult with professionals for an accurate estimate.

While you can sketch out your ideas or use home design software to visualise your extension, consulting with professionals for the design is highly recommended. They can ensure that your design is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound and compliant with local building codes.

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss your needs and ideas with professionals.
2. Feasibility Study: Check zoning laws, property size, and other restrictions.
3. Design Phase: Work with architects or a draughtsperson to finalise your plans.
4. Consents and Permits: Apply for the necessary building and resource consents.
5. Budgeting: Get multiple quotes and finalize your budget.
6. Contractor Selection: Choose a reputable builder to carry out the project.
7. Construction: Monitor the progress and make adjustments as needed.
8. Inspection: Have the work inspected for compliance with building codes.
9. Final Touches: Complete any remaining work, such as painting and decorating.
10. Completion: Your house extension is complete once everything is done and the consents are signed off.