Quarterly Newsletter September 2026

We are flipping the script and giving away one of our signature Hamper Boxes, this time before any work even begins!!!

Since sending our very first “Thank You” Hamper Box to the Edwards family out East, we’ve lost count of how many we’ve gifted on project completion. In fact. It’s now a permanent part of our project handover process—our way of celebrating the wonderful partnerships evolving around renovations, reclads, extensions and more!

We’re on stand 679 (Hall 6)

Find more arrival details here.

How to win your hamper and get free tickets:

  • Claim Your Tickets: Want to attend The Show? Let us know! We have complimentary tickets available for upcoming clients!

  • Visit Our Stand & Enter: Then pop by our stand, say hello, and leave your details with us for an Onsite Consultation to instantly go in the draw for the Hamper Box. You might even get a free coffee voucher!

  • Bring Your Plans: If your home is looking a little tired and you’re ready to renovate, bring your drawings or ideas along to our stand! We can chat through your project on the spot and provide some clarity you need to get started.

  • Announcement: As usual the winner will be announced on our social media pages the week after The Show!

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Project Spotlight


East Auckland –

Full Reno Complete

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We recently completed a comprehensive ground-up renovation, taking this Auckland property from a dated layout to a masterfully crafted, contemporary dream home!

This project began with a complete strip-out and internal reconfiguration—removing outdated walls, roofing, cladding, stairs, windows, doors, decks, and bathrooms to create a completely open, modern floorplan.


What went into the rebuild:

  • Structural Integrity: New structural framing & engineered beams

  • Exterior Protection: Fresh roofing, modern exterior cladding & premium joinery

  • Comfort & Energy Efficiency: High-performance insulation & underfloor heating

  • Luxury Finishes: Bespoke tiling, modern plumbing & electrical systems, plus 4 designer bathrooms

  • Outdoor Flow: Brand new decking & quality interior finishes throughout.

 

The final result is a seamless combination of style, comfort, and enhanced structural durability built to stand the test of time.

From the Toolbox

Pro Advice for DIY Wallpapering

1. Measure and Match:
First, measure the wall from the skirting to the ceiling and then add 5cm top and bottom for trimming. This first strip will serve as a template.   

2. Prep the Canvas:
As with painting, it is important to get the surface preparation right to ensure your finished handiwork looks its best for as long as possible. You should first remove any existing wallpaper using a remover like Metylan, then sand the wall smooth. It is recommended to use 100 grit sandpaper for this, and to use sandable filler for any imperfections. Then size the wall before applying new paper.  

3. Book the Paper:
Some wallpapers come unpasted and require you to apply paste and let it soak in before hanging. You should mix the recommended paste to the correct consistency indicated on the paste’s packaging and leave for the required time (approximately 15 minutes) before using. After applying the paste, fold the paper, paste to paste, with a small fold at the bottom and a large fold at the top. Leave the paper to relax before hanging, between 7-10 minutes.  

4. Smooth it Out:
Use a wallpaper smoothing brush or smoother to apply the wallpaper to the wall. You should move outwards from the centre to push any bubbles away. Make sure to wipe off excess paste and water after each length.  

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Need help with any repairs to your home?

Our team can assist, get in touch below.

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Did You Know?

Quick Tips for a Flawless Paint Job

Recycle Your Leftovers:
You can drop off unwanted paint and containers at designated Resene ColorShops through the Resene PaintWise service. Resene recycles the packaging and donates good-quality leftover paint to community groups for reuse. If you have empty containers, just let them completely dry out and bring them in with the lids off.  

Beat the Heat:
Warm weather causes waterborne paint to dry much faster, making it difficult to get a smooth finish. You can slow down the drying rate by stirring in a small amount of Resene Hot Weather Additive. When painting exteriors, it is also best to start on the shady side of the house and work your way around to stay ahead of the sun.  

Calculate Like a Pro:
To figure out exactly how much paint you need, divide your total surface area (excluding doors and windows) by the paint’s spreading rate, then multiply that number by the coats required. If you are working straight from a house plan, a quick shortcut is to divide your home’s total square meter area by two to estimate the liters needed for two coats of wall paint.  

Need a hand getting started?

If you are planning to paint but simply don’t have the time to tackle it yourself, or if you just want a handy painting checklist to ensure you have everything you need, email us! We will send you two very helpful items:

  1. Our comprehensive checklist with no effort or cost on your part.

  2. We will also share the current Top 20 paint colour choices to put your project on the right track!

 

SAVE WITH GREEN LOANS

Smiling woman in an orange sweater holding a fan of cash in front of a green suburban house.

Green Loans can save you up to $15,400* with Retro Construction!!!

SEE OUR CASE STUDY!

What financial benefits are available through government programmes and bank-backed low-interest Green Loans?

  • Financing the Future: 1% Loans vs. Main Mortgages

  • Government Support: The “Free” Insulation Programme

Are you already over budget or just want to save money? Learn more by reading this article and see how we can register you, to help you save money you can spend elsewhere! Contact us now! info@retroconstruction.co.nz

Clients – Track Your Job with Buildxact

Existing clients – Want to use our portal?

This link is on our website under the “Portal” heading/tab, making things even easier for our clients! Here is the information again on how to access and use it:

Firstly, we will send you an invite wherein you can create an account. You can then go to the portal login page. Navigate to https://retroconstruction.co.nz/ Click the portal link in the menu. Access the project portal. Once logged in, you will be able to view shared documents, communicate, and access all project information in one place.

BuildXact login page for January 2026 quarterly newsletter. Couple moving with boxes in background. Sign up or reset password.

Book Early

Our April Newsletter indicated being fully booked until end of this year, but in the meantime, we had two projects move forward because a lovely couple is expecting and another client just have had unexpected issues, so if you keen to take up these spaces, do let us know! They won’t last long after the Home Show!

Looking to renovate? Now’s the time to book a site meeting or planning session!

 Call: 09 532 8484

 Email: info@retroconstruction.co.nz

 

Explore our website via the links below to access everything you need for your upcoming project:

  • The ever so important Home Page: Access our Videos, Important Articles, Services, Reviews, Affiliations, Preferred Suppliers: https://retroconstruction.co.nz/

  • All About Us: Read Our Statements, Meet our Team, Read our History and view our Contractor’s Disclosure Statement, which outlines our qualifications and experience: https://retroconstruction.co.nz/about-us/

  • Handy Building Resources: Find the Build Checklist to guide you through the construction process. You can also find Interactive Design Ideas, Drawing Samples, the Renovation Toolkit & Clarity Sheet fillables on our Resources page, some Cost Calculators and Financing Tools: https://retroconstruction.co.nz/resources

  • Please Stay Connected: Follow our Social Media channels for project updates and building tips, or subscribe to our Quarterly Newsletter on the Homepage, for the latest industry news and make Contact via our online Website Form: https://retroconstruction.co.nz/design-ideas-concept-drawings/

Author:

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Angie

Angie has been in construction for 25 years, with a 5-year break where she worked as a Property Manager, gaining valuable insight into property maintenance. She excels as the Office Manager for Retro Construction and currently serves as their Project Coordinator and Office Manager. Her highest qualification is in the legal field, in which she worked for the first 7 years of her career. Since schooldays, being in a technical school, she knew her forte would be construction. She also has 4 years of business qualifications to support her role.