Retro Construction Limited
TRANSFORMATIVE BASEMENT, ATTIC & BARN CONVERSIONS
Unlock the hidden potential of your home with our expert knowledge in basement and attic conversions. We specialise in turning underutilised spaces into beautiful, functional living and storage areas that add value to your property.
Basement Conversions
We specialise in the art of transforming dark, underutilised basement spaces into vibrant, welcoming environments that perfectly align with your lifestyle needs. Through careful design and expert implementation, we create spaces filled with natural and artificial light that feel like a seamless extension of your home. Our team takes pride in understanding and executing your vision, whether you’re envisioning a cozy family gathering space, a professional home office setup, or an entertainment zone for hosting friends and family.
To ensure the longevity and comfort of your new space, we provide and oversee an extensive range of professional solutions tailored to basement environments. This includes advanced waterproofing systems to protect against moisture, premium insulation materials for temperature control, state-of-the-art electrical installations for proper lighting and power distribution, and comprehensive plumbing solutions to accommodate bathrooms or wet bars. Every aspect of the conversion is handled with meticulous attention to detail.
Basement Conversions
For more photos of projects please contact the office or ask to view some during your Onsite Quotation.
Attic Conversions
Unlock the full potential of your attic by transforming it into a functional, well-organised space that offers far more than just storage. We specialise in attic conversions that turn underutilised lofts into practical, beautifully designed areas. Whether you’re after a dedicated space or clever attic storage solutions, we use innovative design and space-saving strategies to bring your vision to life.
From structural assessments and floor reinforcement to professional attic insulation, lighting, and safe, seamless access, we handle every aspect of the project. To ensure structural integrity of your attic conversion, we may recommend an assessment by a qualified structural engineer, especially if the space is intended for regular use or if bearing a heavy load is required. This allows us to confirm that your attic is safe, well-supported, and suited to its new purpose. To maintain year-round durability, we offer a full range of high-quality solutions tailored to attic environments. These include advanced waterproofing methods to guard against moisture, high-performance insulation for temperature regulation, and modern electrical installations.
Our attention to detail ensures your converted attic blends effortlessly with your home, enhancing both functionality and property value. Every step is carefully managed by our experienced team.
For more photos of projects please contact the office or ask to view some during your Onsite Quotation.
Barn Conversions
Converting a barn is a unique and eccentric idea we know many New Zealanders would be happy to own.
Converting and old barn isn’t the average project for any builder, but it is something that gets us super excited after being in the building industry for 30+ years! If the structure is already there, what is holding you up? We have practical ideas to consider in your conversion, and it can provide many versatile uses for you or even income. Thinking about a newly built barn (outbuilding or home), we’ll to be honest, there is many companies out there that do it with corrugated steel or long run metal cladding, but professionally converting an older barn to give it new character, life and love, shouts Retro! Even if you thinking to open it up for a storage area, car or equipment parking or just an under-roof working space for your business, the options are unlimited! Wondering about the compliance and or financing, let us help you – please give us a call!
Smart Design & Space-Saving Hacks:
- Connect living areas to an exterior deck using bi-fold doors or an open sliding kitchen window that doubles as an outdoor serving bar with stool seating.
- Embrace original structural quality by sealing native timber doors, beams, and trims with polyurethane to contrast beautifully against modern walls.
- Capitalise on high barn ceilings by incorporating a mezzanine bedroom or tucking a dedicated laptop desk under the staircase.
- Combine classic timber weatherboards or modern fibre cement cladding to ensure long-term durability against Auckland weather.
Versatile & Practical Uses:
- Offers independent living for aging parents or young adult children saving for a home.
- Generates steady rental revenue or attracts tourists searching for unique, homely lodgings.
- Creates a quiet, dedicated workspace, art studio, or hobby room separate from the main residence.
- Move into the converted barn and rent out the main house to retain land equity while simplifying life.
Compliance, Financing & The Retro Advantage:
- Fixed-foundation conversions build real equity and receive full bank mortgage support—unlike unconsented trailer homes.
- Single-storey standalone builds under 70m² align with streamlined 2026 building consent exemption rules, while complex conversions or mezzanine additions are fully consented by our team.
- Fully managed by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) with upfront 3D design visualization and transparent Preliminary & General (P&G) cost breakdowns.
