RETRO CONSTRUCTION LIMITED

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Welcome to Retro Construction’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries we encounter.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

GENERAL BUILD QUESTIONS

Every home renovation differs. When you start this process, it is best to get an estimation of costs first and keep extra’s in mind like, plans, council costs and other professional services. Once we have an idea on the scope of work and budget, we can then revise the estimation and draft a quotation that will include the “needs” first and then the “wants”, if your budget is limited and leave space where possible, to add the “wants” later-on. Our quotations are detailed and accurate, based on professional estimation principles, so we can work within the set budget as far as what is visibly possible.


The processes the councils follow is not always understandable to our clients. As a professional in the industry, who has dealt with this for years, we would prefer to handle these processes for you as part of the project management. What is important for the client to know is that councils check each structural building phase within a set appointment date and time as the process progresses. Soft renovations like, painting or laying new carpets do not need council approval and can be completed faster. We can manage this process for you all the way though and until we have the final council approval documents and CCC in our hands.

This depends on your project size and type. Most importantly a client needs to know that a good builder will work with a project plan that is drafted before the start of the project, that will include any deadlines you have in mind and that project plan will assist you to plan and accommodate your personal needs, so that the building phase would be an exciting period in time for you, rather than a spanner in the works.

We can and all it will take is a consultation to get up to speed with what is needed from our end, so we both have the same result in mind as to satisfy the clients need. The other option when clients do not have an architect or designer, is that we provide an inhouse service, entailing onboarding our architect or designer and we usually find this the best option, as we all know each other ways of work. For simpler projects we also provide a free concept design service during the quotation phase, so that you do not only have the benefit of a free estimate, but also a practical and well-designed project.

The Director of Retro Construction Ltd has over 30 years building experience with degree and diploma qualifications such as estimating, construction management, project management and more. He also has international building experience, as per our company profile available on our website and was the Director of two other international based companies, one still being active, in the last 3 decades.

We can provide national and international references if needed and we will gladly refer any prospective clients where needed, even for site visits of existing works.

We are registered with Site Safe in NZ, a well-known organisation and are always looking at ways to improve our safety by attending the needed training, following on-site procedures and communicating safety onsite and in meetings.

As a well experienced project managing company, problem solving a part of our daily tasks. There are not many problems we have not dealt with in the past and within a fair outlook, logical thinking and practical applications there is mostly solutions. By following the right protocol, in the right sequence will usually ensure a problem free outcome, but otherwise our goal would also be to resolve the unexpected, in the shortest time possible.

This is a big yes and very important for any construction project to enable us to make the right decisions, choices and to assist with placing material orders at the right intervals of each phase of the project. As a very experienced project management company we can also provide a very detailed timeline for the project when and if needed. The larger the project, the finer the planning process would also be.

The most important step is to ensure that the project is monitored very well from start to end. Council inspections also ensure this happens, but the quality of each building company differs and therefore it is important to choose a good builder, that also cares about detail, with solid experience and qualifications. Many builders only have the minimum level of qualifications or only a few years of experience in the industry, which is not always enough when it comes to certain types of projects or high-end ones/finishes. It is difficult to find a builder that has it all! Also, obtaining your clients approval as you go and good communication, will also ensure you reach their expectation in the end. Our target is however to reach above that expectation and “wow” our clients. There are other factors that will also contribute to reaching expectations and we are happy to discuss them further, so please call us if you have more questions.

GENERAL BUSINESS QUESTIONS

The Director, Irne Grobler, has 30+ years’ experience in the building industry. As ex-owner of a group of building companies in South Africa for a period of for 21 years, and another 2 years contracting for the City Council of Chicago, Illinois,  he moved to NZ, leaving a still very active and thriving business behind in the US (www.verticalartisans.com), now in the hands of a newly appointed partner in Chicago, it’s now 24 years later.

The bigger picture, seeing the final product, which is a dream come true for most of our clients, while enjoying the little wins in-between and seeing how a place is transforming makes it so worthwhile! Every phase of each project is exciting and diverse, from interacting with the clients, to planning, actioning the work, to finishing off the finer details. Its excitement around every corner and when it’s time to problem solve, that really challenges us to think outside the box because there is no option but to resolve every problem as it may come up, making the end result so much more satisfying, and only perfect is good enough!

I have been throwing bricks to help build since I was 12, growing up between workers, organizational activities and the sales office, that being my after-school care facility! It just became a passion and after winning an award from the Mayor of Chicago at the age of 23 for work done for the Chicago Council, i started specializing and more awards came our way in South Africa as we were selected as a Top 10 Exhibitor at a few Home Shows (of 450+ exhibitors) and not only once. We also moved onto featuring on television and did radio interviews. Throughout my career I just kept on qualifying myself, which makes the field i can work in currently, not only wide but also exciting!

We work closely with the City Councils, Site Safe and other many other bodies to accomplish our goals and set ambitious standards to our work. Our pricing structures, though market related, always go hand in hand with the required research to ensure we can offer our clients the best quality, correctly selected materials with a resolute person that does ongoing price checks and material searching. Our partners in business are also not only selected for best practice but chosen for reasonable pricing, which also benefits our clients. With the years of experience, we have a larger than average string of qualifications between us, were for sure at the top of our game! Further to this, quality work is important to us. For this reason, our ongoing goal will always be to work only with a handful of projects at a time, enabling us to provide the high quality and friendly service we proud ourselves on. We do not mind walking the extra mile, believe effective communication is key and will make time to listen to our client’s needs and views.

We have been providing construction services for the past 32 years, in 3 countries. We work all over Auckland in the current business. While we specialize in major renovations and additions, we also do smaller projects. Please see the majority scope of our work under the photo sections. Every project and client are important. We see ourselves as a professional team and work hard to meet deadlines for project completion. We pride ourselves on providing competitive Quotations that are drafted by a qualified estimator, which will ensure pricing provided to you is detailed, clear and accurate. This will help us to complete the project in-time and on budget top.  Planning is everything and the basis of a good project and saves so much time! We request 3 sub-contractor quotations on materials, so we can offer you the best options and products in the market, while confirming stock at the same time! There isn’t much we can’t do after 30+ years, but we still thread carefully as keeping within a specialized area of work will allow us to excel in what we do, so while our field is broader than most other contractors because of our experience and through working in 3 countries to date, the benefit is always should that tricky/odd project pop up, chances are good we can help. We offer a turnkey service, involving engineers, architects, council and more, so you can just sit back or focus on your to-do’s. We look forward in being of service to you!

PROJECT RELATED QUESTIONS

Exterior Works

The most important factors are surface preparation, moisture control, and product compatibility. Surfaces must be properly cleaned, repaired, and primed, with any rot or damage addressed first. Painting over damp or failing substrates will lead to premature failure, so ensuring the structure is dry and sound is critical for long-term performance.

The key is weathertightness and correct installation detailing. This includes proper flashings, sealing, cavity integration, and structural support. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks and long-term damage, so windows and doors must be fitted in line with NZ building standards to ensure durability and performance.

Reclads

The critical factors are weathertightness, insulation, and cladding system performance. Existing walls must be assessed for rot or structural damage, removed or reinforced as needed, and installed with correct flashings and barriers to prevent leaks. Proper planning around window and door integration is also essential to maintain NZ building code compliance.

The key is correct sequencing and material selection. Substrates must be repaired or replaced, moisture barriers properly installed, and all cladding fixed according to manufacturer and NZ Building Code requirements. Regular inspections during installation prevent defects and long-term maintenance issues.

Renovations (Internal Structural)

The key factors are load-bearing walls, bracing, and how new openings affect structural integrity. Removing or altering walls without proper engineering can compromise the entire structure. We assess whether beams, lintels, or additional bracing are required to redistribute loads safely before any demolition begins.

Renovations often expose outdated systems, so the critical aspects are compliance, capacity, and accessibility. Older wiring or plumbing may not meet current standards, and upgrading them while walls are open avoids costly rework later. Planning service routes early also ensures clean finishes and avoids clashes during construction.

Extensions & Additions

The biggest technical factor is how the new structure ties into the existing one. This includes foundation matching, differential movement, and load transfer. If not handled correctly, you can get cracking, uneven settling, or long-term structural issues.

Foundations must suit soil conditions, load requirements, and existing house levels. Matching floor heights and ensuring proper bearing capacity is critical. In some cases, deeper or engineered foundations are needed to prevent movement between the old and new structures.

Conversions (Garage, Rumpus, Loft, Attic, etc.)

The key factors are structure, height, access, and services. This includes adequate ceiling height (typically around 2.2–2.4m depending on use), sound structural framing, and the ability to install insulation, ventilation, and natural light. You also need to consider access, plumbing/electrical availability, and council compliance before proceeding.

The process focuses on bringing the space up to habitable standard. This includes upgrading the structure, improving floors (levelling, damp-proofing, insulation), installing wall and roof insulation, adding windows and doors, and completing electrical, plumbing, and heating systems. Proper planning and consent are critical.

General Building & Alterations

The main factors are building consent requirements, inspections, and Code of Compliance (CCC). Structural work, plumbing, and significant alterations require council approval and staged inspections to ensure everything meets NZ Building Code standards.

It comes down to detailed planning, sequencing, and ongoing checks. A solid project plan ensures materials, trades, and timelines align correctly, reducing errors and rework while maintaining build quality throughout the process.

Sleepouts

The key issue is whether it’s classified as habitable space. If it includes plumbing or is used for permanent living, it must meet full building code requirements (insulation, ventilation, fire safety). Non-compliant sleepouts can cause issues with insurance and resale.

The focus should be on weathertightness, insulation, and ventilation. Even small structures need proper cladding systems, moisture control, and airflow to prevent condensation, mould, and long-term damage.

Granny Flats

The critical factors are consent requirements, services (water, drainage, power), and intended use. Depending on size and use, it may require full consent and must meet insulation, fire separation, and sanitation standards. Early planning around council rules avoids costly redesigns.

Focus on foundation type, ground conditions, and durability. Whether it’s a slab or pile foundation, it must suit the site and load requirements. Proper bracing and tie-downs are also essential to meet NZ Building Code wind and seismic standards.

Insurance Work

You can typically claim when damage is caused by sudden, insurable events (such as storms, accidental damage, or fire—not general wear and tear). Most insurers allow you to use your own contractor, provided they meet requirements. It’s important to confirm the scope and payout fully cover the repairs, as gaps can occur. If you choose to upgrade or improve beyond like-for-like replacement, you’ll usually need to cover the additional cost yourself.

The key is ensuring the scope of work is complete and accurate, including any hidden damage. Issues like moisture ingress or structural deterioration can be missed early on. If not included and approved upfront, these can become out-of-pocket costs later.

Maintenance & Repairs

The most important areas are water ingress, structural wear, and safety risks. Issues like leaks, damaged cladding, or movement should be addressed early, as they can quickly escalate into major structural problems if left untreated.

Yes – early intervention protects the overall integrity of the building. Addressing minor defects early helps prevent deterioration, extends the life of materials, and avoids significantly higher costs down the track.

Commercial Work (Concrete & Fit Outs)

The key considerations are ground preparation, load requirements, and finishing tolerances. Poor subgrade preparation can lead to cracking and movement. Concrete must also be designed for its intended use, and finishing levels must meet strict tolerances for compliance and performance.

The main factors are services coordination, compliance, and sequencing. Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing must be planned together to avoid clashes. Fit-outs also need to meet commercial codes, including fire safety and accessibility, making early planning critical.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact us. We’d be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

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