With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Irne Grobler and the team at Retro Construction specialise in large, complex residential renovations and extensions. We know that a successful build is about more than just swinging a hammer – it requires meticulous planning, accurate estimating, and a deep understanding of New Zealand’s building codes.
In our latest video update, Irne breaks down exactly what you need to know before starting your next project:
Designing to Your Budget We focus on three main pillars when planning your project: aesthetic outcome, functionality, and budget. By using advanced estimating software and 3D rendering, we help you visualise your finished space with photo-quality designs before construction even begins. This approach allows us to design specifically to your budget from the get-go, ensuring you avoid the expensive variations and budget blowouts that happen when changes are made mid-build.
In many cases, the first draft estimate presented to you may be higher/much higher than anticipated. It shows in no way that the builder has not listened to you needs, but in fact it is the opposite from that, as the builder navigates to offer you the best of both worlds aligning budget with scope and working dedicatedly to find what’s best achievable with the project, its only patience and time that will bring the results needed! It also assists some clients with the lending process to have a initial higher first draft estimate, as this is often the version submitted to the bank for approval.
It is then quite common for the estimate to be revised a further two to three times as we adapt and refine it to better align with your budget. During this process, we will start refining the initial material quotes received by obtaining second and third quotes on higher-ticket items, discussing discounts with suppliers based on commitments to secure purchases within a certain timeframe, revisiting preliminary costs in order to obtain actuals where possible, and even reconsidering material selections or construction methods that may offer further cost savings and where possible impose even more actions to acquire the results we need to align! These factors could still make a huge impact on the final estimate, so clients should not feel discouraged after the receiving the first estimate.
At the opposite end of the string it is also a true fact that with continually escalating building and labour costs, it is not always possible to provide every client with everything they would ideally like to include within the reality of their build budget and sometimes an item or two will need to be delayed for later-on. Even if they supplied a budget figure to us, this does not change the cost of a build or its materials instantly and this can only be revised once the cost of the actual builds estimate foundation has been laid, then having something to work from. The good news is that we always endeavour to get as close as possible by aligning the three key elements of a successful project: budget, scope (client expectations), and time (schedule) and it is not often that a project does not proceed because these points could not be aligned. Ultimately, it is about finding that ideal balance for every client, working and re-working these main three factors. For this reason, we always suggest that clients allow at least six months for the planning phase, depending on the size and complexity of the project, this could be even longer for larger builds or renovations!
Estimating today is very different to what it was years ago. These days, we quantify every screw and explain the purpose behind every item we charge for. Ballpark figures or “thumb sucks” are no longer realistic in the modern construction environment. In today’s highly regulated and legally driven construction environment, this is the only practical and responsible way to navigate a project forward as the first draft estimate still needs to be very accurate. Most reputable building companies will not even provide a estimate quote unless the architectural plans have already been drafted, which is also why we begin with this preliminary phase agreement as a first step.
Through this article and video, we endeavour to educate and assist clients in understanding the ever-evolving and changing ways in which we work. We understand that the process is not always easy to follow or understand, but that is exactly why we are here – to help guide and navigate our clients from the very start of the journey through to the very end.
Consented vs. Non-Consented Work (Schedule 1) Understanding what requires an Auckland Council building consent can save you significant time and money. Under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, you can undertake minor, non-consented work quickly and cheaply, provided it doesn’t affect your home’s structural integrity, weather tightness, or fire and sanitary systems.
- Bathrooms: Installing a tiled shower will instantly trigger a consent due to the complex waterproofing required, but simply swapping a shower for a bath or using a vinyl liner with a shower tray generally will not.
- Walls: You can safely remove non-loadbearing walls to reconfigure your internal spaces, but always check your plans first! Even if a wall isn’t loadbearing, it might be a crucial bracing wall that keeps your house stable.
- Decks & Retaining Walls: You can build these without a consent as long as they are kept below 1.5 metres in height.
The Asbestos Reality in Older Homes Just a quick warning for those tackling DIY projects: if you are renovating an Auckland property built before the 1980s, there is an almost 100% chance you will encounter asbestos in your sheet cladding or linings. It is crucial to educate yourself, identify these risks early, and factor safe, responsible disposal into your project costs.
Retro Construction Ltd – Traditional Experience / Modern Style
