Navigating Your Auckland Renovation: Consents, Costs, and Expert Advice

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.

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

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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.

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