Step Into Our World: Discover Retro Construction’s 31 years of Craftsmanship and Excellence

Discover Retro Construction's commitment to quality and excellence in our latest video. From home renovations to commercial builds, see why clients trust us with their most important projects.
Construction worker measuring building structure with scaffolding, ensuring precision for building project success and safety standards.

Explore Our Latest Video

Get a firsthand look at what sets Retro Construction apart. Our new video captures the essence of our work, featuring a variety of projects—from intricate home renovations to standout commercial builds. It reflects our commitment to precision, innovation, and client happiness.

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Step Into Our World: Discover Retro Construction’s Craftsmanship and Excellence

When you choose a builder, you aren’t just hiring a contractor; you are inviting a team into your personal space or trusting them with the future of your business assets. At Retro Construction, based in East Tamaki, Auckland, we believe that trust is built on a foundation of transparency, rigorous planning, and genuine skill.

Our motto, “Traditional Experience/Modern Style,” is more than a tagline—it is the philosophy that drives every nail we drive and every plan we draw. Whether you are looking for a complex commercial build or a bathroom renovation, we invite you to step into our world and see what sets us apart.

The People Behind the Project

Great projects start with great people. Leading the charge is our Managing Director, Irne Grobler. Clients consistently describe Irne as a true craftsman with a “warm personality, calmness, and positive attitude”. Whether navigating a renovation while a family cares for a newborn baby or managing a tight commercial timeline, Irne’s philosophy is that “nothing is too hard”.

Supporting the operations is Angie, our Office Manager and Project Coordinator. With 25 years of experience in construction and property management, Angie ensures that the “boring” but vital paperwork—from council documentation to health and safety compliance—is handled with military precision.

Residential Craftsmanship: Solving the Impossible

At Retro Construction, we pride ourselves on solving problems that other builders might walk away from. A perfect example of our dedication to craftsmanship was a recent restoration of a 100-year-old villa.

During the reclad project, we discovered that the specific heritage weatherboards required were no longer available from suppliers. Rather than compromising the home’s character with a modern substitute, our team took matters into our own hands. We used routers and wood turners to hand-manufacture the drip edge and achieve the exact profile cut over a 6-metre length. It was a meticulous process, but it ensured we didn’t let the client down.

We apply this same level of care to modern renovations. For 1960s brick homes suffering from “poky little rooms,” we specialize in removing internal walls to create the open internal flow that modern Kiwi families desire. Using our immediate 3D visualization technology, we can even render photos of your existing bathroom on-site, overlaying new designs so you can see the finished result before we start.

Commercial Excellence and Maintenance

Our expertise extends well beyond the residential sector. Retro Construction is a trusted name in the Auckland commercial building market, handling everything from groundbreaking foundations to final finishing touches.

We understand that a commercial site operates like a “temporary outdoor factory”. It requires complex management of “Preliminaries”—the essential operating costs that ensure a site is legal, safe, and efficient. From managing craneage on tight sites to ensuring weather-tightness against New Zealand’s variable climate, we handle the logistics so you can focus on your business.

Furthermore, we believe that “Nothing is too big or too small.” We actively support property managers, such as those at Nesuto Newhaven, with ongoing maintenance. While other contractors may chase only big contracts, we are happy to fix burst pipes, cut concrete steps, or hang doors.

The Retro Construction Difference: Planning and Pricing

How do we ensure excellence across such a wide range of projects? The answer lies in our process.

1. Competitive Bidding To ensure you get the best value, we don’t rely on a single supplier. We obtain multiple quotes for subcontractors and expensive ticket items. This competitive bidding process ensures market-related rates, reduces the risk of dependency on one tradesperson, and often brings innovative new techniques to your project.

2. Managing Risk and Insurance We protect our clients by being upfront about the “boring” details. For residential renovations, we operate by the golden rule: the property owner should generally arrange Contract Works Insurance as an extension of their home policy. This ensures a single insurer covers both the existing structure and the new work, preventing disputes. We guide you through this process to ensure your biggest asset is never exposed.

3. Future-Proofing Design Our practical designers have an eye for detail that allows us to future-proof your build. We look for issues before they happen, ensuring that your renovation or commercial build stands the test of time.

Join the Retro Family

With over 30 years of industry experience, Retro Construction offers an all-inclusive service package defined by helpful, friendly, and respectful communication. From the first consultation to the final Code of Compliance, we are committed to making your building journey a pleasure.

Ready to step into our world? Contact us today to discuss your next project.

Retro Construction Ltd East Tamaki, Auckland Email: info@retroconstruction.co.nz Web: www.retroconstruction.co.nz

Author:

Picture of Angie

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.