Mesmerizing stonefacing building technique showcases stunning transformations that will leave you in awe. From elegant fireplaces to enchanting garden walls, see how you can unleash the power of stone and create a space that exudes style and elegance.
Transform Your Space with Stonefacing Magic: Texture, Warmth, and Style
In the world of home renovations, there is often a desire to move beyond simple painted plasterboard. While a fresh coat of paint—like the “Resene Black White” we used in our recent Mount Wellington project—can make a world of difference, some spaces demand more. They demand texture, depth, and character.
This is where stonefacing magic comes in.
Whether it is a dramatic fireplace surround, an exterior feature wall, or a textured entranceway, stonefacing brings a touch of “Traditional Experience” blended with “Modern Style”. At Retro Construction, we specialize in managing these high-impact upgrades with the same precision and care we apply to our structural builds.
1. Visualizing the Magic Before We Start
The biggest hesitation homeowners have with bold materials like stone is the fear that it might “overpower” the room. It is hard to visualize how a heavy texture will look in a 2D drawing.
To solve this, we utilize immediate 3D visualization technology. Just as we do for our bathroom renovations, we can visit your home, take photos of your existing wall or exterior, and render 3D photos on-site in seconds.
- See the Result: We can overlay different stone profiles onto your actual space.
- Refine the Design: Once you are happy with the concept, we take precise measurements using Polycam. This ensures that when the stonemasons arrive, the design matches your vision perfectly.
2. Sourcing the Best Craftsmanship
Stonefacing is an art form. It requires specialist tradespeople to ensure the finish is durable and aesthetically pleasing. To ensure you get the best quality for your investment, Retro Construction utilizes a Competitive Bidding process.
We do not simply rely on the same subcontractor out of habit. Instead, we obtain multiple quotes for specialist work.
- Improved Quality: By comparing options, we assess the experience and reputation of different specialists to ensure they are the best fit for your specific stonefacing project.
- Innovation: New subcontractors often bring fresh techniques or access to different stone suppliers that a single provider might miss.
- Competitive Pricing: When tradespeople know they are competing, they offer their most competitive rates, ensuring you get “market-related” pricing for luxury finishes.
3. Managing the “Temporary Factory”
Installing stonefacing can be a dusty, heavy process. It requires cutting equipment, mixing stations, and safe storage for materials. This turns your home into a “temporary outdoor factory”.
We are transparent about the Preliminaries required to manage this safely. These essential operating costs (typically 11–15% of a project) cover the site setup, floor protection, and dust management required to keep the rest of your home clean while the “magic” happens.
- Safety First: We implement strict health and safety protocols (HSWA 2015) to protect your family from dust and heavy materials during the install.
4. The “Irne Factor”: Calmness and Craftsmanship
Complex aesthetic features require a steady hand at the helm. Our Managing Director, Irne Grobler, is known for his ability to solve technical issues with a “calmness and positive attitude”.
We approach every detail with craftsmanship in mind. In a recent heritage restoration, when specific materials weren’t available, Irne and the team hand-manufactured components to achieve the desired profile. We bring that same problem-solving dedication to your stonefacing project, ensuring corners are mitred correctly and the finish is flawless.
5. Protecting Your Investment: Insurance
Adding stonefacing often involves working on the structural cladding of your home. To ensure you are fully protected, we generally recommend that the property owner arranges Contract Works Insurance as an extension of their existing home policy.
- Why? This ensures that a single insurer covers both your existing wall structure and the new stone work.
- Our Role: We guide you through this process to ensure there are no gaps in coverage, while maintaining our own Public Liability insurance for any third-party risks.
Ready to Add the Wow Factor?
If you are looking to elevate your home with the timeless appeal of stone, you need a team that combines design flair with structural expertise. Based in East Tamaki, Retro Construction is ready to transform your space.
