“I’m so glad I went for it, I don’t even want to leave my house, I’m going to retire in this place, it’s perfect! On Saturday I had my first visitors and their reaction was amazing! My experience with Superior Renovations is that they delivered on time and they delivered on budget – it couldn’t have been any better.
Last thing I would want is to be stuck in a half done house for Christmas and Superior Renovations did not disappoint, they delivered 1 week before Christmas just as they promised”
The renovation included: ☑️ Removal of Walls and Doors throughout downstairs with added structural steel beams ☑️ Full Kitchen Design + Renovation ☑️ Custom Feature Wall for Fireplace and TV ☑️ Outdoor Renovation/ Seating/ Fencing ☑️ Renovation of the toilet ☑️ Full Interior Painting including balustrades ☑️ New Carpets in Bedrooms ☑️ New Laminate Flooring Downstairs ☑️ Underfloor heating in Kitchen, Dining and Living
Still have questions unanswered?
Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations, we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!
Light switches and surfaces are often the last thing on people’s minds when they renovate their home. This however, is changing because every element of your renovation contributes to the overall design of your renovated space whether its your bathroom or kitchen.
We decided to have a conversation with Robert Knight from PDL by Schneider Electric to understand more about their latest Iconic series and how they elevate the design as well as function of renovations.
In this video Robert explores:
1. PDF 600 Series Vs PDL Iconic Series
2. Different Styles and Finishes from Iconic range that complement bathroom and Kitchen designs
Stay tuned for future videos with Robert to understand more about safety features, Home Automation Features, Wiser Home App and their Designer Range.
Visit our Showroom at Wairau Valley (16b Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland) to explore more options from the Iconic Range by PDL by Schneider Electric. You can also consult our designers to help you choose the right lighting surface for your bathroom or kitchen design.
Still have questions unanswered?
Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations, we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!
2021 and 2022 were years filled with uncertainty and continuous lockdowns. Although this new year as some of us slowly returned to an office, it is safe to say we spent a lot of time at home, being the perfect opportunities for renovating house. Whether it is for in-person hangouts, parties, or a stay-cation, homes have the destination for these gatherings. It is hard to say what 2022 will bring, but let’s not make this uncertainty prevent us from getting those dream house renovations, and renovating house projects ticked off! In this blog we will cover upcoming full home renovation trends for renovating a house in New-Zealand.
Nowadays, especially when it comes to renovation old homes in NZ, homeowners become more aware of the home layout and the aesthetics for a space. This is because, the energy and atmosphere of the home can significantly change before and after a house renovation. A common renovating house trend in NZ that many homeowners’ favours is the process of turning a spare room or unused space to a home office. Due to the many hours spent at working from home, a home office has been a crowd favourite. When renovating house in New-Zealand, incorporating a home office will boost the functionality of home, and may be at the forefront when selling your home in the future.
Home renovation, whether it is a full house renovation nz or a singular room many homeowners value the layout and the aesthetic of the room. It can easily be said that these aspects can contribute to the productivity of the home. In 2022, since many homeowners will spend more time and effort in designing a unique working space to maximise their concentration and productivity when renovating house.
When renovating old nz homes, the home offices and dining rooms were the first rooms you see when entering the home. It is great to see that this home design trend is making a come back in renovating house projects in 2022! Homeowners can also try incorporating build in high-tech solutions such as smart boards, projectors and/or wet bars when renovating house.
1. Enhanced Outdoor Spaces and Features when Renovating House.
According to our in-house designers, 25 percent of more homeowners are now investing in patios, terraces, and decks compared to 2020. More homeowners are now prioritising creating space for family get together and entertainment when renovating houses. During the full home renovation process the floor plan can be extended to create flow from indoors to outdoors. New Zealand homeowners have quickly realised that when renovating house, with the correct landscaping, furnishing, and styling, it can make all the difference in how they use the space each day.
How to Enhances your Outdoor Space:
Although common outdoor spaces and features are located behind homes, you can also utilise the surround space of your home by renovating these features on the side and front of the home. By doing the house will be given a curb appeal and creates spaces around the house homeowners can relax in. A full house renovation can be a hefty topic, so it is important you plan before with a certified designer to think of ways and/or new trends you can maximise the current space you have. Some outdoor full home renovation designs we recommend are enclosed porches paired with natural plants and florals to bring the relaxing atmosphere from outdoors in. The use of natural plants and decorations can also create a sense of softness and dimension, therefore is one full house renovation design we highly recommend.
Another design aspects you can incorporate in your renovating house process is to introduce shade structures like awnings. We have seen an increase of homeowners making plans to incorporating awnings in full home and outdoor renovations. Awnings can create an aesthetically please shade structure and not only provide protection from the sun but helps make the outdoor living area feel more connected.
Try look for fabrics with certified UV sunlight protection. As more and more homeowners start their full house renovations in New Zealand, outdoor rooms such as pools, outdoor kitchens and fire pits are popular features added to the clients wish-list. Another full house renovation design idea for your outdoor space is connecting these spaces to indoor rooms with luxurious French doors or doors that fold back.
Texture, especially when it comes to renovating old homes in New-Zealand, will become the biggest trend you will see for 2022. It is amazing to see the differences of what incorporating of a texture can do to the before and after of your home renovation.
Faux Finishing
Another design trend that will be rising in 2022 is the use of texture. Faux finishing has significantly exploded in the house renovation nz market in New-Zealand. When renovating a house or planning your renovation journey say hello to a surface you want to run your hands over and/or engage with in a tactile way. A common texture used especially in full home renovations is Faux finishing. Faux finishing is when materials are used to mimic installed materials. This finishing has exploded within the renovation market with the advent of materials and processes that make home renovation and designing more approachable from both a cost and skill perspective. A popular way to incorporate faux finishing texture is through a faux brick wall. If this is done well with certified professionals, you can barely spot the difference. Within many of our clients we often see homeowners opt for using a faux finish to achieve the look of Venetian plaster, concrete, or marble.
Grasscloth
Another texture to incorporate in your full home renovation journey is the use of Grasscloth. Grasscloth is a perfect option to create a more traditional and transitional space, as well as bring a soft subtle atmosphere to your home. This texture is perfect when you want to maintain the traditional aesthetic when renovation old homes NZ. A common use of grasscloth is lines of 3D wall panels giving the home space a dimensional look, which have been very popular with home designers for modern or contemporary home renovations. Texture is a perfect way to spice up the atmosphere of your home and create a sort of visual interest. During a full room renovation process many of our designers have found many clients have become bored with basic paint for wall applications and have opt out for textured designs instead.
Fabrics
It is safe to say, that texture fabrics are here to stay and have always been a crowd favourite. Recently we have seen an increase in demand for crème bouclé in renovating house in 2021. Crème bouclé tones have been a popular colour in more traditional houses that we have seen a lot on our renovation projects for older homes in New-Zealand. We are happy to see this colour make a comeback as it is timeless, whilst providing the elegant warm aesthetic. This year texture fabrics such as sage green, pale yellow, pale greys, and blues can be predicted to be the new crowd favourite. Texture fabrics as well as soft-to-the-hand fabrics create a feeling of warmth to the house and are one of the upcoming home designs features our in-house designers are gravitating towards in 2022.
Raw Metals and Natural Wood
Interesting materials are taking the front seat for homeowners, especially those who are renovating old homes nz. Another interesting material to incorporate during your full home renovations are raw metals and natural wood textures. Wood textures can make a significant difference to the before and after of the home renovation nz. Being the reason, many homeowners are now more excited about making a sophisticated statement that highlight their distinct style and personality. Raw metals and other panelling options are commonly requested on modern and contemporary renovation projects. Whereas natural woody accents with a hint of patina tone textures have been popular for more traditional and country projects. Materials like raw metals and natural woods have an easy application during the renovation process and can be simply be placed on top of already existing walls without expensive structural work.
Textures are an upcoming trend in 2022 that we will most likely see a lot of homeowners considering textures during their full home renovation process, especially old home renovations. Textures give a home, even an old-fashioned home soul and richness to the space around us.
3. Incorporate Technology within your Full Home Renovation
Technology will make huge advancements within full home renovation interior design. Digital interior design in renovating house was already increasing pre Covid days, and now more designers and homeowners we will see the efficiency of online interior design becoming bigger in 2022. The space and size of interior designs can be seen to have gotten significantly bigger due practice social distancing. Whether the design is a renovation for an office or a new store the value of space have increases compared to before and after renovations nz. We also expect home decor apps and design firms to implement technological changes to their business plans for 2022. This could potentially lower renovation costs as design fees will be decreased.
A great way to start incorporating technology aspect to your home is during your full home renovation design process, using virtual staging with 3D models. The rise of technology within home renovation in New-Zealand when renovating a house nz are expected to rise and there has been a significant increase in demand before COVID. The ways technology is incorporated are also expected to increase as more home décor apps and design firms implement technology during any home renovation process and/or their design operations. An easy way to start incorporating technology into your home renovation design process is virtual staging. Virtual staging will be an easy way to get the idea of how your new home will look like, as well as will make it easier for furniture shopping.
These days, we are on our phones, tablets, and computers a lot more than before being more of a reason technology should be incorporating when renovating a house nz. Whether it is answering to emails, attending work conferences, or just mindlessly scrolling, technology has become an important sector of our day-to-day routines. Therefore, our in-house designers recommend incorporating more specialised outlets, such as the Ultra-Fast Plus Power Delivery with USB-C, or a pop-out outlet during the designing process of your full home renovation or renovating a house nz in general. These types of innovative outlets will provide homeowners with faster charging ports, as well as a sleek design with no bulky adapters needed.
4. Full Home Renovations: Create a Modern and Multi-Purpose Kitchen
When renovating a house nz, the kitchen is where the family spends most of their time together and can be seen as the home’s hub. Renovating the kitchen, whether it is a kitchen focused project or a full home renovation project, is one of the most common projects our clients undertake. As well as have a significant return in the renovation costs as it is the most commonly used areas in a home. More and more clients are investing in larger, modern design kitchens. Browse our recent kitchen designs for layout inspiration. This can be seen especially due to the increase in hours spent at home and the kitchen due to COVID lockdowns. The kitchen, during full home renovation projects are usually take up majority of the planning and designing stage. This is because, many of our clients have realised the importance of utilising the space, as the family spend so much time in that area. The median of clients spending time and money on kitchens have increases in the last past three years, the investment on the renovation to large kitchen is expected to jump in the coming years.
The house renovations before and after of a kitchen is truely amazing. Renovating house is truely an awarding experience.
5. House Renovations NZ: The Bathroom is your Private Sanctuary
The bathroom is the second most popular room renovated by homeowners during 2021 and the start of 2022 when renovating a house nz. During continuous lockdowns, having a little alone time at any point during the day is a reward. If you found yourself continuously hiding in the bathroom to get a little alone time, a luxurious bathroom renovation is for you! The before and after of bathroom renovations nz will amaze you. Browse our bathroom design ideas to picture the finished space.
So, what does a full home bathroom renovation entail in renovating a house nz? A typical bathroom renovation includes replacing the cabinetry/vanity, countertops, and the toilet. While the numbers spent by homeowners to renovation their bathroom has been steady along the years. The renovation cost spent on a primary bathroom renovation is at $8,000 nzd average. The renovation of smaller primary bathrooms has increased by 20 percent, as homeowners shift to maximising every room of their homes during a full house renovation process.
For many of our clients and homeowners, the bathroom during house renovations nz has become the only private space away from children or family. This space provides relaxation and respite; therefore, the renovation of the bathroom has become a necessity- especially with travel plans being cancelled. Our in house designers state, “For many, the bathroom is acted as a private space away from any distractions, and the bathroom provides relaxations and respire increased almost every night. This is why when clients are renovating a house nz, especially renovating old homes they like to focus on the bathroom”.
This year we encourage our clients and homeowners to give the guest bedrooms more love with the incorporation of trending home designs when renovating a house nz. Here are some of the guest bedrooms trends that have been increasing through the years:
Add a luxurious coffee bar or a mini fridge during your house renovations nz. A full house renovation nz calls for the opportunity to incorporate new features to the guest bedroom. Especially when it comes to the renovation old nz homes, the guest bedroom is the perfect opportunity to bring in more modern designs and move on from the traditional.
Include a spacious desk for guests who work remotely and will need a private area to have Zoom calls or check their emails during house renovation nz. Renovations cost to include a luxurious spacious desks for your guests do not cost a fortune. The simple act of incorporating new and modern design furniture can make a significant difference to your house renovation before and after nz.
House renovations nz: introduce an interesting wall treatment or specialty lighting. Incorporating wall treatment during renovation a house nz is a perfect way to make your house feel more foreign and luxurious. Wall treatments have been very popular overseas and we can see an increase in this trend with clients when renovating house.
Design for the destination. This includes adding coastal, farmhouse, metropolitan, or southwest elements that are specific to your home atmosphere and location. Designing to fit the destination is journey many clients take during house renovation nz. This is often because it breaks free from the traditional designs of New-Zealand house renovations nz. The house renovations before and after nz effect for these designs will amaze you!
Creating a space when renovation a house to retreat to so you van relax and recharge is the reason why many clients love renovating old nz homes primary bedrooms. The house renovations nz of the primary bedrooms is one of the sixth most popular interior projects taken. The primary bedroom is a place where homeowners can retreat to relax and recharge. The uprising trends for primary bedroom renovations are the incorporation of dramatic colours and wall treatments. This includes anything from 3D applications, like boards and battens to bold colours and textures, such as a bold green or even black. Our in house designer states, “It is refreshing to see when renovations old nz homes that many clients create a sanctuary from themselves. We encourage clients to choose and embrace design choices that are personalised to them and their lifestyle. It is always a joy to when renovating a house and during a house renovation nz project to see clients break free from text book designs and trends”.
8. Go Bold!
Recently, we have been seeing a lot of homeowners incorporate the use of wallpapers and are an easy way to be installed, as well as be swapped out for any design changes during full house renovations nz. Current trends show many homeowners using wallpapers with bold patterns during their renovation process when they want to experiment with colour and texture. Experimenting with colours during the process of renovation a house nz and/or before house renovations is a perfect way to trail and error your colour choices. Wallpapers are often common in nurseries or the children’s room. However, more and more homeowners have created their own individuality through unique colours and patterns wallpapers can offer. Popular colours our in-house designs recommend for full home renovations are pinks, burnt oranges, peacock blues and pine greens. Wallpapers are not only used in rooms but can also be a unique way to create contrast in your kitchen on a backsplash, or cabinets.
For several years we have seen white dominating whole interior and exterior home renovations. However, this year we have seen a shift to dark neutrals, such as natural wood panelling or dark grey focus walls during full house renovations nz. The house renovations nz before and after nz from switching from neutral tones to bold personalised colours work wonders to the home atmosphere. Our in house designers state. “Dark is the new white. We are seeing a strong interesting in dark neutrals and dark wood stains when renovating a house nz. We see this especially when renovation old nz homes as these tones during more of a modern feel to the home atmosphere”.
2022 is also the year we will see the rise of the “side-hustle bedroom” during house renovations as well as full house renovations nz. With many Gen Z and Millennials with an entrepreneurial mindset, a bedroom dedicated as a filming set to creative studio and/or a warehouse to ship facilities have become an increasing trend. Renovation costs for these bedrooms are not scary as it may sound, consult with your designers to build up a plan that works for you when renovation a house nz or even when renovating old nz homes.
Greens have been a huge factor in full house renovations in 2022. Many of our clients are inspired by historic and organic references in architectural design for their full home renovation design. People have gone back to the roots of a materials and incorporate chemical free paints and resources during their full home renovation journey. The pandemic has significantly contributed to the realisation of health and the environment, as more homeowners become less materialistic. Our in-house designers state that the primary focus on revamping up a space is to reuse materials and furniture.
During full house renovations nz, many homeowners inspired by historic and organic references, which pairs with the demand for reclaimed and sustainably made materials. The demand for more organic and refreshing designs can be seen increasing when renovating old nz homes. This is because many old nz homes come with traditional designs and wood features that can bring a dark atmosphere to the home. As these demands increase, many renovation company’s along with ourselves have been working on more creative ways to incorporate this innovation in house renovations.
10. Natural Sunlight
The request for natural sunlight to be incorporate in their home by homeowners have been becoming increasingly popular. This can be done through bigger windows and door openings. When swapping out windows for doors and investing in adding larger windows, give a sense of greater connection to the outside and nature. We see many of our clients embarking on remodelling work to replace traditional patio doors with large scenic doors to create a seamless transition and sense of freedom.
Not only can you bring nature to your home through windows and doors, but through warm tone colours. Move beyond classic white and blues and gravitate towards colour-ways that bring the essence of nature. Try incorporating greens, ochre, terra-cotta, oatmeal beige, and greys during your full home renovation design process.
Our in house designers highly recommend homeowners when renovating an old house nz to lean into a soft modern aesthetic. This can be done by incorporating organic wood tones and clean, natural colours that will create a positive impact on well-being and inspire the sense of connection with nature.
Having durable surfaces and a good quality home is a key when you are renovating your full house renovations nz. Especially with many homeowners stilling a large amount of time cleaning and scrubbing their countertops, it is important you incorporate durable material. Our in-house designers recommend acrylic solid surfaces. These surfaces are seamless and offer max durability with no additional maintenance, with a sleek beautiful design. Our in house designers state, “As more and more homeowners become more savvy about the maintenance required for countertops especially homeowners renovating old nz homes seek for acrylic surfaces. Acrylic surfaces are seamless and offer durability without any extra work required and will not be a burden to renovation costs. The home renovations before and after nz with wooden countertops and acrylic have a significant difference”.
12. Sustainable Renovation
Eco-friendly home renovation designs are becoming a clever way to upgrade your home, while minimising environmental impact. There are our top four sustainable home designs you can incorporate during your next renovation journey. A easy way to become a sustainable household as well as maintain renovation costs will involve upgrading appliances. Not only should you seek to find Energy Star-rated appliances that focus on energy use, but also do the research and find the brands that offer this efficiently. Making changes in your household does not need to be a full house renovation or have a huge renovation before and after difference. Making small changes like this can also contribute to making a change in your home, like a house renovations.
1. Living Walls
Living walls and living roofs involve installing live plants into the structure of your home. Not only does this turn into the statement of your home, but it is also highly sustainable as it acts like a natural air purifier. Incorporating natural greens in your renovation design is scientifically proven to make a person happiness and improve wellness and mood, making a huge difference in house renovations before and after nz.
2. Smart Homes
Implementing technology within your home is also boost sustainability in your home. There are many newly developed technologies that can track water levels and usage in bathrooms and kitchens and leak identifiers. Technology can now also track how much power you are using and make it easier to remember to turn off lights with automatic sensors.
Living in a tiny home is a lifestyle change. However, tiny homes are identifiably more environmentally friendly, thus, being the reason why many homeowners consider tiny homes. Tiny homes are naturally smaller than your average home. Therefore, in the long run it will use much less water, gas, and electricity.
4. Solar Panels
Another smart way to opt out into a sustainable lifestyle is using solar panel energy. Solar energy is a renewable resource that will contribute into reducing energy use of a household astronomically. Whilst installing solar panels can be expensive and can involve a difficult renovation process, the end results and benefits it brings will not disappoint!
13. Smooth Curves
The trend of curves and sculptural furniture are expected to come back in 2022. Try incorporating these designs within your full home renovation design process to create an elegant European flair atmosphere, through using curved pod chairs, and arches.
Sustainable trends do not need to charge a significant amount to your renovation cost or budget. Simple acts of knowing where your materials are being sources and repurposed can turn any house renovation and renovating a house nz into one that helps the environment. Renovating old nz homes that did not focus on these aspects can also significantly improve your home’s sustainability and is a perfect way to reduce carbon footprint. When sustainability is trending in house renovations, everybody wins!
14. Vintage and DIY
Vintage and DIY projects are a great way to add a bit for your own personality into your home design. Some interior designs and furnitures can come with a high price point that just aren’t feasible. In this case, we recommend looking at what you already own and how you could spice up these items to create a new look. Could it be on-trend with a new fresh coat of paint or some new reupholstering?
Trends have shifted from gloss to matte and can be seen as an upcoming trend in 2022. More and more homeowners are now incorporating matte finishes in their bathrooms and kitchen fixtures, such as brass, brushed coppers, black matte, and even white matte. Move aside gloss, matte and stone finishes are here to stay!
Full home renovations can be a hefty topic. There are so many aspects to consider such as renovation costs, as well as renovation designs. In this blog we have highlighted upcoming full home renovations design trends for 2022, and there are a lot more trends to come throughout the years. Your full home renovation journey does not need to scary. With the correct specialist, contractors, and designers, we can guarantee your renovation journey will be a breeze.
How much does it cost to renovation in Auckland?
The price of your renovation project will vary depending on what materials and finishes you decide on. To get a estimate price, have a look at our blog that covers renovation pricing in Auckland: https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/renovation-costs-auckland/
Is it cheaper to renovate or build a home?
The price for both options can vary, therefore, there is no definite answer. Make sure to discuss with a professional to get a quote.
How long does it take for a full home renovation?
The estimated time period for a full home renovation is 7-10 months.
Take advantage of our FREE Complete Home Renovation Guide (48 pages), whether you’re already renovating or in the process of deciding to renovate, it’s not an easy process, this guide which includes a free 100+ point check list – will help you avoid costly mistakes.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Still have questions unanswered?
Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations, we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!
Renovating your own house is something that most people would look forward to and why shouldn’t they? The thought of changing your kitchen, bathroom or entire house to give it a complete makeover would get anyone excited.
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One of the most important aspect of renovations however is the design process. This article will focus on the design process of a renovation. It will give you some vital interior design ideas that are important for a successful renovation.
The design phase is where all the excitement lies. This phase however can also be a complicated process. it is often difficult to put your ideas and vision into paper. To add to this complication, different members of your family would have different ideas on what they want from your home renovation. There is often a lot of back and forth with your family members which can make it all seem very frustrating. So what should you do?
Meet Orly from Place2Be
As a designer, my highest purpose is to create for my clients a tailor-made design that contains the ideal floor plan, colour scheme, material combination and concept, while considering their goals, style and budget and make sure they are happy with the outcome.
I believe (and it is also scientifically approved) that the environment around us affects our mood, productivity, and energy levels. With my efficient design process, I can help you to create a space where you would feel comfortable, organised and at peace.
Orly specialises in space planning and concept/color consultation which is exactly the kind of person who renovators need in order to get the best outcome from a renovation.
We decided to have a sit down with Orly Baliti who has been an interior designer for over 11 years to discuss various factors that come into play when clients are planning a renovation. She has worked with architects, engineers and builders designing and managing various projects in the commercial and residential sectors.
Here is what we discussed with Orly:
Importance of Planning for renovations and the design phase
How the correct design can add value to your renovation
5 crucial steps in space planning to complement your renovation as told by Orly
Designer Home renovation projects by Superior Renovations in Auckland
Importance of space planning in your design process
When asked what the most important step for success was, Orly had no hesitations saying that it was planning. It was something which resonated with us as that is exactly what we tell our clients when they renovate with us. Your planning should include the following:
Budget planning
Your top priorities for renovating
What outcome you want from your renovation
Research
Timeframes
And the often forgotten one which is space planning.
What is space planning?
If you are wondering what exactly space planning is? Orly explains that space planning is an important aspect of the interior design process. Space planning is an in-depth analysis of how physical space is used in structures. It considers the purpose of spaces and who will use them. Space planning is a process that takes several steps, and its an important component that helps to ensure efficient use of floor space without wasting it. This also shows how you would move within the space. The plan is finally completed by putting details like textures, colours and even furniture in their places to show the overall look and feel of the place.
What can go wrong if space planning is not done well?
Orly explains that there are several things that can go wrong if you do not plan your space properly. If you do not plan your space well then it could lead to several problems once your renovation is completed. Space planning is a part of interior design that goes hand in had with renovations.
You might want a L shaped kitchen with a huge island but did you account for the dining table next to it? Perhaps that L shaped kitchen with an island has left no space for a decent sized dining table. Now you can only buy a 4 seater dining table when in fact you have a 6 person household. Having the right type of kitchen design especially in an open planned kitchen is important. For more kitchen and bathroom design ideas look at our kitchen gallery and bathroom gallery of renovated kitchens/bathrooms in Auckland.
Orly has shortlisted Top 5 things that she has seen with poor space planning.
Bad planning that leads to a space where you cannot fit your furniture
Non functional kitchen layout which leaves little working space
Non functional power points and lighting positions.
How interior designers are an integral part of a renovation process
An interior designer can really take your renovation to the next level if you make her an integral part of your renovation process.
Orly explains that a lot of her clients renovate to add value to their property, whether it’s for them to enjoy it, rent it or sell in future. We found this to be very true for our clients as well because most of them looked at renovations of a way to add some sort of value to their home. In our experience renovations that add the most value to any home were:
Naturally, you are looking to increase your return on investment and, the last thing you want is to be disappointed by the outcome. You also need to consider that during the renovation, there are lots of decisions to be made and lots of options available.
For example; choosing the right style, colours and materials, planing the lighting, create a better layout to maximise the space, add storage, etc. Confirming these details at the beginning of the renovation is essential to ensure there are no delays when it comes to finishing your home. Orly mentions that she often helps clients choose the materials for their renovation (like kitchen cabinets, tiles and wall paint) to help them realise their overall vision of their renovation.
Full house renovation completed in West Harbour, Auckland
5 Simple steps of space planning as told by Orly
So now that you know that space planning is important for a successful renovation you must be wondering where you should start. Orly says that the most important thing is not to get overwhelmed. Interior designers are there for a reason. It is their responsibility to narrow down the choices for you and make your design process as seamless as possible. She has outlined her 5 Step process to successfully plan a space for her clients.
Step 1: Explore the space and understand your purpose for renovation
Your first step should be have a walk around your space and ask yourself what the use of the space would be? What is the purpose for this renovation and what do you want to achieve? Is there anything you can do without? what would you like to change? Do you have a particular vision or is it a mix of things?
Once you get the answers to these questions, you will be able to prioritise the work that needs to be done, focus on the most critical issues and update your budget accordingly.
Step 2: Defining Zones and Natural Pathways
Take your time to do proper space planning and confirm it meets your needs and lifestyle. Try to define zones depending on their primary use.
If you are after a modern open floor plan where the kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, it’s necessary to define each area. One way of doing it is adding an island to mark the heart of the kitchen. Just don’t forget to double-check if you have enough space to sit conveniently around it and that it doesn’t block your natural pathways.
You can also use furniture like the back of a sofa or a stylish bookshelf to create boundaries. Alternately you can even set a unique flooring feature to define a space like the living room. Once the spaces and your requirements are clear, you can sketch out the area. It would be useful to do it in scale, so you will be able to visualise how it all works together and achieve a functional layout. This will make shopping for furniture in the future easier.
After you finished planning your space, it is time to choose colours and materials. It would be easier to start with tones and textures of design elements such as flooring, tiles, cabinetry, benchtop and splashback. It would be good to consult an interior designer for this process. You can select the wall paint colour last to finish up the look and create a complementing background
Step 4: Create a Mood Board
Collect samples from showroom and suppliers. Gather these materials and finishes to create a mood board. Explore, take your time to compare, see how they all work together. Remember that colours affects our mood and the atmosphere in the room. So don’t try to save time here as this process can definitely save you from making unnecessary mistakes in the future.
Step 5: Lay the actual space in your room with Samples
Once you’ve chosen your favourite colour tones, buy small pots of the paint to make a larger model that you can place around the room. Play around with lightings as things can look very different under different lighting. Also get some samples of textures to put around the room to see how they would look in different spaces.
Full house renovation completed in Epsom, Auckland
So do you need an interior designer for your renovation?
Your renovation company will have a designer on board to design the basic layout. However, if the process of pre-planning and designing your aesthetics sounds challenging to you then you should consult an interior designer. Consider working with an experienced interior designer alongside the builder at the very beginning of the project.
This can save a lot of frustration in the future. An interior designer will help you focus on functionality. The interior designer will also help create best layout and room flow for your needs. This will include furniture placement, kitchen and bathroom design, lighting design and colour consulting.
There’s no need to stress and overwhelmed about the colour, materials and choices in finishes. A skilled Interior designer will recommend and present a cohesive plan of how all the different elements work together. An interior designer and builder working together could yield a remarkable and highly functional space.
Designer home renovation projects by Superior Renovations
1. Urban Luxury home Renovation in Parnell
Our client had a centrally located quaint townhouse in Parnell. While the location was great, it lacked modern conveniences in the kitchen and living space. It was tiny, not functional and aesthetically unappealing. This home was fully renovated with concrete designer floors, changing the location of the kitchen to maximise functionality, adding a luxury modern feel to the bathrooms, building a false wall to install a fire place. See more of our finished bathrooms in the bathroom design gallery. See full case study here.
Full Town house renovation in Parnell by Superior Renovations
2. Cottage Style Kitchen Renovation
This was a special kitchen as it was about incorporating natural elements into the kitchen to reflect our client’s country surroundings. The kitchen was dated and was transformed into a chic country style kitchen complete with treated real wood as bench-tops, butler’s sink, floating shelves and cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look see more
Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland
3. Entertainer’s dream Kitchen and Lounge Renovation
Guru and Neeta from Massey had a closed off kitchen which did not let them enjoy an open plan living. They wanted to renovate to introduce a feel of luxury but also make it an open space which could double as an entertaining space. We opened up the space for them and also extended the kitchen counter towards the lounge to act like a bar. For more finished kitchens like this, browse our kitchen design gallery. The black and white see more
Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey
4. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. Her inspiration came from the arched hallways when she first bought her home. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more
Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry renovation in Stanmore Bay
Further Resources for your house interior design
Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
An interior designer is there to help simplify the process of building or renovating, they do this by working within a client’s brief and budget to create and implement schemes to fit the client’s taste and lifestyle whilst working with the renovation company simultaneously.
When should I hire one?
The earlier into your project the better, If your project is large enough to require plans and drawings by an architect or architectural designer, it can be very useful to have an interior designer look these over, to optimise space planning and interior layout.
Who is Orly Baliti?
Orly is an experienced interior designer, Orly specialises in space planning and concept/color consultation which is exactly the kind of person who renovators need in order to get the best outcome from a renovation.
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Intention or motive is a key factor when planning your home renovation. It will determine your budget, the type of suppliers, raw materials, design and time-frame of your renovation. When you are renovating with the intention of renting it out or selling then your budget can be more limited as you do not have to make the house luxurious.
As long as it is functional and aesthetically pleasing with everything working well then you can look at getting more medium range supplies. However, if you are going to be living in the house then you might want to splurge more on design and luxury along with making it more functional.
In this article we will discuss the following:
We will discuss there broad intentions for renovating a home in Auckland. This guide will provide a comprehensive guide for planning your renovation based on 3 broad categories. It will talk about budget, types of materials that we recommend for the three types of renovations based on your intention to renovate in Auckland.
Renovations for when you want to rent your house in Auckland
When you want to add value to your home to sell in Future
Home Renovations for a family home – to increase functionality and comfort
1. Intention of renting your property
When you are renting your property your two aims should be aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to aesthetics you want to renovate your kitchen and bathroom with a medium range budget. Tenants are looking for a place which is modern and with minimal wear and tear. They also look for homes that are functional so they face the least amount of inconvenience.
Kitchen renovations in Auckland for rentals
Kitchen is one of those places that should always look and feel clean and hygienic. Old Auckland kitchens usually have a dated look about them which make them look aesthetically unappealing. No matter how any times you clean them they always appear slightly worn out and yellow. Hence, giving your kitchen a makeover greatly increases its chances of being rented at a good price. An easy way to renovate old kitchens is to replace the flooring, counter tops and work benches.
You can use mid-range materials for counter tops which will look nice and are durable but will not break your bank. Materials such as laminate, Engineered stone and glass counter-tops could be a great option for the kitchen if you are looking at renting the house out. They look great and will instantly make the home look much more appealing to the tenants. Laminate flooring is also a good option for such kitchens as they look great, are good for the budget and are durable.
If your bathroom is looking grimy then it is best to get it renovated before renting it out. An average bathroom renovation costs about 15K if you are replacing the shower, toilet, adding a vanity and replacing the floors. You can use Vinyl floors or simple tiles for the bathroom at a very reasonable cost. Basic showers and toilets can also be found at a reasonable price. If you are not changing the pluming around then bathroom renovation costs can be done at a very minimal cost.
Adding Rooms
One of the tricks for getting most out of your rental property is to make larger rooms into two different rooms. If you have a two bedroom home then it would be rented for about $550 on an average in most Auckland suburbs. But if your lounge is very spacious, you could erect a wall making a small study out of the lounge. This would give you a third bedroom or study. This would effectively let you increase the rent of your place. The added wall would cost you as much and is almost always possible because there is no structural change if the wall is added inside the house.
If your home has started looking worn down then a good paint job throughout the house can also prove to be a good investment. The important thing is getting it done by a professional. A good paint job will make all the difference to your home and overall aesthetics of your rental property.
2. Intention of reselling or adding value to your property
If you are thinking of selling your house in the future then you should renovate with the intention of adding value to your home. Adding value does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money to ‘add value’. The perceived value of your home is the buyer’s perception of your home.
They want the foundation and structure of your home to be sound as they do not want to buy something that they will have to put more money into ‘fixing up’. Some of the key elements of the house like kitchen, and bathroom also need to be in good condition so that they do not have to spend money in maintenance like fixing leakages etc or even renovating.
Kitchen renovations and Bathrooms renovations to add value
When trying to sell your home you want to make sure that your bathroom has no plumbing issues, leakage or damage. That is the first thing that you should fix. You do not have to install the latest fixtures or accessories if your present toilet and shower are still in good shape. If they are however dated then it would be a good idea to pull the old bathtub out and install a new shower. The idea is to make the buyer have a higher perceived value of the home.
The kitchen is another aspect of the house that should be looked into before selling your home. If your kitchen is very outdated and has started to look shabby then a change is in order. Change the flooring and pull down the old cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh new look. There is no need for customisation; simply use the most basic cabinets and counter-tops to make it look modern.
Todd Chandler’s Home renovation in Saint Heliers to Add Value before Selling (see case study below)
When selling your home it is good to stay away from modelling your rooms after certain themes. This might actually become detrimental to the sales process as your personal themes might not appeal to the buyer. If you are going for classic themes then it would be okay as classic timeless themes do appeal to most people. We would however not recommend renovating your home keeping a theme in mind as the return on investment for a project like that would not be great.
Painting in Auckland for Adding value
Adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and interior of your home can also add considerable value to your home in the minds of the buyers. Again, we would advise you to paint in neutral colours as opposed to bold colours. Buyers will be willing to buy a house at a higher price if the house is well painted and looks striking.
Add a deck to the house to instantly increase the value of your home. If you do not have a deck but do have the space on the outside of your home then we would recommend you to add a deck. The return on investment for building a deck is exponential as buyers would pay much higher for a home which provides them outdoor living.
3. Intention of giving your Family home to add comfort
When it comes to doing your own home renovation, then the options are unlimited. You can renovate your home based on your priority and needs of your family. If modernising your home is a priority then kitchen and bathroom would be the first few things to consider renovating. If you want a stylish makeover then you have plenty of options based on your budget, trends and personal preference for your home renovation.
Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay for a family home (see case study below)
If you want more functionality then consider changing the interior of your cabinets to the current shelf storage system trend. These cabinets have custom built shelves in cabinets for different types of appliances. This saves space and adds functionality to your kitchen. There are also numerous styles and designs available for designer kitchens if you want to add a touch of luxury to your home. Browse our kitchen design inspiration for finished Auckland projects. Most renovation companies have an in-house designer that can help you with the design process and source supplies to complement the style of kitchen you are after.
Lynette and Henry’s Kitchen renovation was done keeping their lifestyle in mind (see case study below)
Bathroom Renovations in Auckland for a family home
You could renovate your bathroom based on the needs of your family. If you are a growing family then you could convert your en-suite into a separate bathroom and toilet. Or you could convert the bathroom and toilet to make a luxurious en-suite. This type of renovation will really depend on your budget and your needs. For layout and finish ideas, see our bathroom design ideas.
Adding Rooms
You could add or pull down walls to either add rooms or make your current rooms more spacious depending on what you want out of your house renovation.
When doing your own home renovation, you should first ask yourself what you want and how much are you willing to spend. When you have a limited budget then drawing up a priority list is a must. If you have any problem areas like leakage then it is best to tackle that first as opposed to giving your home a makeover. If next on your list is the kitchen due to limited functionality then the best way to go forward would be to increase functionality rather than getting a makeover in terms of design.
When doing your home renovation we recommend using premium materials and supplies even if it means doing your renovation in stages. For example use granite or marble or solid wood for your kitchen counter-tops rather than laminate as you want to be able to enjoy the luxury of your home.
Guru and Neeta’s Kitchen renovation (Kitchen area + Bar area)
Featured Projects for Family Homes and Investment Properties
Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough
Our client had a 2 bedroom house in Hillsborough which fetching very little rent due to its state. It was an old house with a very old and dilapidated bathroom and kitchen. Our client renovated the entire house in accordance with the current tenancy laws. The bathroom and kitchen was renovated with mid-range durable and easy to maintain materials see full project specifications
Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling
Todd Chandler initially started his renovation for the family but then decided to just add value to sell it. We renovated 3 of his old leaky bathrooms with mid-range materials. The entire house was painted and the decks were re-built in accordance to the code of compliance see project specifications
Full home renovation in Avondale for a 3 generational family living together
A full home renovation with structural changes, making space and room for 3 generations to live with comfort and convenience. This home needed to accommodate three generations with each generation having its unique needs in terms of convenience, comfort and aesthetics see full project specifications
What are the best rental renovations for my investment?
Rental renovations are very different from Family home renovations. This guide discusses these differences in terms of budgets, materials used and customisation. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the top two renovations that increase rental return for investment properties. You can also read our article on 10 best ways to increase rental returns on our article https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/rental-renovation-and-upgrades/
Do I have to manage my own renovation?
Renovation companies like ours provide a project manager for every renovation who manages the entire renovation as well as all different trades involved.
Do i have to get my own builder, electrician or plumber?
If you are doing your renovation on your own and sourcing all trades then yes. However renovation companies like ours provide our clients with all the different trades which go into any renovation. So we would provide electricians, plumbers, tilers, builders, grouters, painters, plasterers, installers, waterproofer, and project management.
Do i have to get my own products?
Our company will provide all products required to renovate any given area of your home. We have longstanding relationships with our suppliers. We take you to our various supplier showrooms so you can pick and choose your fixtures, flooring, lighting, tiles. For kitchens we built custom cabinets.
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Superior Renovations is an Auckland renovation company with 190+ Google reviews, and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
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Planning a rental renovation is very different from renovation your home. A rental renovation is not an emotional investment where you consider the needs and wants of your family members. A rental renovation is all about investing your money in the right upgrades and renovations to get the maximum return on your investment.
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You want to add value so you can get a better rental yield and also be able to resell it at a good profit. The materials you choose and the areas you renovate are considerably different from when you renovate your home. It is important to understand this difference so you do not over invest in your renovation.
In this article we will first discuss the following:
What exactly is rental yield
the reasons you should invest in a rental property renovation
whether a rental property renovation is the right thing to do for your current finances.
Finally we discuss in depth the 10 different ways that you can add value to your home and most importantly how you can increase your rental yield. Rental property renovations need a bit more planning than your normal home renovations as you want to be able to get a good return on investment.
Having the right plan is important before you invest into your rental property.
What exactly is rental yield?
If you are a property investor in Auckland, you are either looking at getting the maximum rental yield for your property or renovating to sell for a maximum return on investment. For the purpose of this article, we will be talking about ways in which investors across Auckland can maximise their rental yield through rental property renovations.
Rental yield is one of the most important figures for any landlord. It is basically the rent that they can charge for their investment property. You cannot however charge any number that you desire. The rent a landlord can charge is always in proportion to the value of the property. This is easily explained with an example of a luxury two-bedroom apartment that can yield $900 per week
whereas another 2-bedroom apartment in need of some sprucing up might yield only $450.
At every stage of your investment, you will have to carefully consider your rental yield. What is your realistic rental income versus mortgage payments? Many lenders will require you to show that you can at least get 125% of your repayments in rental income.
Not every renovation is the same or as important to your tenants. Some types of renovations offer more rental value than other renovations. Kitchen and Bathroom renovations are the top two renovations to add value to your property.
However, exactly why do you need to renovate your rental property?
Why should I renovate my rental property?
So it is really worth renovating your rental property? The answer is yes. Even simple renovations to your rental property can bring higher quality tenants who are willing to pay more for a comfortable modern home. They want a home that is functional, has all the modern amenities and is easy to clean and maintain.
Differentiate your property from other competitors by putting some thought into your renovation. Make it attractive for potential tenants and for future buyers.
Expert Tip:Do not renovate your rental property as you would your home. When you are renovating your home, you personalise your renovations according to your taste. However, your taste could be vastly different from your renter’s or buyer’s taste. If you personalise your property, then it could put a potential renter or buyer off the property.
When renovating to rent, choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain. This will make life easier for tenants but more importantly it will ensure that you have lesser wear and tear. Do not choose the most expensive hardwood flooring because you love it. Instead choose laminate flooring to mimic hardwood floors which are of a great quality, easy to clean, and fantastic for your budget.
Top 3 Reasons for renovating a rental property
Improve energy efficiency: Adding energy efficient appliances such as induction cook-top means lesser electricity bills for tenants as well as a great selling point when you plan to sell in the future
Increase property value: By renovating in a thoughtful manner you could add value to your property which would attract higher rent or fetch a higher yield when you plan to sell the home.
Improve renter satisfaction: Include good quality appliances for your renters. Good quality appliances such as dishwashers etc would mean that they will increase renter satisfaction and also there will be fewer fixes that you have to make throughout the tenancy.
Now how much is too much to spend on rental property renovations? Let’s look at budget planning for rental property renovations.
Is a rental property renovation the right thing to do financially?
Research is important when renovating either your home or investment property. But when you decide to renovate your investment property it is even more important to do some thorough research about the market. Your first step would be to see whether you are charging low, median or higher rent as compared to the average rent for similar properties. If you are charging below the median rent then getting the property renovated to add value would be a great idea. However, if you are already charging way above the median rent then renovating to add value would not be great return on investment.
Here are a few questions to think through:
How much will the property cost to renovate?
How much will it allow you to increase the rent if renovating?
How long will it take for you to pay off your cost of renovation with your new rental increase?
How much can you increase the rent of your property realistically for people to want to renovate your property.
Once you have conducted your research, it would be good to contact a renovation company for advice related to the areas that could renovated with the goal of adding value to your property.
Do your research and get several quotes from various companies compare them in terms of what they offer and the costs. Choose a company that can give you a fixed quote in order to avoid future budget blowouts. Also as this is your investment property, you do not want to spend too much time on the property managing things. Choose a company that can provide a Design to Build service while providing a project manager to over see the entire renovation from beginning to end.
10 Improvements to increase rental value of your property through rental property renovations
A lot of landlords see minor upgrades as an expense rather than a long-term investment. Experts suggest that keep the formula simple. Invest in small upgrades that add convenience to a tenant in order to attract a more interest for your property, higher quality tenants and better rental yield. In the long term you will more than make your money back. Following are a few minor upgrades to add convenience:
1. Increase the comfort of your home
Heat pump installation
Adding a heat pumps are an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioning. Summers and Winters in NZ often require either fans or heaters. If you install a heat pump in your home, you are bound to differentiate your home and attract tenants that are willing to pay more for this convenience. You can either get single units for each room, multi-level split units for multiple rooms or ducted heat pumps for central heating. Moreover, central heating will add value to your home when you want to sell in the future.
Insulation for your rental property renovation
A well-insulated house does not only provide health benefits but is also important to ensure the longevity of your property. A house that is not insulated will encourage the growth of black mould which is detrimental to the structure of your home. Black mould can seep into your walls and cause them to crack which in turn weakens the structure of the house.
Homes which are not insulated further deter good quality tenants and retainability of good ones. A home that is not insulated will not attract families as they can prove to be an unhealthy environment for families. Families usually are better tenants who will look after your home better that students etc.
Ensure the longevity of your property and increase rental yield by insulating your property. It should never be mistaken as an expense but an in investment. To keep the property in that condition between renovations, our sister company Superior Property Services looks after investment property owners across Auckland.
Having your electric wiring in good shop might not translate into higher rental yield but it should be something you should check regularly. If your electric wiring is old and you have not checked it in a few years then it would be good to get a professional to carry out an assessment to ensure that it is in good shape. Bad, damaged or old electric wiring could be detrimental to the safety of your home and tenants. The sure signs of bad or damaged wiring could be frequent bulb blow outs or a fire.
2. Kitchen upgrades and Kitchen renovation
Gone are the days when a kitchen was a secluded room at the end of the house. Kitchen now is a very integral part of everyday living. Open plan kitchens are not just a trend but a way of living. Apart from structure and layout, easy to clean materials are a must if you want to attract good tenants and retain them. You should also use materials that are not hard to maintain such as hardwood flooring as you cannot guarantee whether your tenant will take good care of it.
Expert tip:Rental properties should never be renovated according to the owner’s personal taste. Too much personalisation can deter tenants as well as future buyers. When renovating an investment property use classic colours and low maintenance materials. Classic colours allow tenants as well as future tenants flexibility to mould the house to their tastes.
We have listed a few ways that you can get the most out of your kitchen renovation if you want to get a higher rental yield or add value to your kitchen. For layout inspiration, browse our kitchen design gallery.
Flooring Use Laminate or Acrylic if you are redoing your kitchen floors. Laminate and acrylic flooring are low maintenance materials which are easy to clean and cost effective. They can imitate any other type of flooring in terms of texture and looks which make them a highly versatile material. Unlike most cost-effective solutions, they are also very highly durable which means that they increase the longevity of your kitchen floors. In case you do want to change this type of flooring in the future you can do so at a fraction of cost compared to hardwood flooring.
Property renovation in Avondale (see full case study) – Laminate flooring to imitate hardwood flooring
Cabinets and Drawers Changing or replacing your kitchen cabinets is a great way of refreshing the look of your kitchen. Most people think that it is cheaper to just change cabinet drawers rather than replacing the entire kitchen cabinet. This is far from the truth. This is because it is easier to manufacture entire kitchen cabinets rather than finding the right cabinet doors to fit your previous cabinet structure. The cost of manufacturing new kitchen cabinets, doors, drawers, drawer runners and shelving can range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the materials you choose as well as the size of your kitchen
It is also important to choose the right type of materials for your investment or rental property. Use Melteca for your kitchen cabinets to ensure durability and low maintenance compared real wood. Melteca is a highly versatile material which can imitate texture, look or colour of any other material. Melteca is also easy to clean and cost effective compared to real wood. This ensures longevity but is also easy to replace if you want to in the future due to low costs.
Kitchen renovation in West Harbour(see full case study)– Acrylic gloss finish cabinets custom built for low maintenance
Open plan Layout – Open plan kitchens are not just a trend but a way of living in our society today. If your kitchen is secluded at the end of the house, then it would be a good idea to call a professional to see how you can incorporate it into the living space. Breaking a couple of walls that separate your kitchen from the living room will create an open floor living that will generate more interest and a higher rental yield for your home. This will also add more value to your home if you plan to re-sell in the future.
Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay – Before walls were knocked down to make it an open plan space.
Kitchen Renovation in Blockhouse Bay(see full case study) – After we knocked down the walls and made it into an open plan space
Energy efficient solutions – Install an induction cooktop for a safer and energy efficient solution for your property. While it is not mandatory by law to have a dishwasher, it would prove to be a differentiating point in a competitive market to have one in your rental property.
Full rental renovation in Hillsborough (see full case study) – Induction cook-to installed in this rental property to add value
Bathrooms are the second most important thing that rentals and buyers look at after kitchens in a house. You can browse our bathroom designs for durable, tenant-friendly fit-out ideas. Bathroom renovations and upgrades add considerable value to a home and increase the rental yield of a house. Our project managers have put together a few things that you can upgrade in your bathroom to get a maximum return on your investment:
Get your bathroom waterproofed, heated and well ventilated – Moisture is an enemy to your walls and structure. Professionally waterproofing and ventilating your bathroom will ensure the longevity of your property while adding comfort for your tenants. Waterproofing and ventilating your property will save you a considerable amount of money in the future in terms of damages
Rental renovation in Hillsborough above(see full case study)– We upgraded all fixtures and used low maintenance materials with minimum personalisation. This was an old and run down house but the owner wanted to renovate with the intention of charging above median rent.
Property renovation in Hillsborough above – Client replaced flooring, basin, shower and toilet with new fixtures. A few changes can make a world of difference in any bathroom. See full case study
Installing new Fixtures – A bathroom with dated fixtures will hardly yield high rent or even a good price when you plan to sell your investment property. Update your dated bathtub for a modern shower to generate more interest for your rental property. Dilapidated bathrooms often deter tenants and buyers alike. Upgrade your toilet, vanity and bathtub in under $12,000 to increase the value of your property as well as rental yield.
4. Painting for your rental property renovation
Painting your house is a great cost-effective way of increasing the appeal of your property and preserving it. Painting a home increases the perceived value of a property which in turn increases its rental yield. Painting walls that have started looking drab will breathe a fresh life into your property which will attract a considerable amount of interest for renters and buyers alike.
Rental Property Upgrade – Before we painted the entire room
Rental Property upgrade – After we painted the room
If you have wallpapers on some of your walls, then this would be a good time to remove them and paint your walls. When you are renting out your property it is good to remember that you should be using solutions that will be able to sustain the most amount of wear and tear.
Full Painting in Greenhithe
Property renovation – We painted the entire house to add value to the property
Hence when painting your investment property, it would be a good idea to get it done with professionals and use oil-based paints. Oil based undercoats and paints are able to withstand a higher amount of wear and tear compared to water-based paints. Oil based paints are more expensive than water-based paints, but it will prove to be a better investment for your money and time.
5. Increase Curb Appeal for your rental property renovation
Aucklanders love to have an outdoor area where they can entertain family and friends during summer. Having a nice deck or outdoor area greatly increases the value of a property and also attracts higher interest from high quality renters. A nicely renovated outdoor area is the first impression your renter or buyers gets of your property.
Deck renovation in Cockle Bay (see full case study)– We replaced the old deck with a new one as it was dilapidated and unsafe for current use. The property had a lot of unused area around the house so we created a large deck to add value and convenience for clients.
Hence it is a good idea to invest a little money on renovating your deck or patio to a good standard. Deck renovations are inexpensive and a great return on investment for your property whether you are looking at getting a higher rental yield or increasing the value of your property before selling.
6. Minor Landscaping
First impressions count when renters or buyers first see your property in Auckland’s competitive market. The right renters will care if your property is well maintained from the outside. Make sure you keep the garden mowed; the trees mowed and plant a few plants for some added exterior appeal to your property.
When it comes to selling your property, a well landscaped exterior can add between 5.5% to 12.5% to the overall price of your house. While interior design trends might fade, a garden only matures with age which adds additional value to your property. The best way to add value through landscaping is having a plan. An incoherent plan or landscaping can in fact deter tenants and buyers.
Come up with a plan before you start your landscaping project. Take some professional advice, do some research and then commence your project.
7. Change the flooring of your property
Carpets have traditionally been the choice of flooring for living areas of most Auckland homes. Carpets however are difficult to maintain and start to look stained and dirty quite easily. Before we renovate homes, we always ask our clients what their reason for renovating is. This is because this will greatly impact the type of flooring you choose as well as your budget.
As mentioned above, rental and investment properties should make use of low maintenance materials for their renovations. If you have a carpeted rental property which has started looking old and stained, then it is not going to generate much interest in the rental or even buyer’s market.
To increase rental yield, it would be a good idea to rip your old carpets and renovate your rooms with a good quality laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is low maintenance and highly durable which will extend the longevity of your floors. They are also cost effective which means that even if they get ruined during a bad tenancy, they will not be expensive to replace. They also come in various, colours, textures, and designs which means that you can make your rental property aesthetically beautiful generating higher interest.
8. Small Aesthetic changes
If you are unable to invest in upgrades or renovations for your property, then think about making small aesthetic changes to your property. We have put together a few inexpensive ideas that you can implement to differentiate your property from competitors.
Replace old curtains and blinds with new ones to breathe a fresh life into your rooms. Old curtains can also make a room look shabby which is not what you want if you are looking for a higher rental yield.
Change your old stove top for a newer one. Kitchen is on top of the list for most tenants when they go for a house viewing. If you do not want to invest in a full kitchen upgrade, then it would be a good idea to change a few things to make the most out of your investment. An old stove top will deter potential tenants. A good quality stove top will only cost you $500 but even a $10 increase in rent/week due to this would get a good return on investment. The most popular and efficient stoves today are induction ovens. You can also opt for gas depending on your preference.
Change old taps in your bathrooms – Old yellowing and cracking bathroom tap-ware can deter tenants even if it might seem like a small thing. Spruce up your bathroom by changing all tap-ware in your bathroom without breaking the bank.
BEFORE and AFTER – (see full case study) – Replaced flooring + Bathtub + Taps and Painted the entire bathroom.
Trim and Maintain your garden and landscaping to ensure that your property is in a good and presentable condition. First impressions matter so keep your exterior neat and tidy before viewings.
Change your kitchen bench-tops from old Vinyl to engineered stone bench-top. This can instantly lift your kitchen up and notch and dramatically change its look. Engineered bench-tops are versatile in design and texture so you can play around with it to add to the aesthetics of your kitchen. Engineered stone is very cost effective, durable, easy to clean and will last you a very long time.
Clean before your viewings. It pays to hire professional cleaner to make sure that your property is presented at its best light. Clean the windows, dispose off outside debris, wash the exterior of your home and clean the interiors to attract good tenants who will be willing to pay more for your property. The idea is to sell a dream to the renters of a place they can call a home. Polish your hardwood floors to add some more shine and glamour to your floors.
9. Furnish your home for expatriates as renters
Auckland has many expats living here who come to the country for a few years and then leave. They usually look for a stress-free tenancy which is mostly paid by the company. Their ample rent allows them the freedom to pick houses that are well maintained, aesthetically pleasing and furnished well. High end rental property renovations should include furnishing the house as well to attract expats.
We would not recommend you furnish your property if you do not want to invest much money into your rental. Most renters in Auckland do not want furnished houses as they already have their own or they do not want to pay more for a furnished house.
Property upgrade and Renovation in Saint Heliers(see full case study)– Client wanted to renovate to add value before either renting as a luxury apartment or even selling.
If you want to attract expats, then you must be able to invest a good sum of money into revamping it. Expats do not want to bother with the hassle of buying furniture as they would be moving in a few years. In saying that, they also will not compromise with a house that is garishly furnished or have inferior quality. This does not mean that you must carry out a full renovation and get the most expensive furniture.
The key is to furnish it with some good quality furniture and a house that is tastefully decorated. You can double your rental yield if you invest some money into upgrading and decorating your property. Tell your agent that you are aiming for expats and take some advice before you begin redecorating. You can get up to $1500 per week for a 2-bedroom home if you upgrade and decorate correctly. Some examples of such houses are luxury apartments in the CBD.
Installing a dishwasher, washing Machine and dryer are not mandatory by law but they add great comfort for renters. Rental property renovations should be about including basic amenities to attract good quality tenants. More and more people are looking for properties that will make their life better without any hassle. This is all about getting a higher rental yield that you are currently getting. What tenant will not pay more for a house that has three comforts compared to a house that doesn’t?
Also, remember that you are not competing with every house in the market but a market that is of your choosing. You want to attract renters that are good, will stay for a long time, can pay more and will keep your property in a good condition.
Featured Projects
Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough
Our client had a 2 bedroom house in Hillsborough which fetching very little rent due to its state. It was an old house with a very old and dilapidated bathroom and kitchen. Our client renovated the entire house in accordance with the current tenancy laws. The bathroom and kitchen was renovated with mid-range durable and easy to maintain materials see full project specifications
Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling
Todd Chandler initially started his renovation for the family but then decided to just add value to sell it. We renovated 3 of his old leaky bathrooms with mid-range materials. The entire house was painted and the decks were re-built in accordance to the code of compliance see project specifications
Should i renovate my rental property?
One of the main reasons for renovating rental properties is to save on the ongoing maintenance cost. Renovating your rental property also means that you can attract higher quality tenants and get a better rental yield per week which in turn gives you a better return on your investment.
How can i get higher rent?
Yes you can get higher rent through renovations and upgrades. People will only pay higher rent for a property if it has modern amenities and comfort to be able to justify the rent. Read our full article to see the type of upgrades you can do to get higher rent.
What are the best rental renovations for my investment?
The top rental renovations are Bathrooms, Kitchens, Flooring, Painting and comfortable upgrades like adding a heat pump. The aim is to spruce things up and add a level of comfort that most people are looking for.
Disclaimer: These cost estimates are based on quotes we’ve sent to past clients and jobs we’ve completed ourselves. This article is offered as a general guide only. The views and information expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency in New Zealand. Any person who relies upon any matter contained in this guide does so entirely at their own risk.
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As you walk into Tile Depot you are overwhelmed by the sheer scale of their range. We never realised how exciting a tile showroom could be. There were huge Italian tiles, small colourful accent tiles, tiles with various textures, tiles that emulated wood and the list just doesn’t stop. The tile trends are plenty and the process of choosing the right tile is made surprisingly easy when you consult with the Tile Depot ladies.
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We met Ruth and Kitty from Tile Depot and it reinforced our conviction that their values fit right in with ours at Superior Renovations. Working, selling and advising about tiles was not their only goal. Working at tile depot helping clients choose the right tile for their spaces was something of a passion.
Ruth has worked in Tile Depot for more than 15 years while Kitty has worked there for almost 8 years. Their knowledge about various tiles, upcoming tile trends and how they affect a space was phenomenal.
As a lot of our clients choose their tiles from Tile depot, it was important for us to understand how their experience was. We had a long conversation with Ruth and Kitty. In our discussion we talked about:
tile trends of 2021
how to select the right type of tiles for your home and situation
There are many advantages to using larger tiles in small and big spaces alike. Larger tiles make an area look ‘less busy’ says Ruth. There are lesser grout lines which means that when you use a large slab of tile in a small bathroom for example, then your room will look more spacious as opposed to if you use smaller tiles. Choose 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 for your spaces to bring out an elegant and spacious look for any room.
Read more…
Bathroom renovation in Ellerslie using large tiles on the floors
Gone are the days when tiles were just used for convenient clean up your bathrooms and kitchen. The conventional use of tiles has long been past. They are now used to add personality and aura to the room. Tiles used as feature walls or as a pattern on the wall have become very popular. 2021 will see a rise in the use of patterned tiles to add character to a room or as a feature wall. These vintage designs bring in some old-world charm to the modern homes of today.
A wide range of contemporary patterned tiles that can be used in a number of ways to add character to a room (Tile Depot, 2020)
Navy Artisan tiles used as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
BrickOne Rosso Tiles used as a feature wall in the living room (Tile Depot, 2020)
Accent tiles and splashbacks have become very popular in earthy tones. Earthy tones exude a feeling of warmth and create a calm rustic look for any space. Earthy tones draw their inspiration for natural elements such as the sun, earth, sky, and greenery. Most Italian tiles fall into this category adding a Mediterranean look when used in any room. This Tile trends has been growing for a few years and is set to rise in 2021.
Casablanca Red adding a warm and earthy touch to a bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
4. Vibrant coloured tiles – the Casablanca collection
Tile trends are seeing a growth in the minimalist look with streamlined modern designs has also meant the growth of Vibrant tiles as accent walls or splashbacks. This is so people can add a ‘pop’ of colour to an otherwise neutral interior. The Casablanca collection at Tile Depot consists of a diverse range of bright and vibrant colours that can be used in any setting or space. Use Casablanca Black in your bathroom for an industrial look or Casablanca red to create a playful rustic look.
Casablanca Sky Blue as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
Casablanca Orange (Tile Depot, 2020)
Casablanca Bottle Green as a splash-back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)
5. Textured Feature walls
Traditionally textured tiles were only used around fireplaces and foyers. Textured have seen a growth in tile trends as feature walls as it generates interest and brings an essence of the outdoors into your home. The Lyon range at Tile Depot can be cleverly used as a feature wall in bedrooms and living areas.
Textured tiles in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
Textured Bronze Sky tiles used as a splash back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)
Textured Black as a back-splash (Tile Depot, 2020)
Mixing elements of metal along with tiles is another growing trend to bring out an industrial look. Mix metals as patterns in your living room to make a unique pattern or simply use it as accent tiles in your kitchen.
Your needs as a Family greatly determine the types of tiles suited for you
Your needs as a family can be a huge factor on the type of tiles you choose for your home. Your needs as a family with young children would be very different compared to if you have elderly relatives living with you. When thinking about elders you should think of functionality more than just what the current tile trends are.
Ruth explains in greater detail on the types of tiles suited for various types of family and the importance of choosing your tiles with great care. Look at our chart below to understand the types of tiles suited for your home.
Young Families
Families with young children lead busy lives especially if they also have a career to juggle. Low maintenance tiles which prove easy to clean and are durable are their top priority.
Recommended tiles:
Matte Finish tiles: Always remember the smoother the tiles the more slippery they will be. To avoid accidents and mishaps, choose matte finish tiles for your home.
Smooth tiles: Avoid textured tiles for families with young kids as they are harder to clean when compared to smooth tiles.
An example of Low-Risk Porcelain tile
An example of a Moderate Risk Tile
Families with Elders
Anti-slip tiles are vital for elders and people with disabilities. The common misconception is that you can use outdoor tiles inside your home to avoid accidents due to slipping. This however is not true as outdoor tiles should never be used indoors.
Recommended tiles:
Matte Finish – Smoother the tiles the slipperier they are. Hence use matte finish tiles to avoid any unwanted accidents.
Antislip ratings – Tiles are rated between R9 to R13 with a standard interior tile having a rating of R9. If you are tiling an area that is at a slope, then it would be wise to choose one with a higher rating. The higher the rating the more slip-resistant it is.
LifeMark Range R10 – Lifemark range that has been tested with slight slip resistance which is good for bathroom/shower, so if any household that is elderly, adult that has been injured or with young kids they should consider looking at the Lifemark range for a better slip resistance
A bathroom with LifeMark Tiles on the floor (Tile Depot, 2020)
Kitty shares the top 3 mistakes people make while choosing tiles for their home
1. Choosing small tiles for small spaces
As mentioned above, this is a very common mistake that people make when choosing tiles for their home. If your space is small, then choose large slabs of tiles to avoid breaks (in form of grout lines) between tiles.
2. Not buying extra tiles
It often happens that people buy the exact number of tiles that they require to tile a certain room. Kitty says that it is wise to buy an extra box of tiles for the future. It is common that stores discontinue a certain model of tiles which means that if something goes wrong in the future and you have to replace a tile then you might not be able to buy the exact one from the store again. In this case you might have to re-tile the entire area. To avoid this its best to have a spare box of tiles that you can use in case of any future mishap.
3. Always take a sample tile home before committing to the purchase
How a tile looks inside the store is very different to what it will look like in your bathroom. Factors like natural lighting of your bathroom and the layout greatly determine the shade of light that your tile will appear as. Hence its good to ask for a sample of the tile that you like and see how it looks inside your room.
Featured Projects
Full home Renovation in Parnell
This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. The 3D textured Tile backplash was the star of of the kitchen. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more
Spanish Style Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry renovation in Auckland
Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. The use of mosaic tiles as feature strips in her kitchen and bathroom truly incorporated a Spanish feel to her Auckland kitchen. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more
We provide a full service to renovate any given area. So if we are renovating your bathroom then flooring will be included in our service to renovate your bathroom. This applies to all the rooms in the house. We can also do just flooring for your entire house which means that we will design, supply, install and project manage your flooring project.
Do you work with Tile Depot?
Tile depot is one of our partners for flooring for renovations. We have been working with Tile Depot for quite a while and we often take our clients there to select tiles for their renovations.
Will you help me with the design process for selecting tiles?
Our project manager along with our design team will help you select the right type of tiles for your renovation. We also rely on the expertise of the Tile depot staff to help our clients make the right choice in tiles.
What type of tiles should i be using for my bathroom?
Our designer can help you with choosing the right type of tile depending on your design preference and the type of family situation you have. You can also read our article on bathroom design trends to have a better understanding of what most clients prefer these days https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/16-top-trends-in-bathroom-tile-design-for-2019/
Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations
Superior Renovations is an Auckland renovation company with 190+ Google reviews, and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.
Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
If you’re thinking of renovating and have been doing some research, then there no doubt that the term “building consent” has come up once or twice. Most people would try to avoid renovations that require building consent, and builders/renovation companies are guilty of this as well for a number of reasons such as:
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How much will your renovation cost?
Answer a few questions and we’ll email you an Auckland price range.
Building consent related works sounds too expensive
It will create unnecessary issues during the project
It will create unnecessary delay
And the list goes on
However, it’s not all true – we will generally weigh up both sides (with and without consent) and draft up an action plan with scope of works that reflect both. The deciding factor really comes down to matching the scope of works (client’s requirements) with their budget; and whether that requires building consent or not – we manage the process for the client.
Not sure whether your project needs a building consent? Sonder Architecture’s free building consent checker tests it against the Schedule 1 exemptions in about a minute.
Building Consent applications needs to be included project documentation and specifications which identify the compliance path used for each aspect of building performance, with evidence to show how that will be achieved.
If you are renovating, always do your own research into what requires consent – you may find that different builders have different opinions on the situation, and may make suggestions that favour them.
We suggest looking at the following Government sites for up to date information:
Building.govt.nz
Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
And legislation.govt.nz
So, what renovations require building consent?
Have a look at the list below (put together by the team at lodge.co.nz)
Renovation
Consent needed?
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) needed?
KITCHEN
New cabinetry
No
No
New sink and tapware
No
Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Stove/cooktop install
No
Yes, regardless of whether you use gas or electricity.
New rangehood install
No
Yes (electrician)
Removing a wall to modify kitchen size
Yes
Yes
New counter and/or splashback
No
No
Re-flooring kitchen
No
No
BATHROOM
New sink and tapware
No
Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Shower/bath install (including re-tiling shower)
No
Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Removing a wall to modify bathroom size
Yes
Yes
Installing new vanity and cabinets
No
No
Re-flooring bathroom
No
No
Installing an extractor fan and/or heat lamp
No
Yes (electrician)
INTERIOR
Repainting
No
No
Adding new lights
No
No
Adding new powerpoints
No
Yes
Recarpeting/flooring
No
No, but we recommend using a professional to install it
Re-gibbing walls
No, unless they are part of an exterior wall
No
Insulating interior walls
No
No
Insulation exterior facing walls
Yes
Yes
Removing/adding a wall to modify room size
Yes, if a structural wall is being removed
Yes
Adding a new room
Yes
Yes
Installing a woodburner or air-conditioning system
Yes
Yes
EXTERIOR
Re-roof home
Yes
Yes
Replace external cladding
Yes
Yes
Repainting cladding
No
No, but you will need to use scaffolding on anything high enough to present a fall risk
Add a deck
Yes, if over 1.5m high
Yes, if over 1.5m high
Replace fence
No, unless over 2.5m high
No, unless over 2.5m high
New driveway
No, unless it differs from the council blueprints
No
Building an ancillary dwelling (i.e. a granny flat)
Yes
Yes
Converting a garage into a room
Yes
Yes
New shed
Yes, if greater than 10m2 in floor area
Yes, if greater than 10m2 in floor area
Swimming pool and fence
Yes
Yes
Retaining wall
No, unless higher than 1.5m
No, unless higher than 1.5m
Garden trellis
No, unless over 2.5m high
No
Exterior home maintenance (e.g. replacing a weatherboard or piece of spouting)
No
No
How much does it cost for the building consent?
Check out the table below from Auckland City Council, it is subject to change so please check it directly from their website for the most up to date figures. We’ve put a list of references at the end of this article to guide you to the right page. Please note that all prices at inclusive of GST.
Pre-application meetings
Description
Fee
Building consent – standard pre-application meeting
$311 (fixed fee)
Building consent – complex pre-application meeting
$311 processing deposit (additional charges by the hour)
Fire engineering brief meeting
$311 (limited to 1 hour, hourly rates apply thereafter)
Building applications
Description
Processing deposit
Inspection deposit
Total deposit
Project value up to $1999
$500
$288
$788
Project value $2000 to $4999
$840
$432
$1272
Project value $5000 to $19,999
$1100
$576
$1676
Project value $20,000 to $99,999
$1925
$720
$2645
Project value $100,000 to $499,999
$2775
$1440
$4215
Project value over $500,000
$4620
$1728
$6348
Code compliance certificate
Description
Total deposit
Project value up to $19,999
$152
Project value $20,000 to $99,999
$355
Project value $100,000 to $499,999
$533
Project value $500,000 and over
$853
Do you need a building consent for a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation?
When you’re renovating a kitchen or bathroom, whether you need to apply for building consent or not can be a bit tricky, and it’s not always so clear – here are some examples of what may require consent, and what doesn’t.
You are unlikely to require a building consent to:
re-position or replace sanitary fixtures (e.g. a bath, bidet, wash hand basin, shower or toilet pan) within an existing home bathroom
move a toilet pan from a toilet compartment into an adjacent existing bathroom
remodel an existing kitchen within the same space, leaving the kitchen sink in the same position
move an existing home laundry tub to a new location to an adjacent room
relocate or remove an existing hose tap
remove a bath with a shower over it, and replace it with a new proprietary shower enclosure and a new bath within the existing bathroom space.
You will need a building consent to:
install a tiled wet area shower – as it involves critical building work that is not sanitary plumbing, such as carpentry and installing waterproof membranes
move a vanity, bath, and shower within an apartment of a multi-level building – as it may involve new penetrations through a fire separation
add a shower, hand basin, and toilet to an ensuite – as these sanitary fixtures are additional to those already existing in the building.
Where sanitary plumbing work could adversely affect the performance of structural elements, such as floor joists or wall framing, this work may require a building consent. You are required to obtain a building consent if the work involves adding an additional sanitary fixture to your house – for example, a new bath, new toilet – where there was not one previously.
A building consent is not required for a range of general building repairs, maintenance, and replacement of parts
This information can be found on building.govt.nz – you’ll also find many specific examples on the website that clarifies what is determined as “general” repair, maintenance or replacement.
What the law says
Subject to section 42A of the Building Act, Schedule 1 exempts the following from a building consent:
The repair and maintenance of any component or assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that comparable materials are used.2. Replacement of any component or assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that: (a) a comparable component or assembly is used; and (b) the replacement is in the same position.3. However, subclauses (1) and (2) do not include the following building work:(a) complete or substantial replacement of a specified system; or(b) complete or substantial replacement of any component or assembly contributing to the building’s structural behaviour or fire-safety properties; or(c) repair or replacement (other than maintenance) of any component or assembly that has failed to satisfy the provisions of the building code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the building code; or(d) sanitary plumbing or drainlaying under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.
Understanding Consent Requirements for Bathroom Renovations in NZ
When you’re planning a bathroom renovation in New Zealand, it’s crucial to determine whether you need consent. According to the guidelines provided by Building.govt.nz and Auckland Council, not all bathroom renovations require consent, but there are specific instances where it is mandatory.
When You Don’t Need Consent
For minor renovations or maintenance that doesn’t affect the structure or weathertightness of your home, you typically don’t need consent. Examples include:
Replacing old fixtures with new ones (like-for-like replacements).
Painting, tiling, and other cosmetic changes.
Installing new cabinetry or vanities, provided they don’t require plumbing changes.
When You Do Need Consent
However, certain renovations do require building consent. These include:
Structural Changes: If you’re moving walls or altering the structure of your home.
Plumbing Work: Significant changes to the plumbing system, such as moving a toilet, installing new pipes, or modifying drainage systems.
Waterproofing: Ensuring the bathroom is properly waterproofed is critical. If your renovation impacts the waterproofing layer, you may need consent.
Adding Windows or Doors: Changes to the exterior that affect weathertightness
So, do you need consent to renovate your bathroom in NZ? It depends on the scope of your project. For minor cosmetic changes, you’re likely in the clear. However, for more substantial renovations involving structural changes, plumbing, or waterproofing, obtaining the proper consents is essential. Always check with your local council to get specific guidance tailored to your situation.
Do I Need Consent to Renovate Kitchen NZ?
When planning a kitchen renovation in New Zealand, it’s important to determine whether you need building consent. The guidelines from Building.govt.nz and Auckland Council help clarify this.
When You Don’t Need Consent
For minor kitchen renovations that don’t affect the structure or weathertightness of your home, you typically don’t need consent. These include:
Replacing existing cabinets, countertops, and appliances without altering their locations.
Painting, tiling, and other non-structural cosmetic changes.
Installing new fixtures (sinks, taps) in the same positions.
When You Do Need Consent
However, certain types of renovations do require consent. These are:
Structural Changes: Moving or removing walls, adding windows, or making changes that affect the structure of your home.
Plumbing and Electrical Work: Significant changes to plumbing or electrical systems, such as installing new pipes, relocating the sink, or adding new electrical outlets.
Ventilation and Gas Fitting: Installing or altering ventilation systems, or making changes involving gas appliances.
Waterproofing: If the renovation impacts areas that require waterproofing, such as around sinks or dishwashers.
So, do you need consent to renovate your kitchen in NZ? It largely depends on the scope of your project. Minor cosmetic updates typically don’t need consent, but significant structural, plumbing, electrical, or waterproofing changes do. Always check with your local council to get precise guidance for your specific renovation.
What renovations require resource consent?
A resource consent is completely different to a building consent, a resource consent is a formal approval from your council to do something that they haven’t clearly identified in their unitary plan as either permitted or prohibited. Also keep in mind that the unitary plan differs for different zones around Auckland – so make sure you know what rules apply in your zone. Normally your architect/planner will check this as part of their feasibility study, and this is done prior to drafting plans.
You’ll need to apply for resource consent if your renovation includes things like:
using or subdividing land
taking water
discharging contaminants in water, soil or air
using or occupying coastal space.
If a proposal/scope of works sits within the Building Controls in the District or Unitary Plan, Resource Consent will often not be necessary. You can check Auckland’s Unitary Plan here:https://unitaryplanmaps.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/upviewer/ – but again, we suggest talking to an architect or planner if you’re not familiar with interpreting the plans.
If you don’t need resource consent but want confirmation, a council can issue a certificate of compliance for permitted activities. This confirms that the activity is lawfully established in relation to the Resource Management Act. However, you may still need a building consent or need to meet our district requirements.
Talking to your local building consent authority (BCA) is also a good idea. If the scope of what you are planning is slightly beyond the exemption listed in on their website, for example, the BCA has discretion as to whether or not it will require a building consent.
We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions, we’ve included all the references below that was used to develop to article so you can read further. If you do have further questions about consents, feel free to let us know by emailing us or by filling in a form – we will then forward it on to our architectural design team to follow up.
Please note: Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
To wrap up
How much does it cost for the building consent application?
The cost starts at $788 for projects up to the value of $1999, and $2645 for projects up to $99,999 - the cost is dependant on the value of the project.
Do you need a building consent for a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation?
It's generally not required unless there is going to be alterations to the structure of the building (removal of a wall) or additions to sanitary fixtures.
Where do i find the most up to date information about consents?
We suggest visiting the government websites such as building.govt.nz, aucklandcitycouncil.govt.nz and legislation.govt.nz - main reason is because this information is continually updated. Talk to an architect or a planner will also help because they will be able to interpret the information for you.
Does adding an extra toilet require a building consent?
Yes it does, because you'll be added an extra sanitary fixture that wasn't there before - so you will need to apply for building consent for this.
*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Still have questions unanswered?
Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations, we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!
Are you trying to make up your mind about renovating your property or make improvements in advance before a new tenant moves in? or perhaps your renovating to increase the equity in preparation for selling?
Free cost calculator
How much will your renovation cost?
Answer a few questions and we’ll email you an Auckland price range.
When it comes to property investment, it is recommended you review your finances from time to time. Refinancing, at a better mortgage rate could help achieve a higher return. You may also want to contact your accountant or tax specialist to see if you qualify for any or further tax benefits.
Should I be spending money to renovate my rental properties, is it worth it?
In this article, I help you understand the maths behind improving your property and why undertaking renovations on your rental property could be financially beneficial, but also why you shouldn’t be renovating as well.
Some rental owners think that renovating their property isn’t financially worthwhile.
Common views from rental/investment property owners:
It is just a rental property. Even if I put in new fixtures and chattels in it, they will wear out anyway. Why bother?
I don’t understand much about the renovation. I’m not certain about where to begin or whom to talk to so it’s a bit of a risky investment.
If I make improvements in my rental property, it will be even better than our own home!
These are all valid points and not wrong to some extent, however we’re going to dig deeper to see what the data says. We will also address some of these questions in this article and hopefully provide you with enough information to make an informed/data driven decision that ultimately puts you financially better off.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
Calculating the potential ROI of your rental property after the renovations
A simple and quick way to do so is to approximate the annual rent increase after renovations are done. Then divide that into the renovation cost.
For instance, imagine you spend $7,000 on making improvements to your kitchen between tenancies. We don’t mean setting up a brand new kitchen, but renovations such as repainting walls and cupboards, new floors, replacing bench top or acquiring a new stove.
Consequently, you can obtain a higher rent, probably about $30 every week.
By attracting higher income earning tenants
To retain existing tenants with the upgrade (after the increase in rent)
You can determine your return by calculating your yearly rent increase (52 weeks x $30). Then divide your answer into the renovation cost ($7,000). You should get 0.22, and you can multiply this by 100 to get a percentage (22.28%) – and that is your return on investment, which will pay for itself after 3-4 years (assuming you’re not increasing rent further, and you’re not selling).
Real estate investors are always looking for a high return on investment (ROI) when buying rental properties. Higher returns can be achieved and influenced in many ways. Real estate renovation is one of those ways.
Renovated rental units justify a higher rental rate – but it’s important you’re spending on the “right” renovations. There are a couple of other factors behind real estate renovation:
To maintain or improve the value of the investment property through necessary repairs or replacements
To increase equity
Rental property improvements to attract better-qualified tenants
Tax advantages
Reduced maintenance
Lower vacancy rates
Five things you need to know before you consider renovating your rental
When undertaking renovations on your investment property, avoid looking at it like it’s your own home, it should be a data-driven decision. What you want for your home is not necessarily what your investment needs to ensure best return.
Create a strict budget and research thoroughly and ensure to create room for contingency for unexpected costs – it is common with renovations – for example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, you may find that there is water damage in the subfloor which is common with the older properties.
Choosing the right renovations should not only increase the property value but also the rent.
Good renovations are “bulletproof” In the long term, a durable renovation will outdo a fancy renovation.
Don’t forget to consult your accountant, finance specialists and local renovation company (project manager) – get all your ducks lined up and make an informed decision based on data.
Renovations that add value in the property
I want to make improvements to my property to add value. To achieve this, I plan to spend $15,000 to paint the interior and replace damaged carpets to increase my property value by $30,000 and similarly raise weekly rent by $30.
Sounds good in theory! But it doesn’t always plan out that way. We can definitely speculate the return on investment, and the increase in rent (but is that what the tenant wants?).
If you are looking to renovate to add value, instead of looking at the “end result” first – begin with focusing on what you are in control of which is choosing what to renovate. By choosing the right renovations to begin with (within your planned budget) backed by data – the end result of the renovations is a given. Rental property owners tend to make the mistake of assuming what they think should justify increase the value or rent, but this subjective thinking leads to making the wrong decisions. Be careful where you get your advice from as well, everyone seems to have an opinion on what they think you should do to your property.
So we’ve put together a list of renovations that proven to add value and justify increasing rent.
Kitchen renovations
According to Realtor.com, kitchen and bath remodels offer nearly an 85% ROI, making them sound investments whether renting or selling. In lower income locations, renovating the kitchen can be extremely expensive and not worthwhile. However, there are simple kitchen cheats that you can use to ensure kitchen makeovers are cost-effective and still create an appeal. One of these is purchasing second-hand cabinetry online and using stain-block on your old cabinetwork. Perhaps even consider replacing the kitchen cupboards and draws assuming the carcass of the kitchen is still in good condition. For mid to high income locations, a full kitchen renovation is definitely worth considering because it would appeal more to the target audience. See the finished kitchens in our gallery of kitchen designs we’ve built. But with both options, consider the value of your property and make sure not to overcapitalise.
Street appeal
Although this appears overly simple, re-staining your fence, painting the roof and installing a new letterbox can give your home a new look that appeals to buyers and renters alike. This kind of renovation is best suited during spring when the weather allows you to paint outside, and your paint will dry quickly because of the warm weather. If you’re looking at selling the property, painting the home is the most cost-effective way to give the home a spruce up.
Bathroom renovations
A bathroom renovation is widely considered to increase the value of home significantly and it’s been stated by Business Insider that it can be up to a 70% return on investment. Whether a renovation is structural or simply cosmetic, an attractive bathroom will always appeal to the savvy buyer. Browse our bathroom designs we’ve completed across Auckland. But again, the decision to make minor alterations to the bathroom or to fully renovate the bathroom comes down to the location of your property (it would resonate with the target audience, eg Location with mostly growing families would prefer to have a bath), and to ensure you’re not over capitalising. Get the right lighting – Plenty of light is essential for a bathroom, but so is a warm and cosy glow. Check your lighting and see what you can change to make your bathroom appeal to your type of buyer.
Gardening & Landscaping
A smart garden appeals to everyone, and it all narrows down to your audience in the location (families, working professionals, or flatting situations). One thing to note is always go for plants that don’t need much gardening time or maintenance – don’t expect tenants to look after it (if they do, great!). These may be natives that are endemic to your area. Always ensure that your garden’s front lawn is tidy and trimmed. Also, berms ought to follow suit.
Floor Renovations
Carpets in old rentals act as hind outs for various crawling insects, including such as ants. While a carpet can be costly, there are cost-effective options to acquire one. One of these is purchasing in bulk. You will buy them at a reduced price, and you can use the extra carpets across your multiple rentals.
The most common floor renovation for rentals is converting from Carpets to Laminate flooring for multiple reasons such as:
Laminate flooring is much more durable, which means it will last longer then carpets (which leaves marks). After a while, carpet will start to fray and show obvious signs of wear. Although landlords can request for the carpets to be cleaned, it’s not going to stop it from general wear and tear. It’s important to note, landlords cannot get compensation for fair wear and tear, and distressed carpets usually fall into that category.
Tenants are becoming more health conscious and carpets are much more prone to attracting and clinging onto dirt, which means they get dirty quickly and need to be cleaned regularly. So it’s preferable to both buyers and tenants that if they’re choosing a property, laminate flooring would be ideal.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, the process only requires a very moderately damp cloth and a sweep. For a thorough carpet clean, a specialist vacuum and shampoo is required, and it becomes more of a problem when there is spills/stains (which in some cases don’t come out)
Painting
Always seek professional painters to do the job – it seems like something that can be done by yourself but if not done properly, it’s very obvious and visible. Here’s an article that outlines whether you should DIY or Choose a Professional Painter. The most common painting project clients undertake is interior and exterior painting (not so much roof, normally a roof wash is sufficient), or replacing wallpaper to painted walls. Painting the property is one of the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve the perceived value of the property especially if surfaces look tired – it is also value added to potential buyers and renters. Check out blogs from Superior Painters (North Shore) for more information on painting your rental property.
New curtains and Blinds
Normally something easily forgotten – but it does make a difference. To give your property a refreshing impression before selling or renting it. Installing/purchasing new blinds and curtains can be as low as $2,500 for standard 3 bed home (8 windows).
Call in your mates
While you can have someone to provide their services in your house within a day, you can accomplish the same tasks or even more in much less time with your mates. Besides, you will have more fun doing it together.
Let there be light
Light shades offer decent and stunning looks in your rooms, but they can get pretty dingy after some years. Although it is relatively simple to get a replacement, you can restore their new and fresh look by performing an effective scrub. A common choice we get from home owners and rental property owners is replacing all the lights in the home to LEDs, for the following reasons:
LED lighting uses less energy (90% less energy)
LED bulbs last much much longer (landlords are responsible for replacing)
No need to change the fitting
LED bulbs are coming down in price every day!
And lastly, LED lighting is the preferred choice for all new builds now
We need to be certain that the costs of carry out a renovation will be recovered in the long run through increased capital and rental appreciation.
The cost of renovating a rental is different (due to requirements) compared to if you were renovating your own home because:
Choice in materials – you’ll lean towards durability and what is cost effective
Features and extra amenities will be limited, functionality will be more important
Design will not be on top of the list, for example, you would rather choose to go with an acrylic shower base than a full tiled shower/bathroom.
Choice in fitting/product supplier will be on the lower end (but still good enough quality to be durable and long term) – although in saying this, taps, shower heads/fittings and mixers, always choose the better quality option over the cheapest.
Here is a break down of costs you can expect to pay for different renovations:
$40,000 to well over $100,000 (dependant on size of home and specs)
Renovation Costs Bathroom
Starting at only $8,500 for a basic alterations to an average spend of $18,000 – $22,000 for a full bathroom renovation.
Renovations Costs for Kitchen
Ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for minor alterations (changing cupboards and draws) to an average spend of $22,000 – $28,000 for a full kitchen renovation.
House Extension cost
$100,000 +
Recladding cost
$150,000 +
Common mistakes made when renovating an investment property
In most cases, the renovation of investment properties is regarded as an unfailing plan that guarantees an increase in rental returns.
While this seems straightforward, the truth is it’s not always the case because when operating in an unstable market, the monetary gains of improving a property may be outweighed by equity loss.
Here some mistakes that are made by renovators of investment property.
Ignoring market trends and audience in the location
Some people who have owned investment properties for over a decade tend to think that they are in an advantageous position to carry out renovations. But what they might not know is the market keeps on changing. Such changes range from interior designs, property value, to tenants’ tastes. Thus, you are likely to miss out on your projected returns by ignoring current market trends. So before renovating your property, undertake research on recent sales of property, analyze current trends in the market, and consult those in the property industry business. A good example is like people leaning more towards properties with LED lighting (as mentioned above).
Failing to monitor the rental market
Monitoring rental markets are often not in the priority list of most property renovators. But property prices keep of changing, and if you don’t monitor their trend, you might be left with vacant properties to fill after prices fall. If you have old properties, you need to keep monitoring the rental market to ensure they remain competitive.
In saying that, if the market is flat lining and not appreciating in value – it might be a good time to renovate to increase it’s value if you are intending to sell/ or increase rent.
Tenants living in the property
If there are tenants residing in the property you are renovating, it will cause rental income loss if they need to move out while renovation works takes place. You may also be responsible for their belongings (storage cost), electrical bill, and water bill.
To avoid all these issues associated with tenants living in the property, make renovations plans in advance and plan out the renovation in stages to minimise loss rent – try to avoid having the tenants move out or do it when they are away on holiday. For example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, hire a porta-loo for them to use for the time being (negotiate a reduction in rent as a compromise as it’s not exactly ideal). Make appropriate scheduling for delivery of renovation tools and materials to minimise issues with the tenants.
Overcapitalising
There are cheap alternatives that smart renovators use to minimize costs while providing added value to their clients. But cheap renovations doesn’t always mean the best return on investment, it may even be detrimental (dependant on the location of the property and the target audience).
You need to recognize the amenities and services that drive tenants’ demands. Some alternatives will drastically minimize cost and end up with a finish that delivers projected value and results.
Refinancing to renovate
You are likely to get into arrangements that don’t pay off, for instance, by extending your home loan to cater for your property improvement. This is because a huge portion of your returns will go into loan payment.
If you must borrow to carry out renovations, you need to be confident that your improvements will bring about higher rental returns. This will help you to evade risky situations of making zero returns, considering the unstableness of the market. We’ve put together an article exactly for this, on how to finance your renovation via loan – courtesy of Linda from Loan Market.
7 questions to ask before starting renovations on your rental property
How will renovation influence my rental returns?
This should be the first question you need to consider before considering any renovation. Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially.
For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.
Remember to be realistic with your estimations and projections. Don’t invest less and expect huge returns.
Never replace things that can otherwise be repaired or fixed. Since renovation is an expensive undertaking, you need to save it for those areas that require it.
In case you are working with a limited budget, and you still want to increase your returns, try these:
You can give your kitchen a new look by replacing countertops and handles, and replacing the cabinets/draws. Replace carpets and repaint walls to give the home a new freshness to it and give the impression of it feeling new.
Instead of thinking about replacing your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, just cut costs by replacing the tapware (makes a bigger impression, if the cabinet is still in good condition)
What you should renovate (important)
Focus on vital and functional areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where tenants are likely to spend much time. Restoring these areas will have a huge impact on the daily living of tenants and rental returns as well. Is renovation vital to tenants?
Not every renovation work is important to your tenants. Some restoration will only enhance the resale value and not the rental value. For instance, a new toilet may appear good in the house; a tenant may regard it as just a toilet.
For your rental property to appeal to tenants, focus on aspects that are regarded highly by tenants. This includes having additional space or room and installing a heating pump for cold seasons.
Which material do you plan to use, and are they practical?
Although maximizing your property’s ROI is vital, you need not compromise on quality. Cheap fixtures and repair materials are prone to wear and tear fast, and you will be called to replace them sooner than you expected (focus on long term return/cost)
Besides, analyze the prices for different materials as they are likely to vary from one hardware store to another. Ensure that the materials you have chosen are suitable for your rental. About renovation materials, think more about their durability and not just costs. You will maximize your ROI by using long-lasting materials and it’s not an area to cut costs.
Is it too little or too much?
You shouldn’t overcapitalize the upgrades. In other words, keep it simple. The majority of the tenant will not bother to know how much that you invested in the renovation. They just want to have it functional so that it can fulfil their needs.
Be flexible in terms of considering cheaper but quality accessories. Also, think about the locality of your rental property and determine whether your upgrades would warrant an increase in rent (is it important to your target audience).
Is it a legal obligation to your tenants?
In New Zealand, rental laws are continually changing. From installing smoke alarms to making sure your property is healthy and safe, you should comply with all the legal obligations about rental properties and focus on these first before any other renovations/alternations. For Healthy Homes work and maintenance between tenancies, our sister company Superior Property Services looks after landlords across Auckland.
It is worth noting that all forms of renovations should reflect and conform to the set laws as well – so make sure you’re using companies that are able to provide certificates/warranties. Rent increase also needs to conform to established stipulations. This includes giving advance notice prior to the increase.
We hope this guide has been helpful, and it gives you enough information to make an informed decision about renovating. Do let us know if you have any questions, and we would try our best to answer every question posted. Lastly, don’t forget to share your experience and tips that’s not mentioned here that you think will be valuable to those interested in renovating your rental property.
Please note:Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
To wrap up
Should I renovate my rental property?
Depends on what you’re trying to achieve and what you’re renovating, not all renovations are equal and all delivers different returns on investment – including a number of variables to take in consideration such as location, target audience, financial circumstances, current market trends etc
What renovations can add value to my rental property?
Kitchen renovations, renovations to increase street appeal, bathroom renovations, New Curtains and Blinds, and Lighting are amongst the most common renovations.
What are common renovation mistakes made with rental properties?
Ignoring market trends and audience in the location, Failing to monitor the rental market, Tenants living in the property, Tenants living in the property, and Refinancing to renovate if they can’t afford to.
How will renovation influence my rental returns?
Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially. For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.
If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools
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Still have questions unanswered?
Book a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations, we’d love to meet you to discuss your renovation ideas!
We worked with Alison (kitchen design) and Neil (project management) during our kitchen renovation and had a great experience.
Communication was great, there was no 'hard sell', and the team was always available and extremely responsive. The works were completed to our satisfaction and even when things were done in a way we didn't like or was incorrect, all we had to do was point the error out and a team member was sent out immediately to rectify the issue.
The end result exceeded our expectations- all done without breaking the bank and within the timeline agreed to at the start.
We look forward to enjoying our new kitchen and are already thinking about our next project with the team from Superior renovations.
We recently had our kitchen renovated by Superior Renovations on Wairau Road, and we couldn’t be happier with the entire experience and, most importantly, the finished result.
From the very first day of demolition through to the final cabinet installation, every person involved in the project was exceptional. The quality of workmanship was consistently excellent, and it was clear that everyone took pride in the work they were doing.
A special mention has to go to Neil, who managed the entire project brilliantly. The biggest thing that stood out to us was how well organised everything was. The timeline was adhered to week after week, and we always knew exactly what was happening and who would be coming each day. It made what could have been a stressful renovation feel incredibly smooth and well managed.
Alison, who helped us with the initial design, was fantastic. She came up with a wonderful design that we immediately loved, and she was always happy to take the time to answer our questions, talk through options and make sure we were comfortable with every decision.
The plumber, electrician and cabinet maker were all outstanding, and the quality of their work really shows in the finished kitchen.
The transformation from our old kitchen to the new one has been incredible, and we absolutely love our new space. The attention to detail, workmanship, communication and project management were all first class.
We would recommend Superior Renovations to anyone and everyone without hesitation. If you’re looking for a company that delivers a quality renovation, keeps to its timeline and provides excellent value for money, we would definitely recommend giving them a call.
Thank you to Neil, Alison and the entire Superior Renovations team for giving us a kitchen we absolutely love! 👏👏
We have always loved working with Superior renovations and in particular Kevin. We felt like we were getting special one-on-one treatment at all hours of the day. They always produce their work super quick and to a good standard.
We added a new bathroom and upgraded the rumpus. Superior Renovations offered a reasonable price and delivered professional services and work. We recommend Superior Renovations for the house renovation.
This is our final and exceptionally positive review for Superior Renovations. First and foremost, we must emphasize that they are outstanding!
Superior Renovations has completed a comprehensive renovation of our entire house, both externally and internally, including the kitchen, bathroom, painting, carpeting, electronic gate, and more. Throughout the various projects over the past few months, we have been thoroughly impressed by their work and are delighted with the results. Their expertise and service continue to amaze us; they truly listen to our needs and engage in discussions whenever they believe improvements can be made.
We extend our gratitude to Cici, who not only served as the sales manager but also as the designer, transforming our kitchen from an early 2000s style to a modern and stylish new one. Neil, our project manager, worked with us daily, attending to every detail and going the extra mile to help us achieve an excellent result.
From the very first day of collaboration, we encountered no issues whatsoever, whether in communication, design discussions, or the execution by the on-site teams. We highly recommend Superior Renovations to anyone considering home renovation. Contacting them will reveal why we are so pleased with their work on our home.
SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS Renovations on one full bathroom and one small ensuite at my home in Sunnynook, Auckland, were completed on 26th June 2026. I am fully satisfied with the work done at my home by all workers and contractors and delighted with the results that I am now enjoying. All work is of a very high standard and attention to care leading to excellent results. All staff of Superior Renovations and associated contractors were at all times helpful and happy to explain all aspects of their work and respectful in listening to any of my concerns or questions, with any changes where necessary being quickly and effectively carried out. I have no hesitation in recommending Superior Renovations as your choice for any bathroom renovation.
In early June, I hired Superior Renovation company to thoroughly renovate our two bathrooms. The project has now been completed and we are very satisfied. Thank you sincerely, and we highly recommend it.
Despite some delays, Eunice, Neil and the team at Little Giants have done a really good job on out kitchen renovation. Great finishing and very responsive to fixing up any little thing we weren't happy with.
From the very first consultation, our experience with this team has been nothing short of stellar. Working with Eunice, our sales consultant, set a high bar for the rest of the project. Eunice is truly exceptional at what she does. When we first began our kitchen project, we went through several versions of our floor plan, and she was with us every step of the way—from the initial planning stages right through to the final concept. Her patience and dedication during the design process were remarkable. Throughout the project, Eunice provided: * **Invaluable Suggestions:** She has a keen eye for both aesthetics and functionality, pointing out details we never would have considered on our own. * **Seamless Adjustments:** No matter how many tweaks we requested, she handled every change with professionalism and a "can-do" attitude. * **Expert Guidance:** She transformed our vague ideas into a cohesive, stunning reality. Once the planning was complete, Neil, our project manager, took the reins and truly blew us away. Neil is a consummate professional who balances technical expertise with fantastic communication. He kept us informed at every stage, ensuring we knew exactly what to expect and when. Whenever a minor pivot was needed, Neil handled it with grace and efficiency, keeping the timeline on track. His standards for the renovation work were incredibly high, ensuring the final result was polished and beautiful. The transition from Eunice’s initial planning to Neil’s execution was flawless. If you are looking for a team that combines design expertise with top-tier project management, look no further. We are absolutely thrilled with our new kitchen and new flooring !
Superior Renovations has just finished a complete remodel of my bathroom. I can see, why the company has such a high reputation. At every stage, from sales, design, project management, and execution, the company excelled at every point. I am just so happy with the work that they have done and they have exceeded my expectations at every point.
Used Superior for a kitchen and bathroom renovation last year. They did an excellent job updating both rooms, communication was excellent ongoing tjrough the project, they coordinated all the tradies, synchronized so there was little downtime, and it all worked exactly as planned and on budget. Was really glad we chose Superior Renovations and plan to use again for our entrance way at some stage.
As I said to my work colleagues ‘I have just had the most pleasant experience’. When they realised it was with renovations at home they were shocked - ‘unheard of’ I was told. Everything went to plan - timing, project management, costs, etc, etc. Neil communicated with me daily and made my whole bathroom renovation a pleasure. The best decision I made was choosing Superior Renovations. Thank you Kevin for our initial connection and for passing me on to Neil to manage the whole process.
We just finished a bathroom renovation and couldn’t be happier with the results. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the attention to detail in the tiling and finishing is impressive. The team was professional, kept the workspace clean, and delivered exactly what we envisioned. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for a high-quality transformation.
This is our second review for Superior Renovations. They have done two projects earlier this year and we were so impressed by the work they have finished. After discussing and very careful consideration, we decided to go with more projects with them. So far, they have now completed stage 1 renovation of our house. We still amazed for their knowledge and services; they really listen to us and discuss anything with us if they feel/think could be better… From the first day we work with them, we have no issue with them at all, from communication, discussing, designing to the teams working on the site. Especially we are highly recommended to those who are considering doing the house renovation, please contact them and you will know why we are so pleased to have them to do our house renovation. We are thanking Cici, Neil and the teams so much…. We are looking forward to seeing what the outcome will be.
We recently had our bathroom renovated by Superior Renovations and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Dorothy and Neil were an absolute pleasure to work with. They guided us through every step of the process, making what can be a stressful experience feel smooth and straightforward. The quoting process was transparent and detailed, with no hidden fees or surprises. Neil was incredibly responsive and always available whenever we had questions or requests, which gave us real peace of mind throughout the project. We really love the end result and enjoy our new bathroom! We’ll definitely be returning to the Superior Reno team for our next project. Highly recommended!
Our bathroom reno has just been completed & I am so happy. The whole process was easy & hassle free. Alison designed our bathroom & was very patient with our changes/then changes back again. Jacob our project manager was a delight to deal with. He always kept us informed of the scheduling & any other information we may have needed. All the tradies worked hard & the job was completed & signed off within 3 weeks. That's demo, full tiling, installation of new everything & delivery & pick up of the skip down a very tricky driveway. We absolutely love the new bathroom & would recommend Superior Renovations everyday. Future jobs I will definitely be contacting them again. Thank so much for your excellent work
Having explored our reno options, it was an easy decision to select Superior Renovations for our work. As first timers at anything like this we had to trust the system with grand old 100year old bungalow. We were so pleased to have Cici, Sonny and Kai working with us the whole way through. Be shout out to all the team, builders, plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters. A superb job delivered on budget and ahead of time. The communication from Cici and Sonny was first class. Would highly recommend working with Superior Renovations in fact, we already have more worked booked in. Thanks Superior you made Millie and Monty's parents very happy. 🐾
I am very happy with the recent renovation for my new kitchen. The team worked really hard to get it done within the time frame. The manager, Jacob, was very helpful and communicated well and always sorts out any issue immediately. Thank you Irene
We couldn’t be happier with our new pergola! From start to finish, the team was professional, punctual, and easy to work with. They took the time to listen to what we wanted and offered great suggestions to make the design even better. The quality of the materials and workmanship is outstanding — everything feels solid, well-built, and beautifully finished. Kudos to Sinan Sun as she has been an amazing contact with the company.
We are very pleased with our bathroom reno by Superior Renovations! Jacob, Cici and the team always kept us up to date, were always friendly to deal with and finished ahead of schedule. Most importantly we are very happy with the quality of the work.
Finding someone reliable for renovations has always been the most stressful thing for us. In the past, we had several painful renovation experiences—money was spent but the problems were never truly solved, and things often ended up worse than before. We really didn’t know where to find a trustworthy renovation company.
For more than ten years, our wish had been to renovate our bathroom, laundry, and toilet, so that we could finally enjoy a comfortable and functional living environment. Just when we were about to give up, we came across Superior Renovations online. We quickly made an appointment with Cici, who designed and provided us with a quote.
Throughout the whole process, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism of Superior Renovations. What stood out most was that they always delivered on their promises—everything agreed upon was completed on time. This built a relationship of trust and reliability. Up until completion, I was completely satisfied with their dedication and the quality of their workmanship.
During the renovation, we encountered some of the challenges that often come with older houses, but Cici and her team helped us resolve the discomforts we had been living with for years. We are truly grateful to the construction team.
Some say renovations are easy if you just have money, but I believe the most important thing is finding a trustworthy team that keeps their word, values quality, and cares about the customer’s experience.
Because of this renovation experience, we can now confidently plan our next project—the kitchen—and Superior Renovations will definitely be our first choice. We strongly recommend them.
Finally, I want to thank Cici and the team for helping us fulfill our dream.