Internal refurbishments in Auckland

Frequently asked

• 01How long does an internal refurbishment take?

  It depends on the scope. A simple refurbishment can take around 4 weeks, while a major internal refurbishment can take up to 20 weeks. We provide a realistic written programme before the contract is signed and keep it updated as the work progresses.

• 02Can we keep living in the property while you work?

  In most cases, yes. We section off the work area with dust barriers, run air extraction in active areas, and keep to agreed start and finish times. For larger projects, we may recommend moving out for a few weeks during the dustiest stage, and we will tell you this at the start rather than part-way through.

• 03Do you replace existing plumbing, wiring and ventilation?

  Yes, wherever we open up walls or floors. If we are opening a wall to fit a new kitchen, the wiring behind it is brought up to current standards and the water pipes are replaced as a matter of course. Leaving old services behind new finishes leads to problems within the first year.

• 04Do internal refurbishments need building consent?

  Often not. Schedule 1 of the Building Act exempts many interior alterations that do not affect the structure or wet-area waterproofing. Structural changes, such as removing a load-bearing wall, and new wet areas do need consent. We will tell you which applies at the first site visit and can manage the application for you. In apartment buildings, body corporate approval may also be needed, and we can coordinate this with your building manager.

• 05How do you price work that is hidden behind walls?

  Everything visible and clearly specified is fixed-price, with a clearly stated contingency for anything uncovered once walls and floors are opened. Where possible, we open up access points before pricing to reduce the unknowns. Our price is not the cheapest possible, but it is one you can rely on.