FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS

We’ve been elevating homes for many years, and have the knowledge to provide the right advice to help you on your journey. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

How do I start the renovation process?
Open Question Icon

Make sure you start by selecting the right builder. Credibility, experience and service is crucial from the start and throughout your renovation journey.

Your first consultation with NZ Proud is carried out by a qualified and licensed Contracts Manager whose primary goal is to gather information and give you advice on your vision so you have the right information to make informed decisions. You can get started by contacting us here, and answer all the prompted questions as best you can, and we'll book a site visit at the earliest convenience.

What should I consider when doing a home, kitchen or bathroom renovation?
Open Question Icon

Early planning is critical for a successful renovation journey. Before you contact a build company or designer for advice, consider the ultimate result you’re trying to achieve. Are you after more space, or would you like to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom? And think about why you’d like to renovate -  is your family growing, are you working from home, or is your home old and out-dated?. Equally important is the budget, not what you think the build will cost but what you can afford. Talk to your bank or a broker to see what your total budget could be before you engage anyone else. With that information you can present your vision and budget to your potential builder or designer with clarity. Having that information is so helpful when offering advice and executing your dream home renovation. Here are some further tips on kitchen and bathroom renovations.

How much does a home extension cost in the wider Wellington region?
Open Question Icon

The cost of a house extension varies depending on the size, complexity, and materials. We'd love to be able to give an idea straight away, however, this comes down to many factors, with the most important one being what your budget is. Learn more about this here.

Do you offer design services, or do I need to hire an architect first?
Open Question Icon

We partner with experienced architectural designers and manage the design process for you. You don’t need to engage an architect separately — we offer a full design-and-build service. You can find out more here.

Do I need building consent for a renovation in Wellington or Kapiti?
Open Question Icon

Yes — in most cases, you'll need building consent for structural renovations, bathroom relocations, or any work involving plumbing, drainage, or structural changes. Some smaller projects such as kitchen and bathroom renovations, may not require a building consent if the renovation is a simple upgrade of what's existing. NZ Proud can provide information to help you make an informative decision in relation to the need for building consent. Our Contracts Managers have a wealth of experience in compliance requirements when renovating existing properties. You can find out more about council consent here.

Who is responsible for getting council consent?
Open Question Icon

Homeowners are responsible for any works carried out on their property. As a homeowner you need to be confident that any project you wish to undertake does or does not require consent, and should it require consent follow the correct steps. It is also the homeowner’s responsibility to acquire building consent and ensure a licensed tradesman carries out the project as per the consented plans. That's why it’s important to engage the right professionals. NZ Proud helps you through this process to engage the right agent (Architect) to act on your behalf to produce the right information for a building consent.

Does pricing my renovation project incur any up front costs?
Open Question Icon

There is a wealth of work invested into pricing and scoping our clients renovation projects as it is crucial to deliver early information accurately for a stress free build. Most smaller projects like bathroom & kitchen renovations are free to provide pricing however when your project requires design and consent there is likely to be pricing charges. If a building professional offers free quotes, consider the value you get from the end result. NZ Proud can provide you with a pricing fee proposal at the first consultation so you know exactly what you’re in for and can be confident the pricing package provided has great value.

How long does a renovation project take?
Open Question Icon

Timelines depend on the scope of work. A bathroom renovation may take 2–6 weeks, while a full extension could take several months. Explore our renovation process in detail.

Do you provide Project Management for my home, kitchen or bathroom renovation?
Open Question Icon

From the first consultation right through to the completion of your project NZ Proud will provide the services of a qualified and licensed Contracts Manager as well as an experienced Project Manager for your renovation project. They are the primary people who will scope, price and manage your project. NZ Proud has a philosophy of the right person for the right job. We believe having qualified and licensed personnel taking care of you is critical for a stress-free and enjoyable renovation process. You can find out more about our project process here.

Do I have to organise plumbers, electricians and other sub tradies?
Open Question Icon

At NZ Proud we have a fantastic hub of local subcontractors and suppliers so everything you need for your project we can help with.

Are your builders licensed and qualified?
Open Question Icon

Yes. All of our builders are fully qualified, licensed, and part of the NZ Proud team — not subcontractors. A Licensed Building Practitioner is registered and has credibility that they can provide enough experience to complete required work within the legislative requirements of their LBP accreditation. NZ Proud's carpenters are not only qualified carpenters, but all hold up to date LBP in Carpentry. You can find out more about our approach here.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?
Open Question Icon

Absolutely. Our NZ Proud Guarantee includes a low-risk billing process, workmanship warranty, and 10-year implied warranties under the Building Act. See the NZ Proud Guarantee on Our Story page.

What financing options does NZ Proud offer?
Open Question Icon

NZ Proud can work with a local mortgage broker who can help advise on your budget and financial plan for any renovation project. It's recommended you discuss your financial position prior to engaging any builder as it's a critical piece of information to provide accurate advice.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Get in touch

Contact us for a consultation with one of our qualified licensed builders who can talk through your vision, answer your questions, and provide an estimate.

Get In Touch