Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do you have home renovation builders in Auckland?

Yes. Affordable Homes has experienced builders who specialise in commercial and residential house renovations in Auckland. We are familiar with the local building codes and have completed hundreds of successful projects across the region. Regardless of where you are based, we can complete your remodel on time and within budget.

Do you service other locations outside of Auckland?

We work nationwide. Tell us where the property is when you enquire and we will confirm the nearest crew and what the timing looks like.

How do I choose the best renovation companies in Auckland and throughout New Zealand?

Look for a licensed building practitioner, a written quote that itemises the work, proof of insurance, and references from recent jobs of a similar size. We are happy to provide all four before you commit to anything.

Will my renovation project require building consent?

It depends on the work. Structural changes, plumbing and drainage alterations and most additions need consent; cosmetic work usually does not. We assess this during the site visit and handle the application for you where one is required.

Arrears Management

For managed properties we handle arrears follow up on your behalf, with clear written records of every contact made.

Regular Inspections

Scheduled property inspections with a photographic report after each visit, so you always know the current condition of the building.

Kitchen Maintenance

Can you repair my kitchen without replacing the whole thing?

Often, yes. Where the carcasses are sound we replace doors, drawer fronts and hardware, and re-seal or repair benchtops. It costs a fraction of a full replacement and is usually finished in a day or two.

How long does a full kitchen replacement take?

Most run two to four weeks on site once the joinery arrives, depending on whether plumbing or electrical points move. You get a programme with the quote so you can plan around it.

Can I keep using the kitchen while you work?

For repair work, almost always. For a full replacement there is a period without a sink or bench — we tell you up front how long that is and can set up a temporary bench.

Do you handle the plumbing and electrical too?

Yes. Licensed plumbers and electricians are part of the crew, so you are not chasing separate trades or working around their schedules.

Bathroom Maintenance

Does a bathroom renovation need building consent?

Usually not for a like-for-like replacement, but yes if you move plumbing, alter the structure or change how a room is used. We assess this at the site visit and handle the application when one is needed.

How do you deal with leaks and water damage?

We find the source first, then repair the framing and substrate before anything new goes in. Waterproofing is done by a licensed applicator and inspected before tiling starts.

How long will the bathroom be out of action?

A straightforward bathroom is typically two to three weeks. That allows proper curing time for waterproofing and tiling, and those are not stages worth rushing.

Can you bring a bathroom up to healthy homes standard?

Yes. An extractor fan ducted outside and sized to the room is part of the healthy homes standards, and it is work we do regularly for landlords.

Roof, Gutter and Fascia

Repair or replace — how do I know which I need?

We inspect and photograph the roof first. Isolated failures are worth repairing; widespread corrosion, failed fixings or repeat leaks usually mean replacement is cheaper over time.

How often should gutters be cleared?

Once or twice a year for most Auckland properties, and more often under trees. Blocked gutters are the most common cause of the fascia and soffit damage we get called out to.

Do you fix the cause of a leak or just the damage?

The cause. Water often travels some distance from where it gets in, so we trace it back to the entry point rather than patching the stain on the ceiling.

Can you work on two-storey and steep roofs?

Yes. We scaffold or use height safety systems as the job requires, and that cost is in the quote from the start rather than added later.

Fence and Decking

How high can I build a fence without consent?

Generally up to two metres, but boundary rules, corner sites and local plans vary. We check before quoting, so you are not asked to take it down afterwards.

Do decks need building consent?

Decks more than 1.5 metres above ground generally do, and attached decks can as well. We confirm what applies to your site and handle the paperwork.

What timber do you use?

H3.2 treated pine as standard for framing and boards, with hardwood or composite options if you want less maintenance. We are happy to price alternatives so you can compare.

Can you repair an existing deck instead of rebuilding?

Often, yes. If the piles and bearers are sound, replacing boards and rails costs far less than a rebuild. We will tell you honestly which you are looking at.

Driveway and Vehicle Crossing

Do I need council approval for a vehicle crossing?

Yes. A new or altered crossing needs council approval and has to be built to their specification. We prepare the application and manage the inspection.

How long before I can drive on new concrete?

Light foot traffic after a day or two, vehicles after about seven days. We give you the exact dates for your pour so nothing goes on it too early.

Concrete, asphalt or pavers — which is best?

Concrete lasts longest and suits most driveways, asphalt is more economical over large areas, and pavers look best and can be lifted for repairs. We quote whichever suits your site and budget.

Can you fix a cracked or sunken driveway?

Sometimes sections can be cut out and replaced. Where the base underneath has failed, replacing the affected area properly is the only lasting fix — and we will say so rather than patch it.

Landscaping

Do you design as well as build?

Yes. We can work to your plan or your landscape architect’s, or put a concept together with you at the site visit if you are starting from scratch.

Do retaining walls need consent?

Walls over 1.5 metres generally do, and so do lower walls carrying a surcharge such as a driveway above them. We check and handle the consent where one is required.

When is the best time to plant?

Autumn and early spring give plants the best chance to establish. Hard landscaping — paving, retaining and decking — can go in at any time of year.

Do you offer ongoing garden maintenance?

Yes. Many clients keep us on for seasonal tidy-ups, hedge work and general garden maintenance once the build is finished.

Shop Fit outs

Can you work after hours so we can keep trading?

Yes. Night and weekend work is normal for retail and hospitality fit-outs, and we programme around your trading hours wherever the work allows it.

How long does a fit-out take?

A small refresh can be a week; a full fit-out with joinery and services is typically four to eight weeks. Joinery lead time is usually what decides the programme.

Do you handle landlord and council approvals?

Yes. We prepare what the landlord’s fit-out guide asks for and lodge the building consent where the work needs one.

Can you build to our brand guidelines?

Yes. We work to your brand standards or your designer’s drawings, and will flag early where a detail will not survive daily use in a retail space.