What happens during a house renovation?

A renovation is a construction project that happens inside a house that already has a life. The sequence is familiar: brief, measure, design where needed, price, consent if required, then strip-out, structure, services, linings and finish.

The part people underestimate is living through it — or moving out. Kitchens and bathrooms take a house offline in a way a new-build site never does. Decide that early. It changes programme and cost.

You should expect dust, noise, and days when a decision is needed quickly because a wall came off and the existing house told a new story. Older Wellington houses do this often. A good builder tells you what they found and what it means, the same day if they can.

Consent is not always required, and it is not never required. That depends on the work. We will not list exemptions here; they are easy to get wrong. If the job is more than cosmetic, ask before you start.