With Auckland property prices holding at historic highs, the "buy versus build" debate has shifted. Instead of navigating the stress of a move, more homeowners are looking at their own backyards. But is a $150,000 budget enough for a modern extension?

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jan, Lead Project Manager at Style Plus Renovations, to navigate the complexities of growing your home’s footprint. From second-storey additions that capture sea views to the structural reality of garage and basement conversions, we provide the ultimate toolkit for Aucklanders in 2026.

What we dive into:

• Renovation vs. Extension: Why changing your square meterage is a different beast entirely.

  
  

• The 2026 Price Tag: Real-world costs for single-room builds, bathrooms, and the 40-60% "second-storey tax."

  
  

• Council Red Tape: How to navigate building consents and the 3-to-9-month design phase.

  
  

• The Barefoot Walking Guarantee: How Style Plus keeps your site safe and tidy while you live through the build.

  
  

• ROI Wisdom: Where to spend to ensure a 10-20% value increase on your property.

Stop dreaming about more space and start planning it.

Links & Resources:

• Free Feasibility Report: styleplusrenovations.co.nz

  
  

• Contact the Team: 0800 789 537

Join Sarah and Jan from Style Plus Renovations in The Deep End: Transforming Auckland Homes, a short podcast dedicated to navigating the complexities of the Auckland property market.

In this episode, we dive into the Renovation Design Brief—the "North Star" that bridges your Pinterest dreams with buildable reality. From surviving the "Liveability Test" to understanding technical hurdles like Auckland’s "Recession Planes" and council compliance, Jan explains why the best renovations are won on paper long before the first nail is driven.

In this episode:* The Pinterest Trap: Moving from inspiration to a cohesive, functional plan.

* Auckland Sanity Checks: Navigating structural integrity and strict local sunlight rules.

* Budget Realism: Why moving a wall on paper is cheaper than moving a timber-framed one.

Ready to start your journey? Visit styleplusrenovations.co.nz.

Check out our related blog post: https://www.styleplusrenovations.co.nz/blog/renovation-design-brief-guide/

Join Sarah the host, and Jan, a lead project manager from Style Plus Renovations, as they break down Auckland’s 2026 "Backyard Revolution". This episode explores the new laws for 70m² standalone dwellings, covering technical rules like the "2m buffer box," independent utilities, and the mandatoryProject Information Memorandum (PIM). Get a "budget realism" check on modern construction costs and learn why projects like garage conversions still require full consent.

In this episode:

* The 70m² Rule: Learn the strict technical requirements for the 2026 exemption, including the single-storey limit and "lightweight" construction materials.

* The "Buffer Box": Understand why your new unit must sit at least 2m from all boundaries and the main house.

* Essential Paperwork: Even without a consent, you must secure a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) and notify the Council within 20 working days of completion.

* Budget Realism: Get a baseline for Auckland construction costs, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000/m², plus hidden utility and infrastructure fees.

* Conversion vs. New Build: Find out why the "Backyard Revolution" exemption only applies to brand-new standalone builds, not garage or basement conversions.

Check out our related blog https://www.styleplusrenovations.co.nz/blog/granny-flats-builder-auckland/

Is your garage just an expensive storage unit for clutter? In Episode 03, Sarah and Jan (Lead Project Manager at Style Plus) break down how to turn that underutilised square footage into a high-end bedroom, studio, or home office.

We cut through the noise of the 2026 building rule changes to explain why a garage conversion is different from a standalone build. From the "2.4m Ceiling Rule" to the critical importance of slab moisture barriers, we cover the technical "Design to Reality" steps you need to know before you start.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why "Change of Use" matters for yourproperty value.

• The 2.4m height requirement: What happens ifyour garage is too low?

• Managing the "Damp Factor" in oldconcrete slabs.

• Cost vs. Value: Is it worth the $60k - $90kinvestment?

Check out our related blog: https://www.styleplusrenovations.co.nz/services/garage-conversions/