Home Extensions
Wondering whether a single story extension might be an option for you? Perhaps you have a great view, that a second story extension would really help you to take advantage of? Know you need more space, but no idea where to start? Don’t fear!
Certified Home Extensions is here to help
▸ If you need a bedroom extension to give your children their own space and prevent WW3 from breaking out?
▸ Are wondering how much to build an ensuite, to stop the morning rush?
▸Think adding a second story to your house sounds quicker and easier then selling and buying another property?
▸ Need a bungalow and/or villa extension to add spacious, modern amenities to a kitchen and/or living area that has seen better days?
There is a lot of advantages to an older home; big bedrooms, section space, and ample potential, but they often lack modern amenities that make life easy and more enjoyable i.e. a bedroom for every child, a walk-in-robe or second bathroom and/or a living/dining area with incredible indoor-outdoor flow. Believe it or not, adding one or all of these things to your home is EASY with a single story, or second story extension when you come on board with the Certified Home Extensions team.
There’s no need to put your house on the market, an extension will give you everything you need + you’ll get to keep everything that you love about your home. Depending on your individual situation, a singe story, second story, bungalow and/or villa extension, or a combination will tick the boxes for you. If you aren’t sure, or have questions, feel free to hit the button below and get in touch with our team – we’d love to help you reimagine your space!
Second Story Extension
One of the main reason why people consider a second story extension is so that they can capitalise on the amazing views that we are blessed with in this beautiful country we call home. If you can see Rangitoto from the garage roof, it is definitely worth entertaining the idea of a second floor addition.
Also, every kiwi family wants to have space to kick a ball around or have a big covered deck flowing onto garden, that is the envy of all their friends. A second floor addition can be the best way to ensure that you get the best of both worlds, as it adds the bedroom or bathroom you need, while ensuring that you retain your backyard space.
Adding a second floor addition can be complicated and its important that you involve a company with expertise right from the early stages. Otherwise the cost of your master bedroom addition can easily blow out and before you know it, you might have wasted money on plans for a project that you can’t actually afford to build.
Here at Certified Home Extensions we have been adding second story extensions to homes all over Auckland since 2003. Whether it’s a master bedroom, living area or rumpus room for the kids, we’ll make your experience easy from design to build.
Its important to keep in mind when you are considering extension options, that a new upper level requires shrink wrap and significantly more structural work than a single level extension. Its always worthwhile if you are going to get good views, or if there is no other alternative, but if cost is a factor, it may be worth considering other alternatives.
One of our most popular single level extensions is to increase the amount of indoor outdoor flow, usually through the addition of an open plan kitchen / dining / entertainment area such as the one that is featured here
Single Storey Extension
A single story extension is the simplest and most cost effective method for adding more space to your home. This is because the excavation, engineering and strengthening costs are not as significant as they are with basement & upper level additions. The most popular type of single story extension is the addition of a private master suite that is full of sunshine and/or an open plan kitchen/living/dining area. Doing one or both of these means that you and your partner can enjoy a quiet retreat, while your growing family has the space that they need to stretch out or spill outdoors.
If you are in the fortunate position of having ample backyard space (or maybe just really don’t like mowing lawns), a single story extension is definitely the way to go. Whether it’s a single bedroom or perhaps a luxurious master suite, we’re worked on over 207 extensions since our company started in 2003, so can give you the best advice on design, cost and layout. Call our team now, and let’s chat about what a single story extension might look like for your family.
Basement Extension
Do you have a dark, dingy space underneath your home? Perhaps it has been dug out, but not lined and has no concrete floor? Short on space otherwise due to a small section? A basement extension is definitely the way to go. You’ll be amazed at what we can achieve from what is probably just a junk storage area or make shift man cave at the moment!
We’ve helped clients to create a number of different basement conversions of varying complexities and sizes. These have ranged from a bungalow basement extension to create 3 bedrooms, a living area, a bathroom and laundry, to a lounge and laundry conversion, to the creation of a minor dwelling/small flat that was used for international students. The options are endless!
Choosing to complete a basement extension also means that you don’t have to sacrifice your section space. The kids can keep their trampoline, and you get to keep the BBQ area or spot for a future pool intact which is the ultimate win-win. A basement extension can also offer more possibilities than a single story extension, as we are not limited by section space and can often utilise the whole area underneath your home, creating a floor plan that is perfect for you and the family. Get in touch today and let’s discuss how we can help to make your dream basement extension a reality!
This render is a great example of what a high spec basement conversion can look like. We took what was essentially dirt and transformed it into three bedrooms, a living area, a third bathroom and a second laundry. Enough space for the whole Hulena family to enjoy!
Auckland's most trusted home extensions expert!
Whether you’re completing a single story, second story, basement, bungalow or villa extension, experience is key to making sure that you have a positive experience from start to finish. Building a home extension in any form is tremendously more challenging than starting from scratch with an empty section and completing a new build.
After completing over 207 home extensions and with over 70 years of collective experience within our team, Certified Home Extensions has all of the expertise required to work on your treasured family home. Our company director Alvin (and project manager) oversees every home extension personally, making sure that it is completed to the highest possible quality standard.
If you’re already struggling to find enough hours in the day to keep up with the house work, look after the kids and hold down your job, the idea of a home extension probably feels pretty daunting. We’re firm believers that any extra hours in your day should be spent with your family & friends, not trying to deal with the stresses of managing a home extension, and that’s why we take it completely off your hands.
Our team oversees the whole process. We’ll hold our designer accountable, liaise with the council on your behalf, offer you a fixed price for construction, organise the sub-trades and manage the build of your home extension, keeping you updated throughout. This leaves you worry-free, continually excited about the dream home that is taking shape before your eyes.
How many horror stories have you heard about people who have been left wondering what’s happening to their home in the midst of their extension project? Not with Certified Home Extensions. We place a huge emphasis on trust and excellent communication right from the beginning of your home extension. Architectural designers, tradespeople, engineers and council members always speak a different language and it is important to us that you feel comfortable asking any question you might have. Nothing is too silly!
Whether we’re drawing up concept plans, or constructing your home extension, you can expect weekly updates as to how things are progressing. During construction, you’ll also have 24/7 access to our dedicated project management software which means you’ll be able to check the schedule, track your budget and communicate with us from anywhere in the world. Fiji, here you come!
The most critical stage of completing a home extension from your point of view is almost definitely getting accurate pricing. We couldn’t overstate how important it is that you have complete confidence in the way that the project manager or builder that you choose, prices your project.
Here at Certified Home Extensions we have a multi-step pricing process, with the end result being a concrete fixed price for your home extension. This includes our 153 point checklist that we’ll run through with you, a site visit at your home with our plumber and electrician and a detailed pricing proposal that is typically over 33 pages.
It’s crucial to use that you understand every detail, material and fixture that is going into your project. Rather than saying “Hey! I thought that was included!” we guarantee that you will be impressed with the depth of detail in what we have covered.
Happy Clients
4 REASONS WHY EXTENDING YOUR HOME IS EASY WITH CHE
1. Expert Experience and Knowledge
Whether you’re completing a single story, second story, basement, bungalow or villa extension, experience is key to making sure that you have a positive experience from start to finish. Building a home extension in any form is tremendously more challenging than starting from scratch with an empty section and completing a new build.
After completing over 207 home extensions and with over 70 years of collective experience within our team, Certified Home Extensions has all of the expertise required to work on your treasured family home. Our company director Alvin (and project manager) oversees every home extension personally, making sure that it is completed to the highest possible quality standard.
2. Complete Turnkey Solution
If you’re already struggling to find enough hours in the day to keep up with the house work, look after the kids and hold down your job, the idea of a home extension probably feels pretty daunting. We’re firm believers that any extra hours in your day should be spent with your family & friends, not trying to deal with the stresses of managing a home extension, and that’s why we take it completely off your hands.
Our team oversees the whole process. We’ll hold our designer accountable, liaise with the council on your behalf, offer you a fixed price for construction, organise the sub-trades and manage the build of your home extension, keeping you updated throughout. This leaves you worry-free, continually excited about the dream home that is taking shape before your eyes.
3. (Awesome) Action Plans
The most critical stage of completing a home extension from your point of view is almost definitely getting accurate pricing. We couldn’t overstate how important it is that you have complete confidence in the way that the project manager or builder that you choose, prices your project.
Here at Certified Home Extensions we have a multi-step pricing process, with the end result being a concrete fixed price for your home extension. This includes our 153 point checklist that we’ll run through with you, a site visit at your home with our plumber and electrician and a detailed pricing proposal that is typically over 33 pages.
It’s crucial to use that you understand every detail, material and fixture that is going into your project. Rather than saying “Hey! I thought that was included!” we guarantee that you will be impressed with the depth of detail in what we have covered.
4. Comprehensive Communication
How many horror stories have you heard about people who have been left wondering what’s happening to their home in the midst of their extension project? Not with Certified Home Extensions. We place a huge emphasis on trust and excellent communication right from the beginning of your home extension. Architectural designers, tradespeople, engineers and council members always speak a different language and it is important to us that you feel comfortable asking any question you might have. Nothing is too silly!
Whether we’re drawing up concept plans, or constructing your home extension, you can expect weekly updates as to how things are progressing. During construction, you’ll also have 24/7 access to our dedicated project management software which means you’ll be able to check the schedule, track your budget and communicate with us from anywhere in the world. Fiji, here you come!
Start your home extension journey today!
Since CHE was established in 2003, we’ve helped over 207 clients to re-imagine their homes through either a home extension, or a full house renovation. Over the years we’ve developed our 7 steps to success for helping us to understand the needs and requirements that are unique to each project. Following these make it easy for us to offer you expert advice, recommendations and solutions that help you to get a home that you can be proud of.
The journey towards making your dream home extension a reality begins by giving us a call on 09 233 3113. During our call, we’ll ask you a few questions so that we get a good understanding as to how we can help you best.
Once we’ve finished chatting – and hopefully become fast friends, we’ll schedule a time to come out to your home and meet you and your partner in person.
This no obligations consultation has several purposes;
• Developing a clear plan and/or scope for what your home extension and/or renovation will look like once designed and constructed
• Understanding the financial resources that you have available
• Providing a timeline for when you might expect the stages involved in your home extension to be completed
• Making sure that you feel confident and that all of your questions are answered
We encourage you to have on hand any ideas, house plans, section information, Pinterest pictures and anything else that might help us to understand what your vision is. The more information, and the more questions the better! Never be afraid to ask.
(If you have plans for your home extension already, skip straight to Step 5)
After our first meeting, we’ll return with our personally recommended architectural designer and company director Alvin (if you haven’t met him already at the first meeting). The purpose of this meeting is an adage to the old cliche “two heads are better than one” and in this case three or five heads (including you and your partner) are better than two. We’re essentially getting everybody together in one room, so that we can come up with the best plan for your home extension and/or renovation.
Sometimes that is exactly what we’ve discussed at our first meeting, and other times our designer is able to offer some insight into how we might be able to improve it and make it better again.
Within 2-3 days of this meeting, we’ll send you a detailed proposal for how much the concept drawings for your home extension and/or renovation will cost. They’ll also do their best to identify any challenges so that we can flag them as early as possible, to minimise cost and delays for you as we progress to the next stages.
With our team, you’ll never be left wondering when the designer might have your drawings completed and/or what is happening with council. We pride ourselves on the way that we co-ordinate the process of getting from concepts to building consent for our clients, believing that we can have you ready to start construction approximately six weeks quicker than any other company on the market.
Communication is key to this. As we’re overseeing the process for you, we’re constantly talking to you, our designer and the council to make sure that we’re keeping you informed, you remain a priority to the other consultants involved and that your plans and consent are being completed and processed as quickly as possible.
Dealing with council especially is challenging and that is one of the real bonuses of dealing with a company like us. We spend our day working on your behalf to make sure that the process of making your home extension a reality runs smoothly, with no stress.
While your building consent is processing at council, we’ll finalise our pricing so that we can provide you with a fixed price for construction. Pricing your project twice (the first cost indication will be after concepts are completed) means that we can eliminate any unforeseen surprises and make sure that you have complete clarity.
Once you’re happy with the price for your home extension, we’ll give you access to our dedicated project management software, and prepare a full project schedule. This means that you’ll know what our estimated completion date is, before the first nail is hammered on your home extension.
As we’ve overseen your whole process, we can typically begin construction within 4-6 weeks of building consent being granted. There’ll be no waiting months to see builders, before you know it there will lots of productive noise coming from the backyard as they work toward making your home extension a reality.
You can expect weekly emailed progress reports, as well as 24/7 access to our project management software, so that you’ll always be up to date. Alvin will also be on-site at least twice a week and is always happy to catch up in person to discuss any questions you might have.
No matter what stage of the home extension process you’re at, we pride ourselves on being super responsive, so please do feel free to give us a ring anytime.
This brings us pretty close to the end of the journey. By this time, your home extension has taken shape, final payments have been made and you’re living happily ever after, free from the frustration of living in a home that was too small for you and your family.
Our commitment to you doesn’t end at this stage. If something comes up over the next month(s) or year(s) and something with your home extension and/or renovation needs a tweak, we’re happy to come back at any point and see how we can help. Alternatively, we’ll also be here ready to go, when you decide to extend and/or renovate again, whether it be at your current property or perhaps a future home.
Your extension journey usually begins when you make the decision to give us a call on 09 236 6944.
During our first phone call we’ll ask you a few questions so that we gain the most accurate understanding possible of how we can help you best.
Once we have finished & become fast friends, we’ll schedule a time for one of our team to come out and see you so that we can complete the picture as to what your completed extension dream will look like.
Once we have touched base for the first time (see Step One) we will usually schedule a time for one of our team to come out to your home and meet with you and any other decision making parties that may be involved with your project.
Our main purposes during this session is to leave with the full understanding of your reasons for choosing to extend or renovate, the financial resources you have available, the timeline that you would like to meet and the picture you have in your head of what your completed dream for your home will look like.
We encourage you to have on hand any ideas, house plans, section information, pinterest boards or any other relevant information that will be helpful for us when we are seeking to help you make the dream that you have for your home a reality. Remember any question is a good question so never be afraid to ask during these sessions!
(If you have plans already skip ahead to Step 5)
Once we have met onsite for the first time, we’ll arrange for you to meet with one of our personally chosen architectural designers who will be ideally suited to your project.
Their extensive experience (all of our designers have been drawing plans for 10+ years) will enable them to add to or improve any ideas that we have come up with together – that is if we haven’t found the perfect solution already while getting a feel for exactly what you want to achieve from your building project.
Within 2-3 days of this session we’ll send you an investment proposal for how much the designer believes the design stage of your dream will cost and once you are happy they will be able to start drawing!
With their extensive architectural experience, they will further add on to any ideas previously discussed and more and will be able to quickly identify challenges on site that council may pick us up on. By identifying these challenges early we can better prepare ourselves later down the track during council consents stage.
We pride ourselves on the way that we coordinate the process of getting from concepts to building consent from our clients, believing that bar any unforeseen complications we can have you ready to start construction approx six weeks faster then any other company.
The team at CHE does this through constant communication; with you so that you always know what is happening and with the designer + council to make sure that you remain a priority and that things happen as fast as possible.
Dealing with council especially can often be quite challenging and that’s the real bonus of dealing with a company like us, we spend our day working for you making sure that your dream for your home is made a reality as smoothly and with as little stress as possible!
Within 10 days of us submitting for Building Consent we will schedule a site visit with all of our important subcontractors e.g. builder, plumber, electrician etc. We feel that it is in the best interests of all parties to get the specialists to site to give us a price so to speak as they can sometimes make us aware of potential problems or issues, reducing the risk of any unforeseen surprises and giving you complete clarity before you start paying our guys to do a job that for some reason may be more difficult than expected for them to complete.
Once they have submitted their prices to us, we will compile them into a 13 page Action Plan. This Action Plan is tailored to your project and will give you a full understanding of what has and has not been taken into consideration e.g. we may exclude electrical work because you have your own electrician that you would like to use. Alvin will personally present this plan to you and go through every detail, the last thing that we want you to be saying is “Hey, I thought that was included.”
Hooray! Once you are happy and have signed off on your Action Plan we can usually begin construction within 4-6 weeks, depending on the availability of the builder.
During construction, Alvin will organize weekly meetings and send weekly reports to ensure we keep you updated every step of the way.
If you have a question, would like an additional meeting or require clarification at any time give us a call. We will be happy to arrange whatever necessary.
The end of our journey together draws nigh!
At this stage your extension dream has been made reality, final payments have been made and you are living happily ever after!
You will also receive:
- Commercial Cleaning of your Home
- Signed Off Code of Compliance Certificate
- A Bottle of Champers and a Gift Basket to celebrate
Of course our journey together will never really be over, we pride ourselves on providing the ultimate level of service even when your building project has been completed If something should come up throughout the course of you living in your dream then feel free to give us a call and we will be more then happy to help.
Let's extend your home together!
We have completed over 176 unique projects each one with special needs and requirements. For this reason, we have developed our 7 Steps to Success. It allows us to get as much information from you as possible before providing you with our expert advice, recommendations and proposed solutions.
