Describe the problem before the solution
Write down what your home does not do well. You may need another bedroom, a better kitchen connection or rooms that work for a changing household. Separate those needs from a preferred construction method.
Our home renovation planning guide gives you a framework for the brief. Keep the same priorities when comparing options so the new-build concept is not judged against a renovation that solves only half the problem.
Renovation vs rebuild: compare three routes
| Option | Best question to ask | Work to investigate |
|---|---|---|
| Renovate | Can the existing footprint meet our needs? | Layout, building condition, services and retained features. |
| Extend | Can added space connect well to the house? | Site capacity, junctions, access and changes to existing rooms. |
| Rebuild | Would a new home address needs the existing building cannot? | Removal, site constraints, design, approvals and full project scope. |
No route is automatically cheaper or quicker for every property. Compare the actual work and the same standard of completed home.
Identify what you want to retain
List character details, room proportions, views, outdoor connections and materials you value. Photograph them and explain why they matter. A feature worth keeping should be part of the brief, rather than rediscovered after a layout has been settled.
Also list the parts you are willing to change. If the main issue is space, explore house extensions in Wellington before assuming a completely new footprint is necessary.
Resolve the important unknowns
Ask the appropriate designers and specialists what condition, site or planning information is needed to compare the routes. Establish which questions can be answered from records and which need inspection or investigation.
For each option, record design and approval requirements, construction scope, temporary living arrangements and work to surrounding areas. Our extension budget worksheet illustrates why the connection and existing-house work belong in the total.
Use a decision sheet
Score each option against your own priorities: usable space, retained character, everyday layout, disruption and available budget. Add an uncertainty column and name the information that could change the decision.
We work on renovations, extensions and new builds. Send us your property photos and priorities so we can discuss the options in the context of your Wellington home. Review our building services to see how those routes fit our work.