Planning a renovation or new build in Auckland? We break down every consent fee, levy & hidden charge — plus the exemptions that could save you thousands.
Find out if you can sell a house without a Code Compliance Certificate in New Zealand, what it means for buyers, banks, and insurance — and how to fix it.
What a minor dwelling actually costs to build in NZ in 2026 — the 70m² consent exemption, real per-m² pricing ($4,000–$7,000+), prefab vs custom, and the hidden costs that turn a $120k unit into $300k. By Sonder’s LBP designers.
NZ insulation rules just changed. H1/AS1 6th edition (Nov 2025) removed the Schedule Method. Here’s what Auckland homeowners need to know for 2026 builds.
Quick answer: Designing a home that reflects you means starting with how you actually live, not a stock floor plan. A custom architectural design shapes the layout, light, and flow of your Auckland home around your daily routines, your section, and your long-term plans. Most new homes are designed backwards. A plan gets picked, then […]
Quick answer: An architectural renovation in Auckland reworks the structure and layout of your home, not just its surfaces. Expect to invest roughly $100,000 to $500,000 depending on scope, and a building consent for anything structural. Hey there, Auckland homeowners! Thinking about giving your home a fresh look or a full-on transformation? Sonder Architecture designs […]
Explore the 2025 architectural design process with Sonder Architects. Expert architectural designers guide you from property file to CCC for new builds & renovations.
This guide cuts through the jargon and explains which renovations need consent from Auckland council and the renovations that do not.
Quick answer: Sustainable architecture in New Zealand means designing a home that works with our climate rather than against it — using orientation, insulation, and efficient materials to cut running costs and carbon while staying comfortable year-round. In Auckland, it starts with the New Zealand Building Code and goes well beyond it. Sustainable architecture is […]
Quick answer: For most Auckland home projects you need an architectural designer (a designer, often LBP Design Class licensed, who produces consent-ready plans) and a builder (who constructs them). A registered architect is one option for design, but the title is legally protected and not the only path to a well-designed, consented home. Assembling the […]
