Stage 2: The Planning
In Stage 1 of our series, we talked about the questions to ask yourself before you begin your renovation journey, what you want to achieve, your budget, and your priorities.
Now comes the exciting part: putting plans into motion. Stage 2 is all about making decisions, setting a clear direction, and laying the foundation for a smooth build. From working with a builder and architect to exploring design options, this stage sets the tone for your entire renovation. At Rise Residential, we believe careful planning is the key to a stress-free, successful project.
Phase 1: Meet with a Builder
The first practical step is meeting with a builder to talk through your ideas. This conversation will give you a clear picture of costs and whether your renovation is ready to move forward now or whether it needs a little more fine-tuning.
After your initial meeting, the builder should provide you with a detailed quote. From there, you can decide whether to:
- Take more time to refine your ideas, or
- Move ahead with contracts, architects, and timelines.
Either choice is perfectly okay. A good builder understands the commitment you’re making and wants you to feel 100% comfortable before proceeding.
If you’re ready, the next step often includes:
- Signing a contract
- Engaging with an architect (if required)
- Applying for consents (if required)
- Confirming project timelines
Phase 2: Architects & Drawings
If your renovation involves changes to layouts, structural work, extensions, or custom features, drawings are essential. They serve as the blueprint of your project, giving clarity to both you and your builder.
An architect will ask questions such as:
- What changes do you want to make, and why?
- What purpose should the renovation serve: more space for family, better entertaining areas, modernising your home?
- What is your budget?
And thanks to the preparation you did in Stage 1, you’ll already have these answers at hand. From there, they’ll create drawings or renderings that bring your vision to life and help determine whether consents are required. Most architects will also manage the consent process on your behalf.
At Rise Residential, we work closely with trusted architects we know deliver excellent results. We can connect you directly if your project requires architect services.
Phase 3: Designing Your Space
This is where the project becomes personal and fun. Designing your space means choosing the features that make a house feel like home. From the kitchen layout and cabinetry, to tiles, flooring, paint colours, and finishes, these details shape the personality of your renovation. Our advice? Start early. You don’t have to finalise every detail before the build begins, however, exploring colours, textures, and finishes in advance makes the process smoother and less stressful later on.
At Rise Residential, we can recommend trusted interior designers and specialist contractors to guide you through these decisions. The goal is to make sure your home reflects your style, while maintaining functionality and quality.
The Value of Good Planning
Stage 2 is when your ideas begin to take shape and while it’s exciting, it also comes with many decisions. That’s where our project management expertise makes a difference. From the first meeting through to the final reveal, Ben (Rise Residential’s owner) is there every step of the way. With over 16 years of experience in the construction industry, Ben ensures your project is managed with care.
At Rise Residential, we treat your home as if it were our own. If you have any questions about your future build, get in touch today: ben@riseresidential.co.nz