Know what happens in what order — timelines, trade sequencing, consents, and budget stages for common NZ renovations.
Start with the guide that matches your project — each one covers the full timeline, who you need, when to book them, and what can go wrong at each stage.
The master guide — who goes first, who goes last, and why the sequence matters. Electrician before GIBber, plumber before tiler, and more.
Essential readingWeek-by-week timeline for a full bathroom reno — demo, waterproofing, plumbing rough-in, tiling, fixtures. What to decide before you start.
4–8 week projectJoinery lead times, electrical upgrades, plumbing changes, and sequencing the fit-out. Why a kitchen reno takes longer than you think.
6–12 week projectFrom idea to Code Compliance Certificate — consent, design, engineer, builder, and all the stages in between. Allow 12–18 months.
12–18 month projectWhatever your project, the stages below apply in roughly this order. The big mistakes happen when homeowners try to skip stages or book trades before the stage before them is complete.
Before you plan what you want to do, check what you can legally do yourself. NZ has clear rules about what homeowners can self-perform.
EWRB rules on what NZ homeowners can legally do — and what is restricted to licensed electricians.
DIY limitsPGDB limits — tap washers are fine, new connections are not. Full breakdown for homeowners.
DIY limitsSchedule 1 exemptions — what you can build without a building consent in NZ.
DIY limitsOwner-builder rules — what you can self-perform, what needs an LBP, and the finance implications.
DIY limitsEstimate your project budget before speaking to a builder or getting quotes.
CalculatorCompare your tradie quote against NZ benchmarks — spot overcharging before you sign.
Quote checkerFree NZ tradie contract templates — quote acceptance, variation orders, payment schedules.
TemplatesGet quotes from licensed tradespeople in your area — free, no commitment.
Find tradiesPost your job free and get quotes from verified tradespeople near you.