http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz en-us Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:20:48 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/165604/what-does-a-renovation-actually-cost-in-auckland-right-now/ A homeowner showed me a set of concept plans recently. Good architect, considered design. A renovation roughly halfway between a tidy refresh and a full reconfiguration.The first question was about the budget. They'd read somewhere that NZ renovations were running around $2,000 to $4,000 a square metre and had done the maths on their floor area. The figure they arrived at was about 40 percent short of what the project was going to cost.This is the most common conversation we have. Auckland renov... Fri, 29 May 2026 22:28:16 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post165604 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/163880/woodsmiths-timber-craftsmanship-shines-in-award-winning-city-home/ There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from knowing exactly where your work sits in a finished building. Not described in a brochure or referenced on a plan but in the framing of the photographs - and the judges’ citation.Woodsmith was the specialist timber contractor on the project named City Home of the Year 2026 by Home of Architecture.The home, designed by Daniel Marshall Architects and built on a tight, four-storey site in Kohimarama, is an architectural exercise in materi... Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:42:04 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post163880 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/163182/when-should-you-involve-a-builder-in-your-renovation/ Most homeowners assume a builder becomes relevant once construction begins. Once the drawings are done, the consent is lodged, the architect has finished their work. That's when you call the builder.In practice, that's too late.Some of the most important decisions in any renovation happen before construction begins, and a builder's perspective is most useful precisely at that stage.Here's what changes when the conversation happens earlier.... Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:59:07 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post163182 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/156515/new-home-warranty-rules-in-nz-what-auckland-homeowners-need-to-know/ All new residential builds up to three storeys, and renovations over $100,000, will soon require a one-year defects cover and a 10-year structural warranty.For anyone planning a high-end architectural build or significant renovation in Auckland, these reforms provide welcome clarity. At Woodsmith Building Co., we’ve always built to this standard so we want to help you understand what’s changing and why it matters.... Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:19:51 +1300 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post156515 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/152509/woodsmith-named-finalist-at-protrade-united-gala-awards/ Woodsmith Building Co. was recently recognised at the Protrade United Gala Awards in Brisbane, named as a finalist for the coveted Service Award.This award celebrates businesses across New Zealand and Australia that set the benchmark for service excellence, delivering value, building trust, and going the extra mile for their clients.Woodsmith was recognised alongside some of the region’s most outstanding trade businesses, making this nomination a true testament to the care and commitment we br... Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:37:24 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post152509 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/149519/thinking-about-renovating-or-building-in-auckland-heres-how-long-it-really-takes--and-5-things-to-consider-first/ If you’re planning a major renovation or new build in Auckland, you’re probably wondering:“How long will it take?”At Woodsmith Building Co., we specialise in architecturally designed homes and character renovations, and while no two projects are the same, the overall timeline typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity.But time isn’t the only factor you should consider before getting started. Auckland’s building landscape is full of red tape, heritage protection... Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:56:19 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post149519 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/146689/sustainability-in-action-woodsmiths-passive-house-advantage/ At Woodsmith Building Co., we believe great building goes hand in hand with responsibility to our clients, our team, and the environment. Our director, Mike Smith, is now a Certified Passive House Tradesperson. It’s an internationally recognised qualification held by just 65 people in New Zealand and represents a serious commitment to sustainable, high-performance building.... Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:08:41 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post146689 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/146334/in-conversation-with-business-north-keeping-clients-in-the-loop/ Mike recently spoke with Business North about the foundations that have built Woodsmith’s reputation; from the importance of trust and hands-on service to the team’s focus on delivering high-end homes with care and precision. Big thanks to Business North for the feature and to Fletcher Plumbing, Resolution Roofing and Blake Steel for the solid support (on and off the tools).Click on the image below to read the story by Hugh de Lacy.... Wed, 28 May 2025 11:59:15 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post146334 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/145184/better-builder-podcast-the-reality-of-running-a-building-business-in-auckland/ Our owner Mike Smith joins Brad Visser on his popular podcast to share his insights on navigating the challenges of the building industry and more. He also discusses the experience of having doubts while pursuing your goals but the importance of persevering.They delve into the philosophy of fairly 'laying the cost' for your team, the value of cultivating long-lasting relationships with clients, and the strategic approach of hiring individuals to complement and address your weaknesses.W... Mon, 12 May 2025 16:02:10 +1200 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post145184 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/post/138492/in-conversation-with-archipro-understanding-historical-renovations/ We had the opportunity to speak to Archipro about navigating historic renovations. In thie article, we explore the ins and outs of working with heritage homes, common obstacles and how the right team plays an incredibly crucial role in a project's success.Heritage restorations stand as an archetypal style of Auckland City architecture.Blending historic charm with modern construction, the art behind this preservation requires a careful balance of skill and an appreciation for the vintage—this i... Fri, 29 Nov 2024 12:10:12 +1300 http://www.woodsmithbuilding.co.nz/blog/#post138492