Katy RosserWhen my friend decided to transform her dingy basement into a stylish, functional space for her growing family, she was filled with excitement and high hopes.
Unfortunately, from the poor-quality materials to the lacklustre craftsmanship, every step seemed to go wrong. Before she knew it, that simple basement project became a never-ending series of costly and time-consuming fixes.
Her ordeal made me realise how crucial it is to select the right professionals for a basement remodel. That’s why when my cousin needed to renovate her basement, I made it a personal mission to help her find the best renovators in the city.
With help from the rest of the Auckland Magazine team, we spoke to various basement renovators and countless homeowners. And now, after pooling our resources and efforts, we bring you the ultimate list of the top basement renovators in Auckland.
| How much does it cost to do a basement renovation in Auckland? A basic basement renovation in Auckland costs at least 250,000 NZD. This price is just an estimate and the final cost will vary depending on the structural reinforcement, utilities, and more. |
How We Chose
1. Yourtradie – Renovation specialists
Address: 195 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 800968787
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Almost everyone we spoke to raved about Yourtradie’s free one-hour consultation. Several homeowners mentioned Yourtradie didn’t rush them, but spent the full hour going through their design inspirations, and whether it was feasible or not.
Many clients shared how the in-house design team transformed their dull basements into inviting family rooms. People loved how they balanced their budgets while sticking to the Instagrammable aesthetics they picked out.
A lot of the customers we talked to also gave a shout-out to the staff for being friendly and courteous.
We also really appreciated that the company personally interviewed and police-checked all the renovators, which definitely adds a layer of security when you’re letting people into your home. They hold liability insurance, too.
That being said, some people said there were a couple of days where the workers showed up late.
Pros
- Free one-hour consultation
- In-house design team
- Friendly staff
- Renovators are police-checked
- Holds liability insurance
Cons
- Workers sometimes show up late
Quick to respond and easy to communicate with
“I contacted Lachie after our property was damaged by a landslip in January. He was quick to respond and easy to communicate with. He project managed all tradies that were needed to complete the job in a timely and cost effective manner. Benny and Richard did a great job and were really nice guys to have working on the job. I highly recommend Lachie and his team at Your Tradie, they are all a pleasure to deal with. Thanks guys.”
–Sherrie Edwards, Google Reviews
They smashed it out of the park
“What started out as a dream idea, Lachie and the team turned into reality. From start to finish every step was delivered with precision and great quality. We gave them some pretty tight deadlines and they smashed it out of the park. Great communication from the onset and throughout.
Could not have imagined the results that they achieved. Was well beyond our expectations and will definitely use them again. Thanks team!!”
–Stacey Archer, Google Reviews
2. Style Plus Renovations
Address: 1/11 Arrenway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 800789537
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM
Everyone seems to rave about Style Plus Renovations’ detailed project management. They have a comprehensive approach that many people love.
Style Plus has a thorough and meticulous four-step process model. They provide free architect feasibility reports, helping clients visualise their ideas and see what is actually feasible.
After that, they’ll help you develop a solid concept plan and design plans before starting the actual building work.
During the building process, many of their clients liked that the team was always available to answer random questions and didn’t mind walking them through the tiny details.
For many, their basements were turned into a beautiful, functional space. Others also bragged that they met the code of compliance flawlessly.
That being said, several client did have some comments about the lack of post cleanup.
Pros
- Detailed project management
- Comprehensive 4-step process
- Free architect’s feasibility reports
- Responsive team
- Code compliance adherence
Cons
- Lack of post-cleanup
They took away all the hassle and worry
“Jan and his team have been fantastic to work with. From the start of the renovation, the process was explained to us in detail. All aspects of the project were covered in a professional way from engaging with the architect and getting the drawings to council, council consent, contractors, all the necessary council inspections and help with our interior design ideas. They took away all the hassle and worry! I would recommend Style Plus to anyone looking to get a professional renovation job completed.”
–Jade T, Google Reviews
We had full confidence in their skills
“Jan Antoni and the team at Style Plus Renovations have been fantastic to work with. We had full confidence in their skills to quickly and accurately get a firm understanding of our home renovation. If you are thinking about undertaking a home, kitchen or bathroom renovation give Style Plus a call.”
–Hannah G, Google Reviews
3. Refresh Renovations – Saleem Bhikoo
Address: 300 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Contact Details: 0800 003 847
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
If you’re considering a basement makeover and want a team that knows what they’re doing, Saleem Bhikoo of Refresh Renovations could be a great fit.
Homeowners mentioned that Saleem took the time to walk them through every step. His personalised approach made people feel valued and understood.
Thanks to Saleem’s ideas, several were able to turn their basements into lovely family entertainment areas. He brought in creative ideas like built-in shelves and a mini-bar area and kept the family’s comfort in mind, right down to the carpet choices.
Others who turned their basements into home offices were impressed with how Saleem’s team managed the lighting and soundproofing. They also noted that the team always made sure they knew what was going on. It wasn’t radio silence.
While Saleem’s team is thorough, which is not a bad thing, it did mean timelines were a bit unpredictable at times. Some people wished the project had stuck to the original schedule a bit more closely.
Pros
- Personalised approach
- Creative ideas
- Considers even the smallest details
- Good communication
Cons
- Unpredictable timelines
Communication was constant and always clear
“We had an excellent experience with Saleem and his team. Communication was constant and always clear, Saleem’s attention to detail is outstanding. All the contractors took pride in the quality of their work, and all involved in the project were respectful of us and our needs as we lived around the renovation project. We are very happy with the beautiful extension and the magnificent quality of the design and work.”
–Christina Baird, Google Reviews
Has a very high standard and delivered on his promises
“Saleem was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Has a very high standard and delivered on his promisies. Gave good advice and has a good common sense approach. Would definitely work with him again. Very good project management.”
–Graham Fabian, Google Reviews
4. Smith & Sons
Address: 13C Balmain Road, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 800764846
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Smith & Sons has a clear three-step process: design-plan-construct. For many, this simple process helped them feel less overwhelmed.
Clients simply shared their vision, and Smith & Sons took it from there. From what we’ve been told, every initial consult is aimed at making clients’ ideas come to life without pushing them over budget.
Others also appreciated how Smith & Sons broke everything down in layman’s terms. No hidden costs, just an honest conversation about what to expect.
When it came to the renovators, several mentioned how the crew felt more like friends after a few days. They were professional yet down-to-earth, and they actually listened to design input, which made a world of difference in shaping the final outcome.
However, we did hear some complaints about scheduling. Some had to push back their plans due to Smith & Sons tight schedule.
Pros
- Clear three-step process
- Honest communication
- No hidden costs
- Friendly renovation crew
Cons
- Scheduling issues
Made the process as simple as possible
“Richard and his team have just finished recladding and remodeling the upper level of our 2 story house and we couldn’t be happier with the results. From council plans submission through to completion Richard made the process as simple as possible, was easy to deal with and was always happy to accommodate our last minute adjustments and additions. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Smith & Sons and we will be using them again in the future when we do the ground floor.”
–Craig Williams, Google Reviews
Dealt with issues well
“Many thanks to you guys. You did a great job exactly when you said you would and to a high standard. And you dealt with issues well. I really appreciate it. I’m recommending you to my friends.”
–Rebecca McGinley, Google Reviews
5. Group Complete Renovation
Address: Level 2, 2/8 Manukau Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 800550550
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM
Group Complete Renovation is the go-to for many when it comes to basement conversions.
Almost everyone we spoke to mentioned that the team was on point with a free site audit from the get-go, which helped them get their bearings without any upfront costs.
What sets them apart is their approach to initial planning. The team takes the time to discuss your vision in detail and even provides architectural and interior design services.
Many people also mentioned that having someone manage the entire project made their lives so much easier. They didn’t have to juggle different contractors or suppliers because Group Complete Renovation took care of everything.
Additionally, nearly all customers reported that their basement renovations were completed on schedule.
However, a few people did mention small issues with the cleanup work after the actual renovation. Some expressed that they had to clean up leftover debris themselves.
Pros
- Free site audit
- Easy initial planning
- Comprehensive project management
- Timely completion
Cons
- Minor cleanup issues
Keeps us informed about what is happening
“We highly recommend Cyrus and the Team from Group Complete Renovation who are renovating our two bathrooms. Cyrus keeps us informed about what is happening and regularly visits to check on progress. What we especially like about Cyrus is that he has an eye for colour and style and made recommendations as to our fittings and where they will be placed, so you do not need an interior decorator. We are very happy with our bathrooms – they have a posh hotel look.”
–Diane Gordon, Google Reviews
Good communication throughout the work
“The team here are so professional and at great at making your ideas a reality. Good communication throughout the work and very efficient. Everything flowed well between the different Trades man on site and Cyrus visited regularly to overview the work and update me on the next steps. Can’t recommend them enough.”
–Trish Howell – Green, Google Reviews
