Our process

We start with a site assessment so you know early what is involved. If it makes sense, we handle consent, design, and construction, and manage the job from start to finish.

What a compliant conversion actually means

A compliant garage conversion meets the Building Code for habitability, insulation, fire safety, and access. That usually means proper insulation, ventilation, moisture management, and (where needed) fire-rated construction. We assess your garage and handle all compliance and building so the conversion is fit for purpose.

Who this is for

Homeowners and investors who want clarity on the process before committing. We explain each step so you know what to expect and can decide if our approach is right for you.

Who this is not for

If you want the fastest or cheapest option, or want to avoid consent, we are probably not the right fit. We build habitable, compliant spaces that meet the Building Code. Where conversion is not the right move, we will tell you.

Step 1: Site assessment

We start on site to understand your garage, intended use, and property context. We clarify:

• Whether your garage is suitable for conversion
• Consent requirements and pathways
• What drives scope and programme for your situation
• Timeline expectations (typically subject to consent)
• Whether conversion is the right option for your situation

If conversion is not the right move (for example structural issues, consent complexity, or benefit versus scope), we will tell you. We build habitable, compliant spaces, not shortcuts.

Step 2: Consent and compliance

If conversion makes sense, we handle consent and compliance work:

• Confirming consent requirements with your council
• Preparing consent applications (plans, specifications, engineering reports where needed)
• Liaising with council during processing
• Addressing council queries or conditions

We do not guarantee consent approval, but we handle compliance work and prepare complete applications.

Step 3: Design and specifications

We design for Building Code compliance and your intended use:

• Structural adequacy (floor, walls, roof)
• Insulation (walls, ceiling, floor) to meet code requirements
• Fire safety (separation, means of escape where required)
• Moisture and ventilation (cladding, underfloor, roof space)
• Access and egress

We produce detailed plans and specifications intended to meet consent conditions and Building Code requirements, then carry them through construction and handover.

Step 4: Building and project management

We run construction and manage the entire project:

• Construction work (structural, insulation, fire safety, finishes)
• Project management from start to finish
• Council inspections and compliance
• Quality control so work meets consent conditions and Building Code requirements

We manage the build so the finished space meets consent and is compliant. You are not left coordinating trades or running day-to-day site logistics yourself.

What we do not do

We do not do cosmetic-only upgrades that ignore the Building Code. We do not guarantee that every garage can or should be converted.

Timeline expectations

Typical timelines:

• Site assessment: typically 1–2 weeks from first contact to written notes
• Design and consent preparation: often 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity
• Building consent: commonly 4–8 weeks, varies by council and application completeness
• Construction: often 4–12 weeks, depends on scope, weather, and programme

These are ranges, not guarantees. Every property is different; we give realistic timelines based on your situation.

What the full service includes

Our full service covers:

• Site assessment
• Compliance and consent work
• Design and specifications
• Construction and finishing work
• Project management from start to finish

Scope varies by property. For how cost usually breaks down, see our garage conversion cost page.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get started?

Start with a site assessment. We assess your garage on-site, clarify consent risk, and whether conversion is the right option. If it makes sense, we handle compliance, building, and project management from start to finish.

What happens in a site assessment?

We visit your property, assess your garage, discuss your intended use, and clarify consent requirements and timeline expectations. You get written notes so you can decide with clarity.

Do you guarantee consent approval?

No. We handle compliance work and prepare complete applications, but approval is at the council's discretion. We advise on consent risk before you commit.

Do you manage construction?

Yes. We manage construction and the programme from consent through completion. You do not need to hire a separate main contractor or run day-to-day site coordination yourself.

What if my garage is not suitable for conversion?

We assess honestly. If conversion is not the right move, we will tell you in the assessment. We build habitable, compliant spaces, not shortcuts.

How long does the whole process take?

Typical ranges: assessment 1–2 weeks, design and consent prep 2–4 weeks, building consent 4–8 weeks, construction 4–12 weeks. Every property is different.

Related guides

• Garage conversions Canterbury, our main service area
• Garage conversions Christchurch, serving Christchurch
• Garage conversion cost, what drives scope and programme
• Garage conversion consent, consent requirements
• Garage conversion building code, code requirements
• Contact, request a site assessment