• 30 years in the industry
  • Site Safe accredited
  • Free site visits and quotes

New builds and renovations all around Auckland

Basement conversions

The Extra Level You Already Own

Many Auckland villas and bungalows have a dead space underneath. We convert it into a bedroom, office, second living room or guest suite. No extra land. No new footprint.

Front of the renovated Remuera bungalow with the Straightline Builders ute in the drive
  • 30 years in the industryBryson Rangi, director
  • Site Safe accredited
  • Licensed Building Practitioners
  • Free site visits and quotes

Look down first

Why look down before you build out

A basement conversion adds liveable area without eating into your garden or changing the street view. On a sloping Auckland section, the space may already be there.

What it needs is a builder who checks height, moisture, drainage and structure before pricing it. That is where every one of our basement jobs starts.

New framing going in under a 100-year-old Remuera bungalow during renovation and basement conversion

Scope

What we assess and build

  • Ceiling height, floor level and access
  • Moisture, drainage and waterproofing
  • Structural checks, with any changes designed by your engineer
  • Insulation, lining and ventilation
  • Windows and light, including excavation for light wells
  • Electrical, plumbing and heating
  • Stairs and the connection to the upper level
  • Bathrooms, kitchenettes or laundry additions

Proof

Seaview Road, Remuera

See the full Seaview Road project

A 100-year-old bungalow with an extensive renovation and a basement conversion. We rebuilt the hallway, living spaces and kitchen, then refurbished the pool and rebuilt the garden. The result is a house that uses every level.

Process

How a basement conversion runs with us

  1. Step 01

    Site visit

    A free assessment. Bryson checks the space and tells you what's possible.

  2. Step 02

    Concept plan

    We work through the design with your designer or architect.

  3. Step 03

    Costing

    A detailed quote and scope of works.

  4. Step 04

    Contract

    A written contract with stages, milestones and timelines.

  5. Step 05

    Consents

    We prepare and manage your building consent with Auckland Council.

  6. Step 06

    Build

    Quality checks at set stages, and updates as we go.

  7. Step 07

    Handover

    Final checks, code of compliance and our after-care.

See the full 9-step process

Budget and time

What it costs and how long it takes

What it costs

Cost depends on how much excavation is needed, the structural work, waterproofing and drainage, the services you want down there and the level of finish. A dry space with good height costs far less to convert than one that needs digging out. We assess the space first, then write an itemised quote.

How long it takes

Time depends on excavation, structure and the consent. Your quote includes a schedule of work with stages, milestones and dates, so you know what happens when.

FAQ

Basement conversion questions

Often, yes. It depends on ceiling height, moisture, drainage, structure and the consent rules for your site. Many villas and bungalows on sloping sections have usable space underneath. A free site visit tells you what is realistic for your house and what it will take.

Bryson Rangi, director of Straightline Builders

Find out what's under your house.

Call Bryson on 0800 752 000, or send us a few details and he will call you back within 24 hours.

0800 752 000

Request a free quote

Bryson will call you back within 24 hours.

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