The Deep End

With Auckland property prices holding at historic highs, the "buy versus build" debate has shifted. Instead of navigating the stress of a move, more homeowners are looking at their own backyards. But is a $150,000 budget enough for a modern extension? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Jan, Lead Project Manager at Style Plus Renovations , to navigate the complexities of growing your home’s foot...

Join Sarah and Jan from Style Plus Renovations in The Deep End: Transforming Auckland Homes , a short podcast dedicated to navigating the complexities of the Auckland property market. In this episode, we dive into the Renovation Design Brief —the "North Star" that bridges your Pinterest dreams with buildable reality. From surviving the "Liveability Test" to understanding technical hurdles like Auc...

Join Sarah the host, and Jan, a lead project manager from Style Plus Renovations, as they break down Auckland’s 2026 "Backyard Revolution". This episode explores the new laws for 70m² standalone dwellings, covering technical rules like the "2m buffer box," independent utilities, and the mandatoryProject Information Memorandum (PIM). Get a "budget realism" check on modern construction costs and lea...

Is your garage just an expensive storage unit for clutter? In Episode 03, Sarah and Jan (Lead Project Manager at Style Plus) break down how to turn that underutilised square footage into a high-end bedroom, studio, or home office. We cut through the noise of the 2026 building rule changes to explain why a garage conversion is different from a standalone build. From the "2.4m Ceiling Rule" to the c...