OrkneyGroup

03/09/2026

Been thinking about renovating, but wondering how you’d fund it?

You may have noticed ANZ advertising its Reno Loan recently, offering eligible existing home loan customers a way to borrow for renovations and home improvements.

And they’re not the only option. Depending on your circumstances, your bank or mortgage adviser may be able to talk you through different ways of financing a renovation.

If renovating has been sitting on your “one day” list, it could be worth finding out what’s actually possible.

Our advice? Start by understanding what you can comfortably afford, then talk to your builder early. Having a realistic idea of what your renovation is likely to cost can help you make better decisions about the scope of the project before plans get too far down the track.

Whether it’s a new kitchen or bathroom, an extension, or a larger whole-home renovation, good planning at the beginning can make a big difference.

Thinking about renovating your Wellington home? Get in touch with the Orkney team to talk through your ideas.

30/08/2026

Renovating your home?

One of the first questions we hear is, "How long is this going to take?"

The answer depends on the project, but one thing is certain: good planning and clear communication can make all the difference.

In our latest blog, we cover:
- Typical renovation timelines
- What can cause delays
- Why ordering your own materials can affect the schedule
- Simple ways homeowners can help keep their renovation on track

If you're thinking about renovating, this guide is well worth a read before you get started.

Read the full blog here: https://www.orkney.co.nz/post/how-long-does-a-home-renovation-take-a-new-zealand-homeowner-s-guide

27/08/2026

Before you start planning a minor dwelling, it's worth asking one simple question:

**Will your property actually suit it?**

The recent rule changes have made it easier for some homeowners to build a standalone dwelling, but every site is different.

Before you get too far into plans, it's worth checking things like:

✔ Is there enough space?
✔ Can you connect to water, wastewater and power?
✔ Is the site easy to build on?
✔ Are there any planning rules or site restrictions that still apply?

We've put together a practical checklist to help Wellington homeowners understand what to look at before committing to a project.

A little planning upfront can save a lot of time, cost, and frustration later.

Read the full guide here:
🔗 https://www.orkney.co.nz/post/minor-dwelling-checklist-wellington

Thinking about adding a granny flat, sleepout, or minor dwelling to your property? Use this practical Wellington homeowner checklist to find out whether your site is suitable before you start planning or building.

24/08/2026

What makes a good renovation?

A beautiful finished home is only part of the story.

In our experience, a successful renovation starts long before the first hammer swings.

It's about listening carefully to what matters most to the homeowner.

Planning thoroughly before work begins.

Communicating openly throughout the project.

Helping clients navigate decisions as they arise.

And taking pride in the quality of every detail, right through to completion.

Renovations can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming at times. Having a team that keeps you informed and works alongside you throughout the journey can make all the difference.

One of our clients summed it up perfectly:

"They were available to talk me through it all and helped me make decisions I was comfortable with."

That's exactly the kind of renovation experience we strive to deliver on every project.

20/08/2026

Same home. Very different way of living in it.

This full home renovation is a great example of what can happen when you look beyond simply updating finishes and think about how a home could work better for the people living in it.

The kitchen has been completely transformed, spaces have been opened up and better connected, and the bathroom and laundry have had a serious rethink too (that's just a few areas of the house that were renovated!).

Swipe through the before and afters to see just how much has changed.

A great project for the Orkney team, and one we're pretty proud to look back on.

17/08/2026

Have you outgrown your home... or just the way it works?

When people start feeling frustrated with their home, they often assume it's time to move.

But in many cases, the problem isn't the amount of space. It's how that space is being used.

Here are five signs your home might be ready for a renovation:

- Your family has grown, but your home hasn't.
- Rooms feel disconnected or don't flow well.
- You're constantly waiting for the bathroom.
- The kitchen no longer works for the way you live.
- Storage seems to disappear no matter how much you declutter.

We've worked with many Wellington homeowners who thought moving was their only option. By rethinking the layout and making better use of the space they already had, they were able to stay in the neighbourhood they loved while creating a home that worked for the next stage of life.

Sometimes the best move... is not moving at all.

13/08/2026

If you've heard about New Zealand's proposed building law changes but aren't quite sure what they mean for your next project, you're not alone.

From building consents to consumer protections and potential changes to the way projects are approved, there's been a lot of discussion recently.

We've broken it all down into plain English so you can understand what the proposed changes could mean if you're planning a renovation, extension or new build.

While the reforms are still making their way through Parliament, it's always worth staying informed, especially before starting a building project.

Read our latest blog here: https://www.orkney.co.nz/post/latest-nz-building-law-changes

Have questions about your own project? We'd be happy to help.

09/08/2026

Meet the Team | Shaun

When Shaun joined Orkney as a painter and plasterer in our Maintenance team, it quickly became clear that he brought more than just experience to the role.

With over 18 years in the painting industry, Shaun's strong work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to support the team saw him step into the role of Painting Supervisor within just a year.

Today, he leads our Painting team while continuing to deliver the high standard of workmanship our clients know us for. Whether he's on the tools or helping the team tackle the next project, Shaun is someone we're proud to have representing Orkney every day.

Thanks for everything you do, Shaun. We're lucky to have you on the team!

06/08/2026

Water damage can be stressful, especially when it's inside your home.

We recently replaced Lea's kitchen ceiling after it had been damaged by a leak, and we're so pleased she was happy with both the process and the finished result.

Thank you, Lea, for trusting our team and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review.

If you have damage that needs repairing or a maintenance project you've been putting off, we're here to help.

03/08/2026

Over the past 20 years, Orkney has grown alongside the people and communities we work with.

What started as a residential construction company has evolved into a team that now supports homeowners, businesses, landlords, and property managers across Wellington with a range of services, including renovations, painting & decorating, and property maintenance.

While the services we offer have expanded, the way we work hasn't changed.

We believe in doing things properly, communicating openly, and building relationships that last well beyond the end of a project. Many of our clients come back to us years later, whether it's for another renovation, repainting their home, or ongoing maintenance.

For us, it's never just about completing a job. It's about looking after people and helping them get the best from their property.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted us over the past 20 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the Wellington community for many years to come.