Planning your Renovation in 2026
At THS, we know that renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make—financially, emotionally, and practically. Whether you're upgrading a kitchen, opening up your living space, or transforming your entire home, planning well and partnering with the right team is the key to a successful renovation in 2026.
Here’s our THS guide to help you begin confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
1. Start With a Clear Vision
Before beginning any renovation, the most important step is developing a clear vision of what you want your home to become. At Total Home Solutions, we help you identify what isn’t working in your current layout, what lifestyle changes your home needs to support, and which features matter most to you.
In 2026, many Hawke’s Bay homeowners are prioritising improved flow, multi‑purpose living areas, smarter storage, and brighter, more open spaces. Taking time to define your goals ensures the entire project moves forward with purpose and confidence.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is one of the most critical parts of planning a renovation, especially in today’s building environment. While construction costs have stabilised since the volatile early 2020s, materials and labour are still higher than in previous years, making accurate budgeting essential. Your renovation budget should include materials, labour, design fees, council consent costs, temporary accommodation if needed, and a 10–20% contingency for the unexpected.
THS provides clear, transparent costing and detailed scopes so you always understand where your investment is going.
3. Understand Consent Requirements
Many renovations require building or resource consent depending on the scope of work, particularly if structural changes, plumbing relocations, or layout modifications are involved. Navigating New Zealand’s consent process can be time‑consuming and complex, which is why THS manages this on your behalf.
We work with designers, engineers, and council to secure all necessary approvals, ensuring your project remains compliant and progresses without unnecessary delays.
4. Choose the Right Team
Selecting the right renovation team has the biggest impact on your overall experience and final result. A skilled, organised, and trustworthy builder will keep your project on time, on budget, and stress‑free.
THS is known throughout Hawke’s Bay for our Licensed Building Practitioners, strong communication, clean job sites, and full project management approach. We take pride in delivering quality craftsmanship and a renovation experience that feels guided and supported from start to finish.
5. Prioritise Sustainability
Sustainable renovation choices are increasingly important in 2026 as homeowners look to create healthier, more efficient homes. Upgrades such as improved insulation, high‑performance heat pumps, LED lighting, low‑VOC materials, double glazing, and passive heating improvements help reduce long-term running costs while increasing comfort.
THS can help you choose the most cost‑effective and beneficial sustainable solutions for your home.
6. Prepare for Life During the Renovation
Even a well-managed renovation brings some level of disruption, so planning ahead is essential. You may experience temporary loss of key areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, increased noise, dust, and regular tradespeople on-site during the day.
THS supports you through this by providing clear timelines, realistic expectations, and open communication so you always know what to expect and how to prepare your household for each stage of the renovation.
Ready to Start Your 2026 Renovation?
Let’s Build Something Exceptional Together
At Total Home Solutions, we make renovations smooth, transparent, and tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you're updating a single room or transforming your entire home, our team of Licensed Building Practitioners, project managers, and trusted local trades are here to guide you from concept to completion.
👉 Book your free site visit
👉 Request a detailed quote
👉 Ask us anything about your renovation plans
Let’s bring your vision to life — with quality, clarity, and craftsmanship you can rely on.
Contact THS today and take the first step toward your dream home.