Extending your home is a big decision. It’s not just about adding a few extra metres, it’s about making your home work better for you. Whether you need more space for a growing family, want a bigger kitchen for entertaining, or you’ve been dreaming about a sunny living area to relax in, a well-planned extension can make a huge difference.
At Elite Built, we’ve been building in Christchurch and Canterbury for over 20 years. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how the right expansion can change the way you live. Our goal is simple: build something that feels like it’s always been part of your home, but makes life better from the day you move in.
So, What Is a Home Extension?
Put simply, it’s adding more living space by building onto your existing home. It might be a new bedroom, a bigger kitchen, or even a second storey.
Some common extensions we’ve done for Christchurch homeowners include:
- Adding a couple of extra bedrooms for a growing family
- Knocking out the back wall to create a bigger kitchen and dining area
- Adding a sunny lounge that opens out to the garden
- Building a dream home office or studio for remote work
It’s not the same as a renovation. Renovations improve what you’ve got, expansions give you more.
Why You Should Go Certified
We’ve fixed too many “cheap” extensions that weren’t done properly the first time. A certified expansion means it’s been built to New Zealand’s standards, inspected, and signed off by the council.
Why it matters:
- You know it’s safe and legal
- It won’t cause issues if you sell
- Your insurance company will cover it
- It’s built to last through Canterbury’s wet winters and hot summers
Going uncertified might save a few dollars upfront, but it’s almost always more expensive in the long run.
Our Process is Simple and Straightforward
We’ve worked hard to make our process as easy as possible for homeowners.
1. We Have a Chat
Over a coffee (or at your kitchen table), we talk through what you want, what’s possible, and how to make it happen within your budget.
2. We Plan and Get the Paperwork Sorted
We work on designs that match your vision and meet all local building rules. We deal with the council consents, so you don’t have to.
3. We Get Building
Our builders are hands-on and detail-focused. We don’t cut corners, and we make sure the extension looks like it’s always been part of your home, not stuck on as an afterthought.
4. We Keep You Updated
We stick to timelines and let you know what’s happening every step of the way.
5. We Finish and Certify
Once everything’s done, we get it inspected and certified, so you’ve got the paperwork to prove it’s compliant.
Local Tip: Matching Old and New
A lot of Christchurch homes have their unique style villas, bungalows, 80s brick builds, and nothing looks worse than an extension that doesn’t match.
We always take time to line up roof pitches, use similar cladding, and match colours so the old and new blend seamlessly. Done well, most visitors won’t even notice where the original home ends and the extension begins.
How Much Does a Home Extension Cost in NZ?
Prices vary, but here’s a rough guide based on what we’ve built:
- Smaller extensions (one room or a small living area): around $60k–$90k
- Medium extensions (kitchen + dining or 2–3 rooms): $90k–$150k
- Large-scale extensions (two-storey or luxury finishes): $150k+
We’ll always give you a clear breakdown of costs before we start, so you know where every dollar is going.
How Long Do Home Extensions Last?
If it’s built right and looked after, your extension should last as long as the rest of your home, easily 50 years or more. Good materials, solid workmanship, and regular maintenance make all the difference.
A Project Management We’re Proud Of
We recently worked on a bungalow in Merivale. The owners wanted a bigger, brighter living space that opened onto their garden. We designed an extension with large sliding doors, a modern kitchen, and an open-plan layout that flows naturally into the backyard.
It passed certification the first time, came in on budget, and the family says they spend nearly all their time in the new living space. That’s the kind of feedback we love.
Why Christchurch Homeowners Choose Elite Built
- We’ve got local knowledge and understand Canterbury’s conditions
- We’ve managed over $47 million worth of building projects
- Our workmanship is consistently high-quality
- We make the process seamless and stress-free
- We listen — and we build to suit your lifestyle
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about a new home extension or renovation project, a builder in Christchurch, we’d love to talk. We’ll help you bring your vision to life with quality workmanship, craftsmanship, clear timelines, and a finished result you’ll be proud of.
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