Christchurch is a city in flux, whether it’s the aftermath of the 2010/2011 earthquake series, or the current boom in the property market, people in Canterbury have never been more enthusiastic about home renovations, extensions, and makeovers than they are now. Whatever your home renovation dreams may be, whether it’s an open-plan kitchen, spa-like bathroom, or complete home transformation, the most important decision you’ll make is choosing the best home renovation builder for you.
In this article, we’ll look at the best house renovation builders in Christchurch, what they specialize in, what people have to say about them, and how you can pick the best one for your home renovation project.
Why Renovation Quality Matters More in Christchurch
Christchurch homes have a history to them. Some were built during the mid-20th century and have a character and charm to them that needs to be preserved. Others have been partially repaired from earthquake damage and require builders who understand the subtle nuances of working on homes that have been affected by these events. And then there is the Canterbury weather: harsh frosts, nor’west winds, and the occasional risk of flooding out all these factors mean that any renovation work done on a home here requires skill, experience, and knowledge.
The cost of a poorly planned and executed renovation can greatly diminish your home’s value, lead to non-compliance issues, and cost a great deal more to put right than it might have initially cost to do it right the first time around.
Quick Comparison Table
| Builder | Best For | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Renovations | First-time renovators, full home renovations | End-to-end project management, single point of contact |
| Sinclair Builders | Award-winning craftsmanship, character homes | Kitchens, bathrooms, additions, outdoor spaces |
| Build Right | Design-and-build, post-earthquake repairs | Architectural renovations, in-house design & construction |
| Character Builders | Heritage & character homes | Earthquake repairs, additions, respectful restorations |
| L&B Building Solutions | Large-scale projects, transparent pricing | Residential renovations, new homes, multi-unit developments |
| DMC Projects | Complex multi-stage projects | Renovations, reclads, commercial fit-outs |
| Gareth Davis Builders | Personal service, North Canterbury & Christchurch | Open-plan conversions, extensions, decks |
| Evoke Bathrooms & Kitchens | Premium kitchen & bathroom upgrades | Bespoke high-end design, spa-style bathrooms |
| H+M Builders | Architectural home renovations | Design-build collaboration, high-craft finishes |
Top House Renovation Builders in Christchurch
1. Refresh Renovations Christchurch
Best for: Home renovations, stress-free project management, first-time renovators
Refresh Renovations is one of the most recognizable renovation companies in New Zealand, and their Christchurch office is no exception. Having multiple offices covering suburbs from Shirley to Cashmere, as well as Rolleston, their full-service renovation capabilities mean that you can go from the initial design brief right through to the end result with their assistance.
What makes Refresh Renovations stand out from the rest is their unique model that provides a one-on-one experience with a Renovation Consultant who will manage all aspects of the renovation process for you. This can be a huge stress-reliever for families who need renovations for the first time.
Their services include kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, house extensions, home makeovers, recladding, granny flats, as well as eco-friendly home improvements such as double glazing and insulation. They also have a network of local suppliers that can be relied upon, as well as a no-surprises budgeting system.
2. Sinclair Builders
Best for: Creative renovations, blending character with modernity, award-winning craftsmanship
With over 20 years of experience in Christchurch home renovations, Sinclair Builders have built a reputation for delivering high-quality workmanship on every project. They are also a Registered Master Builders firm, which speaks volumes for the quality of work they do. They have also won awards in the prestigious Master Builders House of the Year awards.
At Sinclair Builders, they take pride in being open and transparent with homeowners who want to renovate homes in Christchurch. They know that there are some instances when unexpected problems are discovered once the walls are torn down during renovations. However, they are open and transparent throughout the process to ensure homeowners are kept in the loop at all times.
Their experience in home renovations ranges from indoor and outdoor renovations to additions to homes in Christchurch. They also do maintenance work on homes. They are also open to homeowners who want to give their homes a fresh new look or revert to its original state. Sinclair Builders brings creative input to every project they do.
3. Build Right — The Home Renovation Specialists
Best for: Design-and-build projects, architectural renovations, post-earthquake repairs
Operating since 2004, Build Right is a full design-and-build firm based in Christchurch that serves the wider Canterbury region. They combine architectural design with hands-on construction, meaning you get a cohesive vision executed by a single team rather than passing your plans between separate architects and builders.
Build Right is particularly noted for their imaginative approach. They actively encourage clients to think beyond conventional solutions, and their in-house designers work closely with homeowners to develop renovation concepts that are personalised, practical, and beautiful. Their team is also experienced in earthquake repair work — a valuable specialisation in Christchurch where many homes still have unresolved structural issues from the 2010–2011 events.
Past projects include kitchen, living, and bathroom overhauls; open-plan conversions; and full-scale home transformations. Client feedback consistently highlights attention to detail and a smooth, well-managed process.
4. Character Builders
Best for: Renovations on heritage and character homes, adding value and space
As the name implies, Character Builders specialize in working with homes that possess character, such as older villas, bungalows, and character homes that need a sensitive approach to renovation. Having contributed to the rebuild of Christchurch after the earthquakes, which included the home check rebuild program, Character Builders now specialize mainly in renovations and additions.
Their approach is flexible to suit any size and scale of project, and their extensive portfolio includes many examples of completed renovations throughout Christchurch, including full transparency on costs, timeframes, and project scope. Hundreds of satisfied customers, many through word-of-mouth referrals, are a testament to their communication style and project management process.
If you’re a home owner in Christchurch who has an older home that you’d like to add some modern conveniences to without losing any original character, Character Builders are definitely worth considering.
5. L&B Building Solutions
Best for: Comprehensive residential renovations, transparent pricing, large-scale projects
L&B Building Solutions is among the top-rated builders in Christchurch, with a rating of 5.0/5 on Google Reviews. They are based in Christchurch Central City and operate seven days a week. They provide a variety of building services, including residential renovation, new home construction, and multi-unit developments.
Customers have praised L&B for their excellent communication, transparency, and professionalism, especially in the finishing stages of construction where most builders tend to compromise. They provide free initial consultations and itemized quotes with no hidden charges.
For large-scale renovation projects, where communication and finishing quality are of utmost importance, L&B Building Solutions is one of the best options in Christchurch.
6. DMC Projects
Best for: Residential renovations and reclads, project management, commercial fit-outs
DMC Projects is another highly recommended firm in the building scene in Christchurch, often named as one of the best builders in the city. They provide comprehensive project management services for residential renovation projects, reclads, new residential homes, and commercial renovation projects. This makes them a great option for homeowners who have complex projects that involve multiple stages.
Their systematic project management process ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, and their extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects ensures that they can provide innovative solutions to renovation projects that a residential builder may not be able to handle.
7. Gareth Davis Builders
Best for: North Canterbury and Christchurch renovations, smaller teams, personal service
Gareth Davis Builders prides themselves on a personal and hands-on service. With their base in North Canterbury and servicing all types of Christchurch suburbs from Avonhead and Merivale to New Brighton and Belfast, Gareth and his team are recognized for being hands-on themselves, rather than remotely managing the operation.
Testimonials from satisfied customers say it all. A registered architect with over 30 years of experience says of Gareth, “Gareth is a trustworthy and honest bloke who is a great communicator. I have used him for three jobs now, and the beauty of working with Gareth is that the job is done on time and to a high quality. Every time!” They specialize in full home renovations, kitchen and dining upgrades, open plan conversions, decks, and extensions.
8. Evoke Bathrooms & Kitchens
Best for: Premium kitchen and bathroom renovations, bespoke designs
If your project is specifically related to kitchen or bathroom renovations, then Evoke Bathrooms & Kitchens may be a good choice to consider. They are a specialist bathroom and kitchen remodeling business servicing Christchurch and Canterbury areas. They are known for providing bespoke high-end designs with precise project management.
Their customer reviews highlight their “outstanding attention to detail,” with one customer stating that her bathroom renovation felt “like walking into a boutique spa.” They are a premium business; therefore, if you are looking for an exceptional outcome and are willing to pay for it, then they may be a good choice.
9. H+M Builders
Best for: Architectural home renovations, collaborative design-build approach
H+M Builders are closely involved with architects to provide architectural homes and renovations with a high level of craftsmanship and care. Phil Redmond, a registered architect who has worked with H+M, said that they are “fantastic to work with” and that their care and attention to detail are greatly appreciated. If your renovation project has a large architectural aspect, H+M Builders are definitely worth hiring.
What to Look for in a Christchurch Renovation Builder
Picking a name from a list is just the starting point. Here’s what to evaluate before you sign a contract.
- LBP Licence: A Licensed Building Practitioner licence is a requirement for builders to carry out restricted building work in New Zealand. Ensure that your builder is a Licensed Building Practitioner before going any further.
- Registered Master Builder status: Being a Master Builder is a guarantee of quality and professionalism. Being a Master Builder also provides consumers with further protection, including a guarantee of workmanship.
- Experience with your type of project: A builder who is excellent at new homes may not be the best for a heritage restoration.
- Transparent quoting: Detailed, itemised quotes help you avoid budget blowouts. Be wary of quotes that are too vague or too short, leaving scope for unexpected costs.
- Communication style: Renovations are a process that may take weeks or months to complete. Find a builder whose communication style you are comfortable with, whether this is written communication, phone calls, or meeting on site.
- References and reviews: Ask for references from previous clients, and also check Google Reviews for a builder. Pay attention to how a builder responds to any bad reviews, as this may tell you more than any glowing review.
Typical Renovation Costs in Christchurch
Renovation costs in Christchurch vary depending on the extent, materials, and complexity of the renovation. However, as an estimate, the cost of renovation is as follows:
Renovating the bathroom may cost between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the desired level of finish, but may go as high as $40,000 or more for high-end finishes.
Renovating the kitchen may cost between $20,000 and $60,000 or more, depending on the desired level of finish.
Renovating the entire house, depending on the desired level of finish, may cost between $80,000 and $250,000+ for an average house of three bedrooms.
Extensions and additions may cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per square meter, depending on the desired level of finish.
Note that about one-third of the renovation cost is usually allocated towards labour costs. Experienced builders in the current market in Christchurch are in high demand, so they charge competitive prices, so it is important to keep this in mind while planning the renovation, rather than choosing the builder on the basis of the lowest price offered.
Getting Started
Most of the builders mentioned above offer free consultations. The best way forward would be to select a couple of builders that match the nature of the project you want to do and the budget you have in mind, get a detailed quote from each, and if possible, visit one of their completed projects. Your home may be one of the biggest investments you own, and a good renovation can add significant value, while a bad one can cost you a whole lot more to correct than it would have cost to do it right in the first place.
Renovating in Christchurch presents a wide variety of skilled, passionate professionals who truly love their work, taking genuine pride in their renovations. Your renovation project can be one of the most rewarding investments you ever make with the right builder by your side.
Don’t Forget the Builders Clean After Renovation
But once the final nail is driven home and your renovation project is finished, there is one final, and often overlooked, step that must be taken before you can fully appreciate your newly renovated home: a builders clean. The fact is that renovation projects leave behind a surprising amount of fine dust, plaster, paint splatters, adhesive, and construction debris that has a tendency to find its way into every nook and cranny of your home. And let’s be honest, a vacuum and a damp cloth aren’t going to do the trick. For Christchurch residents, Harmony Clean is the trusted professional for this type of post-renovation builders clean. Their team of experts knows exactly what it takes to tackle the unique challenges of builders dust and construction debris, leaving your home sparkling clean and move-in ready. After investing so much in your renovation, a professional clean by Harmony Clean ensures that your stunning new home is seen at its best from day one.
Get in touch with Harmony Clean Christchurch to arrange your professional builders clean after renovation.