How to Care for Timber Joinery
Protecting Your Wooden Windows & Doors for Years to Come Timber joinery adds warmth, beauty, and character to your home — but like all natural products, it needs a bit of care to stay in top shape. With the right maintenance, timber doors, windows, and frames can last decades, performing beautifully while standing up to […]
What to Do If I’m Not Happy With the Quality of the Work
A Homeowner’s Guide to Handling Construction Concerns in NZ Building or renovating your home is a big investment — so if something doesn’t feel right with the work, it’s completely fair to speak up. Whether it’s sloppy finishing, incorrect materials, or work that just doesn’t meet your expectations, there are steps you can take to […]
What’s the Cheapest Way to Build a House in NZ?
Smart, Affordable Building Solutions for Budget-Conscious Kiwis With building costs in New Zealand continuing to rise, many people are asking:“What’s the cheapest way to build a house in NZ — without cutting corners?” At RB Thomas Ltd, we’re here to show you how to build smart, stay compliant, and keep your budget in check. What […]
Stop the Rot: Expert Leaky Building & Rot Repair by RB Thomas Ltd
Rot. Leaks. Hidden damage. They’re three words no homeowner wants to hear — but when they do show up, you want an expert on your side who’s been there, done that, and fixed it right the first time. At RB Thomas Ltd, we’ve been tackling New Zealand’s leaky building crisis for over 10 years. Our […]
Unlock the Value in Your Backyard: Subdivide Your Section with RB Thomas
Have a large section? You could be sitting on a goldmine. Many Kiwi homeowners don’t realise they could unlock tens — even hundreds — of thousands of dollars in profit simply by subdividing their existing property. And with the team at RB Thomas, it’s never been easier to turn your land into real income. Why […]
What Is the LBP Scheme in New Zealand? (And Why It Matters to You)
If you’re building or renovating in NZ, you’ve probably come across the term LBP—but what exactly does it mean? LBP stands for Licensed Building Practitioner. It’s a government-backed scheme that ensures certain building work is done by people who know what they’re doing. In short: it’s about keeping Kiwis safe in their homes and making […]
What Are Leaky Homes in New Zealand?
The term “leaky homes” refers to residential (and often multi-unit) buildings constructed between the late 1980s and mid-2000s that suffer from serious weather-tightness issues. These homes are often plagued by water getting trapped behind the cladding—with nowhere to drain—causing timber rot, mould growth, structural damage, and even health issues YouTube+9Wikipedia+9YouTube+9. How Did This Happen? A perfect […]
10 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Builder in NZ
Picking a builder can feel a bit like dating—you want someone honest, reliable, good at what they do, and who actually listens. Whether you’re building new or renovating, getting the right builder can save you a heap of time, stress, and money. Here’s our top 10 things to think about before you sign on the […]
What Insurance Do You Need for a New Build or Renovation in NZ?
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your current one, insurance is one of those things that can save your bacon if things go sideways. And trust us—on a building site, surprises happen. Here’s a breakdown of what insurance cover is typically required, who’s responsible, and rough costs involved when building or renovating in New Zealand. 1. New […]
What Renovations Require Building Consent in New Zealand?
Thinking about a reno? Let’s tackle the most googled question in Aotearoa: what renovations need a building consent? So, What Work Needs Building Consent? According to MBIE and councils like Auckland and Tauranga, you’ll definitely need a building consent when your project involves: Structural changes – additions, removing or altering load-bearing walls, re-piling, major earthworks Sonder Architectswellington.govt.nz+12Building.govt.nz+12Sonder Architects+12 Plumbing & […]
