Starting a full home renovation project in Franklin requires careful planning and organisation. This checklist breaks down every step you need for a successful renovation, helping you avoid common mistakes and keeping your project on track.
A complete home renovation changes your living space and adds value to your property. Yet many Franklin homeowners miss critical steps in the process, leading to budget overruns and delays. Proper planning using this checklist allows you to prevent these issues before they occur.
For a broader overview of home renovations, see our complete renovation guide. This checklist focuses on the specific steps and requirements for Franklin properties, giving you a practical tool to track your progress from start to finish.
Let’s go through each stage of your renovation project, making sure nothing gets overlooked.
Pre-Renovation Planning Checklist
Planning sets the foundation for your entire renovation project. By working through each item in this section, you’ll create a clear roadmap for your Franklin home renovation. This preparation phase often takes 4-6 weeks, but this time investment pays off throughout your project.
Budget Planning
Most renovation projects in Franklin cost more than expected. Your budget needs to cover materials, labour, permits, and unexpected issues that pop up during the work. Setting clear financial boundaries from the start helps you make practical decisions throughout your renovation.
□ Set your total renovation budget
□ Add 20% contingency for unexpected costs
□ Get quotes from at least three contractors
□ Research material costs and availability in Franklin
□ Check mortgage refinancing or renovation loan options
□ List priority items vs nice-to-have features
Council Requirements
The Franklin District Council has specific rules about home renovations. Different areas in Franklin have different requirements, and getting the right permits saves you from costly fixes later. Meeting these requirements early prevents delays and legal issues.
□ Check Franklin District Council zoning regulations
□ Confirm if your renovation needs building consent
□ Review heritage property restrictions (if applicable)
□ Check for any existing property violations
□ Verify property boundary limitations
□ Research noise restriction rules in your area
Timeline Planning
A realistic timeline keeps your project moving and helps coordinate different trades. Franklin’s weather patterns can affect outdoor work, and material delivery times vary throughout the year. Good planning prevents trades from stepping on each other’s toes.
□ Create a realistic project schedule
□ Mark key council inspection dates
□ Plan for material delivery times
□ Schedule trades in correct order
□ Account for weather delays (especially during winter)
□ Set completion milestones
Professional Help vs DIY
Licensed professionals must do some renovation work in Franklin. Knowing which jobs you can legally do yourself saves money while keeping your project safe and compliant. Many Franklin homeowners mix DIY work with professional help to manage costs.
□ List tasks requiring licensed professionals
□ Identify which jobs you can DIY legally
□ Check builder licensing requirements
□ Verify insurance coverage for DIY work
□ Research local building regulations
□ Get recommendations for reliable local trades
Property Evaluation
A thorough assessment of your Franklin home reveals potential problems before work begins. Many local homes have similar construction features and common issues based on their age. Finding these issues early prevents surprises during renovation.
□ Complete a full house inspection
□ Test for asbestos (common in pre-1990s homes)
□ Check electrical system capacity
□ Assess plumbing condition
□ Review structural integrity
□ Document existing damage
□ Take “before” photos
□ Measure all spaces accurately
Taking time to complete each item in this planning checklist saves both time and money. Keep all your planning documents, quotes, and notes in one place – you’ll refer to them throughout your renovation. Once you’ve ticked off these planning items, you’re ready to move forward with the design and documentation phase of your project.
Design and Documentation Checklist
The design phase turns your renovation ideas into actionable plans. Good documentation protects both you and your contractors, setting clear expectations for the work ahead. This phase typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your Franklin home renovation.
Architectural Plans
Creating accurate plans helps trades price their work correctly and prevents costly mistakes. Franklin Council often requires detailed drawings for consent applications. Clear plans make it easier to visualise your finished renovation.
□ Draw up floor plans
□ Create elevation drawings
□ Detail electrical layouts
□ Map plumbing changes
□ Include window and door schedules
□ Specify lighting placement
□ Mark load-bearing walls
Engineering Requirements
Many Franklin homes need engineering input for structural changes. Getting these details right keeps your home safe and meets council requirements. Professional engineering advice prevents costly structural issues.
□ Get structural engineering reports
□ Calculate load-bearing requirements
□ Check foundation capabilities
□ Review seismic requirements
□ Plan any reinforcement needs
□ Document soil conditions
□ Verify wind zone specifications
Material Specifications
Clear material choices help contractors price accurately and prevent misunderstandings. Writing down your selections early helps you stick to your budget and keeps the project moving.
□ List all building materials
□ Specify brands and products
□ Note material grades and qualities
□ Include colour selections
□ Document finishing details
□ Record hardware choices
□ Plan material storage locations
With your design documents ready, you can apply for council consent and start getting detailed quotes from contractors. Keep digital copies of all documents and share them with your trades – good communication starts with good documentation.
Project Execution Checklist
This phase transforms your plans into reality. Good organisation during execution keeps your project running smoothly and helps different trades work together efficiently. Most full home renovations in Franklin take 3-6 months during this phase. Working through each stage systematically reduces stress and keeps your project on track.
Demolition and Site Preparation
Proper site prep creates a safe, clean working environment for all trades. Franklin has strict rules about construction waste and noise. Starting with good site management makes the entire renovation run better. Many renovation delays happen because of poor preparation, so taking time to set up your site properly saves time later. Your neighbours will appreciate clear communication about the work schedule and your efforts to minimise disruption.
□ Set up security fencing
□ Arrange skip bins for waste
□ Protect trees and gardens
□ Remove furniture and belongings
□ Set up dust barriers
□ Create tradesperson access points
□ Mark out storage areas
□ Install temporary power points
□ Set up washing station
Safety Measures
Creating a safe work site protects everyone involved in your renovation. Clear safety procedures prevent accidents and meet WorkSafe New Zealand requirements. Safety planning might seem like extra work, but accidents can stop your project completely. Make sure every person who enters your site knows the safety rules and follows them consistently. Regular safety checks keep everyone alert and prevent complacency.
□ Post emergency contact numbers
□ Install first aid kit
□ Set up safety equipment
□ Mark fire exits
□ Create a site safety plan
□ Brief all trades on procedures
□ Post hazard signs
□ Check insurance coverage
Core Renovation Stages
Breaking down your renovation into clear stages helps track progress. Each stage builds on the last, so getting the order right saves time and prevents rework. Small mistakes in early stages can cause big problems later, so checking work quality at each stage prevents costly fixes. Most Franklin renovations follow a similar sequence, but your project might need adjustments based on your specific requirements.
Structural Changes
Most Franklin homes need some structural work during a full renovation. Any changes to walls or support systems must meet current building codes and require council approval. Getting these changes right provides a solid foundation for all the work that follows.
□ Remove non-load-bearing walls
□ Install new beams and supports
□ Build new walls
□ Add window and door openings
□ Complete any extensions
□ Fix any foundation issues
Electrical Systems
Modern homes need more power points and better electrical systems than older Franklin properties provide. Updating your electrical system improves safety and adds convenience. A licensed electrician must complete this work and provide certificates for council approval.
□ Update main switchboard
□ Run new wiring
□ Install new light fittings
□ Add power points
□ Set up home network cables
□ Test all circuits
Plumbing Updates
Many Franklin homes have older pipes that need replacement during renovation. Good plumbing prevents future leaks and water damage. Modern fixtures and systems can also reduce your water bills and improve water pressure.
□ Replace old pipes
□ Install new fixtures
□ Update hot water system
□ Check drainage
□ Pressure test systems
□ Waterproof wet areas
Interior Finishing
The finishing stage brings your renovation to life with visible improvements. This phase requires careful planning to get the order right and protect the completed work. Quality finishing work increases your home’s value and creates your desired look.
□ Install insulation
□ Line walls and ceilings
□ Lay flooring
□ Fit kitchen and bathrooms
□ Paint walls and trim
□ Install doors
□ Add window treatments
Keep a daily site diary during this phase. Note weather conditions, deliveries, and any decisions made. This record helps resolve any questions that come up later. Photos of progress help track changes and document any issues that need attention. Good records protect both you and your contractors if disagreements arise.
Quality Control and Inspection Checklist
Quality checks throughout your renovation protect your investment and ensure work meets New Zealand building standards. Regular inspections catch problems early when they’re easier and cheaper to fix. Franklin Council requires specific inspections at different stages of your renovation.
Council Inspections
Building inspectors check critical points in your renovation to ensure everything meets the building code. Franklin Council books inspections several days before, so plan these into your schedule. Missing an inspection can cause serious delays and might mean removing completed work to show hidden elements.
□ Book foundation inspection
□ Schedule pre-line building inspection
□ Arrange electrical inspection
□ Book plumbing inspection
□ Schedule final building inspection
□ Get Code Compliance Certificate
□ Document all inspection results
Professional Quality Checks
Your main contractor should check work quality between council inspections. These checks prevent issues before inspectors arrive and maintain high standards throughout the project. Professional oversight catches problems that might not be obvious to homeowners.
□ Check materials match specifications
□ Verify measurements and levels
□ Review waterproofing details
□ Test all electrical work
□ Check plumbing pressures
□ Inspect finish quality
□ Sign off completed stages
Safety Compliance
Safety standards protect both workers and homeowners. Regular checks ensure your site stays safe throughout the renovation. All safety measures need regular monitoring and updates as work progresses.
□ Check safety barriers
□ Update site hazard board
□ Review safety equipment
□ Monitor worker compliance
□ Update first aid supplies
□ Check fire safety measures
□ Record safety meetings
Keeping detailed records of all inspections and quality checks protects you if problems arise later. Take photos of completed work before it’s covered up, especially plumbing and electrical installations. Your renovation file should include copies of all inspection reports, compliance certificates, and sign-offs from trades. These documents prove your renovation meets all requirements and help if you sell your home in the future.
Post-Renovation Checklist
The final phase of your renovation ties up loose ends and collects important documentation. Taking time to complete these last tasks protects your investment and makes future home maintenance easier. A thorough handover process ensures you understand how to care for your renovated home.
Final Council Approval
Getting official sign-off finalises your renovation legally. Franklin Council needs specific paperwork to issue your Code Compliance Certificate. This documentation proves your renovation meets all building requirements.
□ Submit all inspection records
□ Provide producer statements
□ Get electrical certificate
□ Submit plumbing certification
□ Request final council inspection
□ Apply for Code Compliance Certificate
□ File all consent documents
Documentation Collection
Good records help with home maintenance and any future renovations. Keep both digital and physical copies of all important papers. Store these documents in a safe place.
□ Collect warranty certificates
□ File product manuals
□ Save paint colours and brands
□ Record supplier details
□ Keep spare tile numbers
□ Save material specifications
□ File as-built drawings
Final Clean-up
A professional clean prepares your home for moving back in. Proper disposal of construction waste meets council requirements. Clean-up includes both inside and outside your property.
□ Remove all building waste
□ Clean all surfaces thoroughly
□ Clear garden debris
□ Clean windows and tracks
□ Vacuum all spaces
□ Remove labels and stickers
□ Check for paint spots
□ Clear gutters and drains
Your completed renovation should meet all your expectations. Take time to check every detail and report any issues to your contractor while they’re still on site. Most contractors offer a guarantee period for their work – make sure you understand what this covers and how long it lasts.
Conclusion
This checklist guides you through every stage of your full home renovation in Franklin. Each step builds on the last, creating a clear path from planning to completion. Following this checklist helps prevent common renovation problems and keeps your project running smoothly.
At Rag Renos, we use this same systematic approach for our Franklin renovation projects. Our local building team knows Franklin’s specific requirements and building conditions. We’ve helped many Franklin homeowners turn their renovation plans into reality, working through each stage of this checklist to deliver quality results.
We’re local builders who live and work in Franklin. Our team brings years of renovation experience to your project, and we take pride in helping our neighbours create better homes. Every renovation starts with good planning – and we’re here to help you plan yours.
Get your Franklin renovation started right. Book your FREE on-site consultation with our building team, and let’s work through your renovation checklist together.