HOME RENOVATION & EXTENSION
HATAITAI, WELLINGTON
This Hataitai renovation was undertaken by Peaky Builders as stage one of a thoughtfully planned two-stage transformation of a 1931 family home overlooking Wellington Harbour.
Purchased for its sweeping views, access to excellent schooling and great local community, the home had last been renovated in the late 1980s and was ready for a modern update. Stage one focused on extending and modernising the lower level including the kitchen and dining area, the bathroom and laundry, extensive interior upgrades and carefully considered exterior joinery. Peaky Builders worked closely with the clients to balance contemporary living with respect for the home’s heritage, creating spaces that feel light, open and connected while remaining grounded in the home’s history.
Build your own dreams
A home filled with natural light
A defining feature of the project is the way light and landscape have been brought into the home. Three skylights over the new dining area introduce natural light from above, while a custom three metre west-facing window frames the rear native bush outlook. Large bifold doors off both the dining and living rooms open these spaces to the lawn beyond, creating a strong visual and physical connection to outdoor family life. A striking two-storey stairwell window further enhances this sense of openness, drawing in sky and greenery from the rear of the site.
Herringbone natural oak flooring was carried through the kitchen, dining, hall and entry to create continuity and warmth throughout the level.
Our team is details focussed
Material selection and detailing were carefully considered throughout. Peaky Builders worked closely with stone masons to maximise every cut of stone, allowing offcuts from the expansive kitchen island to be repurposed for the scullery and laundry benchtops and splashbacks. This approach elevated typically utilitarian spaces while maintaining efficiency and reducing waste.
Custom solutions to enhance everyday life
In the bathroom, detailed tile work adds visual interest, with floor tiles extending to ceiling height in the shower before stepping down to reveal a feature tile wall above the vanity. Custom solutions were introduced where standard products fell short. With a very tall family living in the home, Peaky Builders designed and installed bespoke shower glass over two metres high, including additional hardware to ensure strength and longevity.
Much of the project’s complexity was resolved before construction began. Initially priced as a full two-level renovation, the project went through multiple revisions as scope, selections and budget were refined. Peaky Builders guided the clients through this detailed pre-construction phase, helping prioritise key elements and ensuring clarity before work commenced. This level of upfront planning helped minimise variations during the build and set the foundation for a smooth construction process.
The build was completed while the family remained living in the home, requiring careful site management and clear communication. With children on site, Peaky Builders implemented strict safety measures, defined access points and thoughtful scheduling minimised disruption while maintaining momentum on site.
Beyond construction, Peaky Builders also acted in an advisory capacity, supporting the clients with selections across finishes, lighting and fixtures. This collaborative approach ensured a cohesive result and gave the clients confidence throughout the decision-making process.
The value of this support was reflected in the client’s feedback, with the family noting the relief of having Peaky Builders advocate on their behalf when complex issues arose with subtrades. Knowing they had an experienced team managing challenges and resolutions allowed them to stay focused on the excitement of seeing their home transformed.
