Full Interior Renovation to Prepare a Henderson Townhouse for Sale

Project Overview

This project was a full interior renovation of a two-storey townhouse in Henderson, Auckland. The work originally began to prepare the property for renting. Partway through the project, the owners decided to sell instead, which meant the scope needed to be expanded. The focus shifted to improving the home's structure and overall presentation to increase its resale value.

The Oncore team, led by Project Manager Chris Yu, managed the renovation from start to finish. Multiple trades were coordinated throughout the build, and the plan was adjusted as needed to suit the client’s new goals while keeping the work practical, well-finished, and visually appealing.

Client Goals & Initial Condition

When the clients first contacted Oncore, the property was in poor condition and no longer suitable for comfortable living. Long-term water ingress had caused the subfloor on both the ground floor and first floor to sag in multiple areas. Several internal doors were damaged, both bathrooms were dated and worn, and the kitchen was outdated.

The initial goal was to complete essential repairs to make the property rental-ready. However, once work began, the owners reassessed their plans and decided to sell the property instead. This shift meant the renovation needed to go beyond basic repairs and focus on presentation, layout improvements, and buyer appeal.

Scope of Work

The final scope of work was extensive, addressing both structural integrity and overall presentation. Key words included:

• Removal of site waste and full site clean
• Replacement of damaged subfloor throughout affected areas
• Installation of ground moisture barrier and underfloor insulation
• Supply and installation of new carpet throughout the home
• Replacement of damaged internal doors
• Kitchen upgrade, including new cabinetry and a new standalone oven
• Replacement of flooring in the downstairs bathroom and toilet
• Merging the downstairs toilet and bathroom into a single, more functional space
• Installation of a “shub” (combined shower and bathtub) to improve space efficiency
• Replacement of mirrors in both bathrooms
• Internal and external repaint of the entire house
• Reconfiguration of the downstairs bedroom door and rebuilding of the wardrobe
• Creation of internal access between the hallway and garage via a new sliding door
• Updating all window and door hardware
• Refurbishment of the garden shed
• Addition of a fence section and new garden gate

These upgrades ensured the home was structurally sound, visually modern, and attractive to potential buyers.

Design & Layout Improvements

One of the most impactful changes was the redesign of the downstairs bathroom. The original layout included both a separate shower and bathtub in a relatively small space, making the room feel tight and impractical. 

The Oncore team proposed replacing this setup with a “shub,” a combined shower and bathtub unit. This solution improved functionality while creating a more open and spacious feel.

Another key improvement was opening up the wall between the hallway and the garage to create internal garage access. It significantly improved the flow of the home and made the garage more practical and user-friendly, a strong selling point for future buyers.

Trades & Project Coordination

The project involved a range of trades, including builders, painters, carpet and flooring installers, electricians, and plumbers. A unique challenge was that the electrician and plumber were appointed directly by the client rather than supplied by Oncore. 

It required additional coordination to ensure timelines aligned and work was completed seamlessly alongside Oncore’s own trades.

Despite the increased complexity, careful scheduling and clear communication ensured the project progressed smoothly.

Challenges & Timeline

The renovation was initially estimated to take four weeks. However, due to the expanded scope following the decision to sell, the total build stage extended to eight weeks. This extension allowed the team to complete the additional structural changes, full repaint, and layout improvements without compromising quality.

No council consent was required for this project, which helped avoid regulatory delays.

Final Outcome

The completed renovation transformed the townhouse into a modern, functional, and market-ready home. Structural issues caused by water damage were fully resolved, the interiors were refreshed with a cohesive finish, and layout improvements enhanced everyday usability.

The combination of practical upgrades and thoughtful design changes significantly improved the home’s appeal, positioning it strongly for sale in a competitive market.