Taking on a major building project is a significant commitment. We know that homeowners enter the renovation process with many questions about costs, timelines, and exactly how the site will be managed. As expert residential builders Wellington families trust, we believe in providing straight, honest answers from day one.
Below are the most common questions we receive about working with Bear Construction.
10 Common Questions
We operate within a strict 50-minute travel radius from the Wellington CBD. This allows us to maintain tight quality control and ensures Phil Ashton can personally oversee every site. Our primary service areas include Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua.
Yes. While we execute high-end architectural extensions and full home renovations, leaky home remediation is our true specialty. As a Certified Building Surveyor (CBS), Phil Ashton has the diagnostic expertise to identify the root cause of the moisture, replace damaged timber, and install premium cladding systems that are permanently weathertight.
Absolutely. We have long-standing relationships with architects across the region. If your project involves structural upgrades, major plumbing work, or recladding, we will coordinate the architectural planning and manage the council consent process to ensure your project complies strictly with the Building Code.
Yes. While we have trusted architectural partners we can recommend, we frequently collaborate with architects our clients choose. We work closely with them during the design phase to ensure the plans are practical, buildable, and aligned with your expected budget.
We do not believe in guessing or providing vague estimates that lead to budget blowouts. Once your plans are drawn, we submit them for detailed quantity surveying. This allows us to provide a transparent, comprehensive breakdown of your renovation costs. You will know exactly what your investment covers before we start demolition.
Renovation timelines vary depending on the structural complexity of the job. For example, a major home extension or a complete exterior reclad can take between 4 to 5 months. We provide a highly realistic schedule before we start, and we update you weekly so you always know exactly where the project stands.
This depends entirely on the scope of the work. If we are executing a targeted ground-floor extension, it is often possible to remain on site. However, for full home renovations, major second-storey additions, or extensive reclads, moving out is significantly safer, less stressful for your family, and allows our tradesmen to work much faster. We will assess this with you during our initial consultation.
We stand by our quality workmanship with the Bear Construction 10-Year Ironclad Guarantee. Furthermore, as we are Registered Master Builders, your eligible project is also backed by the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee. This covers loss of deposit, non-completion, materials, workmanship, and structural defects, providing you with total financial protection.
You will deal directly with the owner. Because we are an independent company, you will not be passed around between sales reps or junior supervisors. Phil Ashton manages the client relationship and oversees our trusted network of tradesmen to ensure your project stays completely on track.
While we do build premium kitchens and bathrooms, these are typically executed as part of a larger architectural extension, a full home renovation, or a major weathertightness remediation project. We focus our resources on complex structural builds rather than small, stand-alone handyman repairs or volume new-home builds.
Still Have Questions?
Every house is different, and the best way to get accurate answers is to have an expert assess your site. Book an initial consultation and we will discuss your specific goals, assess the structural realities of your home, and provide you with a clear, practical roadmap to success.
