Have you overlooked these common extension mistakes?

Why starting now sets you up for seamless summer living

We all know the story of the person who built their house on the sand, and the other who built a house on the rock. When the rains came, the house on the sand washed away. Curiously, many Aucklanders overlook this simple metaphor when designing a house extension or outdoor extension.

In this case, it’s not about building on sand or rock, but the metaphor works because it is about the considerations we tend to forget to take into account. For example, what is your goal? What is the intended use of the extension? How will it integrate with the rest of the house?

If you’re think about an extension in time for summer, such as an outdoor room or outdoor living area, entertainment setting, covered patio or alfresco space, now is the time to get started. Don’t delay.

If you're dreaming of warm evenings under a covered deck, long lunches in a breezy outdoor room, or simply more space to spread out, it is important to think about the ‘why’.

Whether you're adding a solid-roof shelter, opening up your living area, or building a separate unit for extended family, good planning takes time. Council consents, design decisions, and build schedules all stack up, which means the sooner you begin, the better chance you’ll be ready for summer.

Here are three key things to consider when designing a summer-ready outdoor space:

1. Think integrated, not add-on

Your new outdoor area should feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought. That means matching rooflines and materials, aligning floor levels, and creating a smooth indoor-outdoor flow. Done well, it lifts both your lifestyle and property value.

2. Place it with purpose

Shelters need to work with Auckland’s sun and wind patterns. A north-facing roof gives warmth and light, but summer comfort often calls for shade or airflow. Anchoring the space to your home (rather than freestanding) improves access and use. Avoid blocking light to adjacent rooms inside.

As one client said to us, she would love to move from one area to another without getting soaking wet.

3. Choose the right system for your needs

Not all outdoor roofing systems are created equal. Louvre systems give flexibility but aren’t always the best fit. For year-round use, a solid, insulated roof with café-style screens may offer better draft protection and thermal comfort. Your choice should reflect how and when you’ll use the space.

From the practical (like a new ensuite or scullery) to the ambitious (like a second storey for the view), we’ve seen it all. With upcoming changes to rules around separate dwellings, it’s also worth getting the right advice early.

If you’re thinking about extending your home or creating an outdoor living area, let’s talk. Platinum Pacific Group can help you plan, design and build a space that works for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Start now. Summer is just 130 days away.