Meet Licensed Renovations: Building dreams brick by brick

Kiwis love to renovate, but what if DIY is not in your DNA? That’s where Licensed Renovations, experts in renovations, transformations and restorations can help. WiriLink sat down with Jennifer and Russell Clark, Managing Director and General Manager of Licensed Renovations to find out why they love helping people realise their dreams.

Strong foundations as home renovation specialists

Licensed Renovations are award-winning home renovation specialists; with a team of twelve including builders, a quantity surveyor and project manager.

“We are members of Master Builders, our site managers are qualified builders and every project we take on is costed by our in-house quantity surveyor at concept stage” says Russell.

“We do small, medium, and large projects throughout the Auckland region. We mainly do renovations; from a small bathroom upgrades and kitchen remodels through to major villa restorations and million-dollar home transformations.”

While their workshop is based in Wiri off Ash Road, Russell and Jennifer spend a good amount of time onsite at their current projects, including their additional home in Onemana, in the Coromandel.

“We are currently building our dream home in Onemana. Living through a build from start to (almost) finish gives us a good understanding of some of the pain points our people go through when they undergo renovations!” says Jennifer.

The building blocks to success

For the Licensed Renovations team, every project starts with understanding the client’s goals. Russell takes a personal interest in ensuring that they give clients honest advice, realistic expectations, and quality workmanship from the very beginning.

One of the company’s biggest points of difference is its detailed early-stage budgeting process. The team works with homeowners to understand the full picture before work begins.

“Renovations typically blow the budget, however it’s because the budget was never set properly at the start. We set the budget properly to give an overview of all potential costs. Sometimes that means the client needs to change the budget or change the scope of work.”

That approach often means advising clients to delay a project or rethink their plans instead of signing them up for work that isn’t in their best interests. It’s an attitude that has helped build long-term relationships, with many homeowners returning months or even years later after appreciating the team’s honesty.

“We focus on giving people good advice; people always appreciate our honest opinion. It means that we might not win every job, and we are selective on providing quotes for projects they know they can add value” adds Jennifer.

Raising the roof: Stars of the Home Show

That commitment to education has also made Licensed Renovations a familiar face at the Auckland Home Show.

Russell first became involved years ago as part of the show’s “Ask the Experts” programme, offering independent advice to visitors without promoting his own business.

Licensed Renovations returns each year to present seminars covering everything from choosing the right builder and understanding contracts to planning realistic renovation budgets.

This year, the team is taking a fresh approach by combining practical kitchen design advice with live cooking demonstrations.

“We’re trying something a little bit different this year with the cooking demonstration. We’ll tie in elements of designing kitchens, your lifestyle, and budgeting” says Jennifer.

Though presenting at the Home Show is an amazing marketing opportunity, both Russell and Jennifer, love helping people make better decisions before they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Solid foundation investing in the next generation of apprentices

That desire to help extends well beyond clients. Licensed Renovations has become known for investing in apprentices and mentoring the next generation of builders, including supporting women entering the construction industry.

The business regularly takes on apprentices, with many staying on after qualifying, while Russell also enjoys mentoring people who want to start their own businesses.

“I started out as an apprentice in 1987 and have been in the building industry ever since. I love mentoring people; being a business coach will probably be my next job.”

Jennifer shares that passion, advocating for women in construction as the former president of National Association of Women in Construction.

“We are proud to have a female apprentice on the team and to grow female representation in the industry. We recently applied on her behalf for the Outward Bound Mana Wāhine scholarship through BCITO, which she was awarded” smiles Jennifer.

Continuing on the tools

So why do they continue doing what they do after so many years? It’s simple.

“We love helping people. We understand renovating can be daunting, but we are there to help our clients.” says Jennifer.

“I love having good clients; I’m not working for you, I’m working with you” concludes Russell.

If you’d like to know more about Licensed Renovations, check out their website www.licensedrenovations.co.nz, email in**@********************co.nz or call 0274871351

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