How much does recladding a house cost in NZ in 2026?
Short answer
Recladding a NZ house in 2026 typically runs $1,500-3,500 per m² of external wall depending on cladding choice, scaffolding, and access. A 200 m² house with ~150 m² external wall area lands at $250-500k for a full reclad. Auckland and Wellington trend toward the top of the range. Add 20-40% if the underlying framing is rot-damaged and needs replacement.
Source: Master Builders reclad cost guidance. Updated May 2026.
By the numbers
We publish independent 2026 cost ranges for 28 project types, adjusted by region, with the consent fee and processing time for your council built in. We do not sell renovations, so the figures have no reason to flatter anyone.
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Check a builderKey facts
- $1,500-3,500/m² of external wall
- Typical 200 m² house: $250-500k full reclad
- Scaffolding alone: $10-30k for a typical job
- Framing rot adds 20-40% to the budget
- Building consent required
- Council inspections at framing exposure, midway, and final
What drives cost
Cladding material: weatherboards (cheapest), brick veneer, fibre-cement sheets, plaster systems (now usually with a cavity), Linea.
Scaffolding: required for any two-storey or eaves-high work. $10-30k typical depending on duration and complexity.
Framing condition: invasive check after cladding removal. If 30%+ of the framing is rot-affected, the job grows fast.
Windows and joinery: often replaced at the same time (logical given the wall is exposed). Add $20-80k.
Process and consents
Building consent required. The consent application includes engineer's report on the existing structure plus the new cladding design.
Inspections: at scaffold, at cladding removal (framing exposed), at midway, at final. Don't expect to finish in less than 12-16 weeks.
If your reclad is a leaky-home remediation, document everything — for insurance, future resale, and any contribution claim.
Knowing the rules is half the job. The other half is knowing who you're hiring. Check any NZ builder against the public record: company status, licensing and insolvency notices, from the official NZ sources.
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Related questions
Sources: Master Builders reclad cost guidance; Specialist remediation builder quotes 2025-2026. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice. Building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.