Cost guide · Wellington

House Extension cost in Wellington (2026)

Typical Wellington range

$2,650/m² – $5,830/m²

Most Wellington projects land around $3,180/m² – $4,240/m². Prices run around the national average, with site costs the swing factor.

Why Wellington differs

Wellington's Very High and Extra High wind zones and seismic foundations add bracing and engineering most flat sites elsewhere don't need.

Usually included

Foundation & framing for the new space
Cladding & roof to match
Interior lining & finishes
Connection to the existing structure

Usually excluded

Reworking unaffected existing rooms
Major structural changes to the original house
Landscaping around the addition
Council consent fees

Usually needs a building consent

Most extensions need a building consent; check whether your site or zone also triggers resource consent. Read the consent rules →

See 370 Builders on the register in Wellington

Questions to ask before you sign

How will the new section connect structurally to the existing house?
Is the consent included, and who lodges it?
What happens to the price if hidden issues are found in the existing wall?

Wellington house extension: common questions

How much does a house extension cost per square metre in NZ?: Most ground-floor extensions run $2,500–$4,500/m² in 2026. A typical 30m² room addition therefore costs roughly $90,000–$135,000 including connection and finishes, plus consent and design.
Why do small extensions cost more per square metre?: Fixed costs — consent, design, getting trades on site — don't shrink with the project. Spread over fewer square metres, the per-m² rate rises.

Before you pay anyone, check who they are.

Check the company that quoted you: company status, registration and what's on the public record, from the official NZ sources.

Check a builder

Actually starting this build? Keep watch on your builder for the whole build →

Figures are 2026 estimates for guidance only, not a quote. Actual cost depends on your site, spec and the company you choose. Always get written quotes and check the company on the public record before you pay a deposit.