CASHMERE CHARACTER HOME EQ REPAIR
A complex renovation and earthquake repair of a character home on a hillside site. The project involved securing a fair insurance settlement, repairing structural damage, and adding a new basement games room using smart engineering solutions.
Through thoughtful design, careful methodology, and skilled workmanship, the home now has a new lease on life — with added space for a busy family and a refreshed exterior that stands out on the street.
EQ-damaged home repaired and reinsured on a challenging site.
THE OVERVIEW
Project Type: Renovation & EQ repair of a character home on a hillside site
Location: Cashmere, Christchurch
Services: Design collaboration, construction, site management, engineering methodology + assistance getting home reinsured.
THE BRIEF
This character home had suffered significant earthquake damage and required both structural repairs and insurance resolution before meaningful work could begin. The client needed strong support through the insurance process, followed by a smart, cost-effective renovation that added a new games room, repaired damage throughout the home, and upgraded key features — all while respecting the home’s character.
THE CHALLENGE
This project required persistence, technical thinking, and careful execution:
- Advocating firmly on the client’s behalf to achieve a fair and reasonable insurance settlement
- Designing and constructing a new basement games room beneath the existing home
- Engineering basement walls below the original foundations
- Identifying and replacing areas of rotten timber uncovered during the works
- Managing construction on a steep hillside site
Every stage required thoughtful methodology rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
OUR APPROACH
We approached the project with a clear focus on doing things properly — not rushing.
Our work included:
- Assisting the client through the insurance claim process and standing firm to achieve a fair outcome
- Collaborating closely on the design to add usable space without unnecessary cost
- Using smart engineering solutions to safely construct below the existing structure
- Selecting construction methods and equipment suited to hillside work
- Working with skilled, trusted subcontractors to ensure a high-quality finish throughout
Clear communication and practical problem-solving guided every decision.
THE OUTCOME
The home now has a new lease on life, with additional space to suit a busy family and a refreshed exterior that enhances its street presence. The new basement games room adds genuine value and functionality, while the repaired and upgraded home feels solid, comfortable, and well resolved.
This is a standout home on the street, and we feel privileged to have helped restore and improve it with the care it deserved.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- How a project is delivered matters more than how fast it’s completed
- Smart design and engineering save money on complex renovations
- The right equipment and subcontractors make all the difference on hillside sites
- Quality finishes rely on skilled trades — a special shout-out to our painters, whose work on the exterior truly brought this home back to life
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
Dealing with EQ damage or a complex character renovation?
Talk to us early — we’ll help you navigate insurance, engineering, and construction with confidence.
OUR FAVOURITE PROJECTS
Broadfield Renovation & Extension
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Woolston New Multi-Unit Development
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Cashmere Renovation & EQ Repairs
