THE ARIES KNOWLEDGE HUB
Building Guides
& Resources
Practical answers for your home.
Find a guide, explore your options, and plan your next step.
What would you like help with?
Straight-up building know-how from a team that's been at it since 1988.
Over the years we've written up the building problems people ask us about most — leaks and moisture, materials and finishes, and the council rules that catch everyone out. No jargon, no sales pitch, just what we've learned from decades of pulling buildings apart and putting them right. Have a browse below, and if any of it rings true for your place, give us a call.
01 / 9 GUIDES
Leaks, moisture & weathertightness
Understand the signs. Find the cause. Protect your home.
Managing Mould in Your Home
Why it shows up, the health risks, and how to get rid of it for good.
Read the guidePreventing Timber Rot
Spot the early signs and stop rot before it eats into your home.
Read the guideFlood Damage to Plasterboard
Why soaked walls usually need replacing, not just drying out.
Read the guideParticle-Board Flooring & Water Damage
Why saturated flooring has to go, and what happens if it doesn't.
Read the guideEfflorescence Explained
What that white, fluffy stuff on your brick or concrete is really telling you.
Read the guideThe Hidden Risks of Foil Insulation
Trapped moisture and electrical hazards most people never see coming.
Read the guideWeather-Induced Property Damage
How Auckland's weather works its way into a building over time.
Read the guidePreparing Your Home for Auckland's Weather
Simple checks to do before the next big downpour.
Read the guideUsing the Trotec T660 Moisture Meter
A look at how we measure moisture properly, the way the pros do.
Read the guide02 / 6 GUIDES
Materials, finishes & smart choices
Make practical choices for your next project.
Choosing the Right Timber for Your Deck
Which timbers last outdoors, and which ones will let you down.
Read the guideAluminium Composite Panels
Where they shine, where they don't, and the fire-safety question.
Read the guideStylish & Durable Splashbacks
Picking a splashback that still looks good in ten years.
Read the guideChoosing the Right Toilet Height
A small detail that makes a surprising difference to comfort.
Read the guideExposing Insulation – Do's & Don'ts
How to handle insulation safely when you open up a wall or ceiling.
Read the guideBathroom Trends
Fresh ideas worth pinching for your next bathroom.
Read the guide03 / 7 GUIDES
Consents, rules & compliance
Get familiar with the process before you start.
Schedule 1: Building Work Exemptions
What you're allowed to build without a council consent.
Read the guideBuilding Permits from Auckland Council
How the consent process actually works, step by step.
Read the guideAdapting to the Building Code Updates
What's changed in the code and how it affects your project.
Read the guideEnvironmental Regulations in NZ Construction
The green rules every builder has to work within.
Read the guideThe Consumer Protection Act by Property Type
Where you stand, and what you're entitled to.
Read the guideDIY Asbestos Removal Rules in NZ
What you can legally do yourself, and where the line is.
Read the guideEarthquake-Resistant Renovations
Building a bit of resilience in while you're at it.
Read the guidePLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Put your ideas into numbers.
Explore our building calculators to help with your project planning.
Explore calculators ↗KEEP EXPLORING
More over on our blog
We're always adding new pieces. Visit the Aries blog for the latest.
Visit the blog ↗LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PLACE
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what you've noticed or what you're planning. We can help you work out the next step.