A damp, underused basement in Manurewa transformed into a warm, dry and fully self-contained two-bedroom second dwelling, with waterproofing, separate services and a complete interior fit-out.
This Manurewa basement was originally a cold, damp and underused space beneath the existing home. Alder Homes converted it into a fully self-contained two-bedroom second dwelling, creating valuable additional living space within the home's existing footprint.
A key challenge was managing below-ground moisture. A specialist internal waterproofing system creates a protected dry zone within the existing concrete-block basement, with perimeter drainage directing external moisture away from the new interior construction.
The completed dwelling includes a full kitchen, two generous bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, bathroom, separate toilet and dedicated laundry with an additional toilet. Separate power and water services allow the downstairs dwelling to function independently without disrupting the home above.
The project demonstrates how careful planning, waterproofing and compliant construction can transform a difficult existing basement into warm, dry and practical living space.
- Completed
- 2022
- Price range
- $0.25m - $0.5m
- Building style
- Small home
Like this Project?
Hire Alder Homes
Professional Reviews
Professionals used in
this project
The practices and trades credited on this project.
More projects from
Alder Homes
Other work by Alder Homes, across every category they build in.
More in
Extensions
Everything else in Extensions, from every practice on ArchiPro.
Next Project
Keep scrolling



























