Case Study: Turning a New Brighton Bach into a Forever Home
This project was anything but straightforward. Our client, a solo homeowner with limited family support, had been battling EQC and her insurer for years over earthquake damage that was repeatedly under-acknowledged. The property itself was more than 100 years old, with foundations that had sunk into sandy soils and areas of severe decay.
The Challenges
EQC disputes: Significant damage was initially denied.
Insurance limitations: The client had fixed cover that no longer reflected replacement costs.
Age of the home: Decayed timbers and sinking stone foundations created major risks.
Construction inflation: More than 80% cost increases since the 2010–2011 earthquakes eroded the insured value.
Despite these obstacles, the homeowner remained determined to secure her full entitlement.
The Breakthrough
After eight years of assessments and negotiations, EQC and the insurer finally validated the claim. We then fought for recognition of construction cost inflation and successfully secured additional compensation from EQC to reflect the long delay.
The Solution
Engineering firm BMC designed a new foundation system of 78 reinforced concrete piles anchored into the sandy New Brighton soils. To enable this, Houselifters raised the entire house by two metres.
Once lifted, the true extent of hidden damage was revealed—rotted subflooring, wall studs, and framing. These were replaced in full, while a vacuum sucker system was used to efficiently remove sand for the pile holes and install formwork.
Ross Bailey Builders Ltd and their skilled team, alongside trusted subtrades, carefully rebuilt and restored the home within a tight budget.
The Result
The once-sinking house has been transformed into a warm, character-filled home:
Original New Zealand timbers restored and featured.
A new kitchen and refurbished bathrooms.
Double French doors opening onto a sun-drenched kwila deck.
A large log burner creating a cosy winter retreat.
Original timber floors sanded back and finished with a Scandinavian matt sealer for a stunning natural look.
A Fresh Start
After years of frustration and uncertainty, our client has spent her first winter in a level, draft-free, beautifully restored home. Her earthquake nightmare is finally behind her, replaced by a haven that celebrates the character of the past while delivering modern comfort for the future.
Watch the Video
Vacuum Extracting Sand for Piles
Review from the Client
When my engineer, Endel Lust, suddenly passed away, I was fortunate to have Dave Norriss step in as my project manager.
Dave immediately recommended a trusted engineering firm, BMC, to take over the technical side of the project. From there, he guided me through the complex and often overwhelming process of progressing my claim — a journey that would have been nearly impossible to navigate alone.
Although I had limited insurance coverage, it would have been adequate back in 2011 — but not by 2023 standards. Thanks to Dave’s in-depth understanding of the system and his ability to negotiate effectively with both EQC and my insurer, I was ultimately granted a reasonable level of compensation.
Before Dave and the support of GCCRS came into the picture, my experience dealing with these large organisations was frustrating and disheartening. Constant changes in personnel made the process even more difficult. Without their help, I would have been left with nothing more than an insufficient repair: two piles, a new kitchen floor, and a single section of cladding to replace the chimney that had fallen.
Frances