Transforming a Room From the Frame Out: Gib Removal, Insulation, New Linings and a Complete Finish
Renovating a single room can completely change the feel of an entire home — especially when the space has never been insulated, the gib is tired or damaged, and the trims and finishes are outdated. This project shows what’s possible when you strip a room right back to the bones and rebuild it properly from the inside out.
The first step was to remove all existing gib. Over the years the walls had become uneven, patched, and generally past their best. Stripping the room back to the framing allowed us to:
Once the framing was exposed, it became clear the room had no insulation at all — a common issue in older New Zealand homes. Adding insulation makes a huge difference to warmth, comfort, and energy efficiency.
We installed new wall insulation throughout the room, ensuring:
This step alone transforms how the room feels, especially in winter.
With insulation in place, it was time to re-line the room with new gib. We fixed the sheets securely, glued and screwed for strength, and made sure all joins were tight and clean. Proper installation here means fewer cracks and a better paint finish later.
After hanging the gib, we:
This is the stage where the room starts to look new again.
Fresh linings deserve fresh trims. The old architraves and skirting boards were removed and replaced with new, clean profiles that suit the style of the home.
This included:
These finishing details make a huge difference to the overall presentation.
With the gib finished and trims installed, we moved on to painting. The room received:
Fresh paint instantly brightens the space and ties all the new work together.
To complete the transformation, we installed new carpet. This final step softens the room, adds warmth, and gives that “move‑in ready” feel. With the walls straight, trims fresh, and insulation hidden behind the gib, the new carpet is the perfect finishing touch.
What began as a cold, outdated space is now a warm, modern, fully finished room ready to enjoy. By removing the old gib, insulating properly, installing new linings, updating trims, and finishing with paint and carpet, the room now feels brand new and adds real value to the home.
At Market Ready, we’re always looking for smart ways to add value. In this project, one room lacked insulation so by upgrading it, we were able to present the home as fully insulated, boosting both its value and its appeal to a wider pool of buyers.
From small repairs to big projects, we’ve got you covered.