A former Hamilton builder accused of stealing thousands of dollars' worth of building tools and equipment from Western Bay of Plenty building sites to fuel a methamphetamine addiction was refused bail today.

Chadrick Sheridan, 24, appeared in Tauranga District Court where he applied for bail, after being remanded in custody at his first appearance on August 26.

Sheridan was originally charged with driving while suspended, burglary over $5000, two counts of burglary between $500 and $5000, and one count of possessing utensils for methamphetamine.

Today police laid an additional five burglary charges and nine charges of being a party to burglary.

He is also charged with possessing methamphetamine in Gisborne, and with failing to appear in Gisborne District Court on the charge on August 26.

He was under arrest in Tauranga at the time and the failing to appear charge was withdrawn today.

Judge Simon Menzies says Sheridan identified new homes to be burgled while working as a downpipe installer, and either took part in the burglaries or informed other parties.

Six Western Bay building sites in Papamoa, Oropi, Pyes Pa and Omokoroa were targeted between August 15 and 17.

Sheridan's lawyer Glenn Dixon sought bail for his client, saying he could live with his mother at Paekakariki on a 24-hour curfew and would be available for drug testing.

Sheridan had detoxed and wants to stay that way, says Glenn, but police opposed bail.

Judge Menzies says the offences are serious in themselves and there are numerous charges involved. He says there have been early admissions to at least three of the charges, and a jail sentence is likely.

He remanded Sheridan in custody until October 6.

Police said earlier that a range of property was taken in the burglaries, including builder's tools, nail guns, paint sprayers, saw benches, as well as housing materials, kitchen appliances, heat pumps and extensive quantities of plumbing equipment and LED lights.

At the time of the thefts one Tauranga builder told SunLive he lost a $5000 worth of tools taken from a Papamoa home. It was the second burglary at the property in the last two months.

Those responsible broke a hinge on a window to enter the home about 2am on August 17. A number of large, costly items were taken including a grinder, spray painting unit, sanders and a Milwaukee saw.

Only a small number of stolen items have been recovered by police.