Consider your bathroom layout

By Amanda06/17/201911/27/2019 Bathroom, Blog, Design, Interior design, New build, Planning, Renovation, Uncategorized

Planning your bathroom layout Download our bathroom planning checklist! The family bathroom is a busy place. It’s not only where we get ready to face the day, but it’s also a retreat where we can relax and recharge our batteries. The best bathroom layout for your family will depend on…

Planning your kitchen layout

By Amanda10/09/201811/27/2019 Blog, Kitchen

Choosing your kitchen layout Download our kitchen planning checklist! Most family kitchens are much more than a place to cook. It’s also a casual dining space, homework area, charging station for devices and entertainment hub. Make sure to carefully plan a functional kitchen layout before getting to the fun task of choosing your finishes…

Who should draw the building plans?

By Amanda04/05/201811/27/2019 Blog, Design, New build, Planning, Renovation

Great building plans are essential for a successful build or renovation Building plans aren’t just about design, but are vital for Council consent. Your building plans are part of your building consent application and need to comply with the Building Act and Building Code. Everyone who works on your build will follow them and throughout…

Plan for a warm, healthy home

By Amanda06/06/201711/28/2019 Blog, Heating, Planning, Renovation, Technology

Planning a warm, healthy home. Your home’s ability to generate and retain heat is a key factor in your family’s health and wellbeing, especially over winter. In New Zealand, 1.6 million homes perform poorly in terms of warmth, dampness and mould. Since most of these homes were built between 1950 and 1990, if you’re renovating…

Plan your landscape design

By Amanda11/01/201611/28/2019 Blog, Design, Gardening, Landscaping, Planning

Planning your landscaping! Don’t let the landscape design be an afterthought when planning your new build. Developing plans for both your home and garden should be considered at the beginning of the design process. After all, landscaping can frame your home, add street appeal, provide privacy and be a place to relax and entertain friends and family….

Planning your new bathroom

By Amanda03/11/201911/27/2019 Bathroom, Blog, Design, Interior design, New build, Planning, Renovation

Planning a bathroom renovation Download our bathroom planning checklist! Renovating creates an ideal opportunity to design a beautiful bathroom that makes good use of your available space and flows well.Set a budget Whatever your budget, you’ll need to have a healthy contingency fund, since issues such as water damage or…

Advice on making decisions

By Amanda07/12/201811/27/2019 Blog, Design, New build, Planning, Renovation

Making decisions While renovating your home or building a new one is fun and exciting, it can also be really challenging. With so many available choices, making decisions for your new build can leave you feeling totally overwhelmed! We recommend you start by prioritising the important decisions: budget, choosing your architect and builder and finalising your design….

Choosing a project manager

By Amanda03/26/201811/28/2019 Blog, New build, Planning, Renovation

What does a project manager do? A project manager schedules and coordinates your build to ensure it progresses efficiently and safely. What are they responsible for? Having a great project manager means you only need to deal with one person, while they take care of everything else. The project manager is the Lead Contractor or…

Is it best to renovate or sell?

By Amanda04/11/201711/28/2019 Blog, Design, Planning, Renovation

It might be better to stay where you are and renovate. So you like where you live, but your home doesn’t meet your family’s needs anymore. Should you renovate or sell? The best reasons for improving your home may not be the ones you think of right off the bat. Here are five to consider: Sometimes, staying…

Tips for renovating your home

By Amanda11/01/201611/28/2019 Blog, Interior design, Planning

Tips for renovatingKiwis love to renovate! Follow our tips to make the whole process of transforming your home a little easier.Are you selling or staying? If you’re renovating for profit, it’s important to make decisions that will appeal to the wider market. Consult with an experienced real estate agent and do your research on other…

Tips for ergonomic kitchen design

By Amanda11/14/201811/27/2019 Blog, Kitchen

Ergonomic kitchen design Download our kitchen planning checklist! Considering how much time you’ll spend in your new kitchen, it makes sense to ensure it’s ergonomically designed.To ensure good ergonomic kitchen design you’ll need to consider how to make sure each aspect of the room and the things in it, are functional, fit for purpose and…

Do I need building consent?

By Amanda05/06/201811/27/2019 Blog, Design, New build, Planning, Renovation

Do I need building consent? In Auckland, building and planning rules come from four key sources:Resource Management Act – ensures the environmental effects are managed wellAuckland Unitary Plan – outlines which activities are permitted and what you need resource consent forBuilding Act 2004 – sets out the rules for construction, alteration, demolition and maintenance of new…

Handy building survival tips

By Amanda02/13/201811/28/2019 Blog, New build, Renovation

Tips for surviving your new build or renovation! It’s incredibly exciting when the planning is over and you’re watching your new home become a reality. Help the process go smoothly by following our handy building survival tips. Moving out Depending on how big your renovation is, it may be more efficient for the builders (and…

Future proof your hi-tech home

By Amanda11/02/201611/28/2019 Blog, Design, Future proof, Technology

Future proof your hi-tech home Advances in technology continue to make our lives easier, safer and more comfortable, all from your smartphone or tablet. When you’re renovating or building a new home, it’s the perfect time to consider hi-tech solutions for home security, to manage your energy use and improve your entertainment experience. While the perception…