Hints & Tips

When you’ve decided to build a new home or renovate an existing, there’s a lot to think about and do, and it helps if you can understand the building process first, know what you’re in for, how long it will take, how much it will cost – and have a good plan, time plan and budget in place.

Start by making a folder to keep all your building ideas, information, contracts and receipts in. Divide this folder into:

Folders

• My ideas (if you see something you like take a photo)
• Information
• Designs
• Site information
• Contracts
• Receipts and warranties
• Structural products
• Fixtures and fittings
• Budget
• Time plan

Take before photos of your site to remind you of how far you’ve come once project is in full swing.

RENOVATIONS, ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS

BUILDING A NEW HOME

Have a think about how your home will layout over your property. You’ll probably want your home to have good appeal from the street or access way, be north facing for warmth and sun and make the most of views available. You may need to position your home to get privacy from your neighbours or shelter from strong winds. It’s a good idea to put living areas to the north of your property and service areas (laundry & garage) to the south, where warmth and sun aren’t important.

Consider what parts of your home will benefit from the sun during what times of the day – you may want your kitchen to the east and your lounge to the west. Also take a note of the impact of noise, privacy and other factors where this is important, such as bedrooms.
Get some general ideas about what you want your home to look like and how it will be constructed. For inspiration, visit open homes, expos, home shows, talk to friends and family, watch home related TV shows, flip through magazines…..add all your ideas to your building folder.

BUILDING CONSENTS

Some building projects are exempt from requiring a building consent; however, any work must still be carried out within the building code. It is a proven fact that by having professionals help will make a huge difference to the quality and success of the final product, whilst ensuring the building code is adhered to throughout. Some examples of work which will require a building consent include:

New buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and re-piling
Plumbing & drainage
Demolition or relocation of existing structures
Heating (solid fuel fireplaces), ventilation and air conditioning systems
Retaining walls higher than 1.5m, or retaining walls with a building or driveway near the top
Fences higher than 1.8m and any swimming pool fence
Swimming pools and large tanks
Decks more than 1m from ground level