9 Home Renovation Tips

Plus some all too common mistakes to avoid that could cost you thousands.

Renovation Tip #1

Undertaking DIY or Renovations Without the Necessary Building Consents.

New Zealanders love the sense that they can increase the value of their property by carrying out do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations. However, please note if your project is inadequately planned, managed or executed the DIY work can cause you serious strife, especially with the regulatory landscape change with the introduction of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme.

Therefore, it is imperative…

Read More > Building Consents

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Renovation Tip #2

Discuss your ideas thoroughly with a qualified experienced builder before you start.

If you are going to start out on a renovation project it is essentially important that you have a good plan in place if you want it to work out successfully. Therefore it is vital that you get a qualified experienced builder so that you can tell them what your wants and expectations are for your renovation project.

This way…

Read More > Renovation Ideas

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Renovation Tip #3

Assuming all builders have equal qualifications/testimonials

While every builder will have to be licensed by March 2012, check to see if they are part of the Certified Builders of New Zealand (CBNZ) or Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF).

The Certified Builders…

Read More > Questions to Ask Builders

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Renovation Tip #4

Use only qualified designers or architects who come recommended

Look for an architect or designer whose work you like or an area of expertise relevant to your particular job, and who you believe you can work with. Use recommendations from friends or visit the New Zealand Institute of Architects and Architectural Designers New Zealand websites to find them in your locale.

To be eligible…

Read More > Choosing an Architect or Designer

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Renovation Tip #5

Have a complete specification for the project ready and know exactly what you want from your builder

It is important that you know exactly what you want from your renovation project so the best result can be delivered, so it is vital that you have a complete specification plan.

This is where builders, architects and designers can look through your specification renovation plan and give you their expert advice or tell you what is feasible and not. It is also important…

Read More > Planning Your Renovation

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Renovation Tip #6

Have Proper Contracts in Place

Having contracts in place allows both parties to comply with obligations they must up hold in the contract – this specific contract is an agreement document where you and the builder come to an agreement that things need to be done this way and how it should be done; also penalties if those obligations are not met.

It is necessary that…

Read More > How to use proper Building Contracts

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Renovation Tip #7

Use Quality sub tradesmen who are proven and recommended

Although it is critical that you choose the right licensed, certified and qualified builder for your project, it is equally important to have the right subcontractors. Subcontractors are generally contracted by the builder who is the head or main contractor.

Subcontractors are hired to…

Read More > Hiring the right Sub-Contractors

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Renovation Tip #8

Make sure your builder is Health and Safety compliant

In every renovation project there are legal requirements concerning the health and safety of individuals operating, working and going into the work site.

It is against the law to do a renovation without a health and safety plan that ensures the well being of individuals going into the building site.

This is where…

Read More > Ensuring your Safety while Renovating

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Renovation Tip #9

Have a contingency fund for unexpected costs or unforeseen occurrences

Remember with most renovations there are often hidden problems that only come to light when the wallboards come off. Bathrooms are particularly vulnerable to issues around water leaks, but the Leaky Homes issue in recent years has shown that leaks are not limited to this area. Poor quality materials and or workmanship in previous renovations or even the original build may have severe consequences for the work you are planning.

These are things…

Read More > Planning for the worst

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Renovation Tip #10

How to finance your renovation

Financing your renovation project is very important, if you lack the funds then you cannot start or complete your project where delays are likely to happen. Financing your building project is different from buying an existing home, so it is vital that you talk with someone who understands the complexities of financing renovations such as mortgage brokers.

The best time to…

Read More > Financing Your Renovation

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Renovation Tip #11

Your Homeowners Renovation Responsibilities Checklist

It is important that you stay actively involve with your renovation project before, during and after the project is complete. By doing so you can visually see the progress of your project giving you a fair idea of how the end result will turn out.

We have put together…

Read More > Renovation Responsibilities Checklist