Renovating your own house is something that most people would look forward to and why shouldn’t they? The thought of changing your kitchen, bathroom or entire house to give it a complete makeover would get anyone excited.

One of the most important aspect of renovations however is the design process. This article will focus on the design process of a renovation. It will give you some vital interior design ideas that are important for a successful renovation.

The design phase is where all the excitement lies. This phase however can also be a complicated process. it is often difficult to put your ideas and vision into paper. To add to this complication, different members of your family would have different ideas on what they want from your home renovation. There is often a lot of back and forth with your family members which can make it all seem very frustrating. So what should you do?

Meet Orly from Place2Be

As a designer, my highest purpose is to create for my clients a tailor-made design that contains the ideal floor plan, colour scheme, material combination and concept, while considering their goals, style and budget and make sure they are happy with the outcome.

I believe (and it is also scientifically approved) that the environment around us affects our mood, productivity, and energy levels. With my efficient design process, I can help you to create a space where you would feel comfortable, organised and at peace.

Orly Baliti – Interior Designer

Website: https://www.place2be.design/ | Email: orly@place2be.design

Orly specialises in space planning and concept/color consultation which is exactly the kind of person who renovators need in order to get the best outcome from a renovation.

We decided to have a sit down with Orly Baliti who has been an interior designer for over 11 years to discuss various factors that come into play when clients are planning a renovation. She has worked with architects, engineers and builders designing and managing various projects in the commercial and residential sectors.

Here is what we discussed with Orly:

Importance of Planning for renovations and the design phase
How the correct design can add value to your renovation
5 crucial steps in space planning to complement your renovation as told by Orly
Designer Home renovation projects by Superior Renovations in Auckland

Importance of space planning in your design process

When asked what the most important step for success was, Orly had no hesitations saying that it was planning. It was something which resonated with us as that is exactly what we tell our clients when they renovate with us. Your planning should include the following:

Budget planning
Your top priorities for renovating
What outcome you want from your renovation
Research
Timeframes
And the often forgotten one which is space planning.

What is space planning?

If you are wondering what exactly space planning is? Orly explains that space planning is an important aspect of the interior design process. Space planning is an in-depth analysis of how physical space is used in structures. It considers the purpose of spaces and who will use them. Space planning is a process that takes several steps, and its an important component that helps to ensure efficient use of floor space without wasting it. This also shows how you would move within the space. The plan is finally completed by putting details like textures, colours and even furniture in their places to show the overall look and feel of the place.

What can go wrong if space planning is not done well?

Orly explains that there are several things that can go wrong if you do not plan your space properly. If you do not plan your space well then it could lead to several problems once your renovation is completed. Space planning is a part of interior design that goes hand in had with renovations.

You might want a L shaped kitchen with a huge island but did you account for the dining table next to it? Perhaps that L shaped kitchen with an island has left no space for a decent sized dining table. Now you can only buy a 4 seater dining table when in fact you have a 6 person household. Having the right type of kitchen design especially in an open planned kitchen is important. For more kitchen and bathroom design ideas look at our kitchen gallery and bathroom gallery of renovated kitchens/bathrooms in Auckland.

Orly has shortlisted Top 5 things that she has seen with poor space planning.

Bad planning that leads to a space where you cannot fit your furniture
Non functional kitchen layout which leaves little working space
Non functional power points and lighting positions.
Lack of storage
Awkward material and colour combinations

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Storage and Disposable solutions for our client’s kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe

How interior designers are an integral part of a renovation process

An interior designer can really take your renovation to the next level if you make her an integral part of your renovation process.

Orly explains that a lot of her clients renovate to add value to their property, whether it’s for them to enjoy it, rent it or sell in future. We found this to be very true for our clients as well because most of them looked at renovations of a way to add some sort of value to their home. In our experience renovations that add the most value to any home were:

Naturally, you are looking to increase your return on investment and, the last thing you want is to be disappointed by the outcome. You also need to consider that during the renovation, there are lots of decisions to be made and lots of options available.

For example; choosing the right style, colours and materials, planing the lighting, create a better layout to maximise the space, add storage, etc. Confirming these details at the beginning of the renovation is essential to ensure there are no delays when it comes to finishing your home. Orly mentions that she often helps clients choose the materials for their renovation (like kitchen cabinets, tiles and wall paint) to help them realise their overall vision of their renovation.

Full house renovation completed in West Harbour, Auckland

5 Simple steps of space planning as told by Orly

So now that you know that space planning is important for a successful renovation you must be wondering where you should start. Orly says that the most important thing is not to get overwhelmed. Interior designers are there for a reason. It is their responsibility to narrow down the choices for you and make your design process as seamless as possible. She has outlined her 5 Step process to successfully plan a space for her clients.

Step 1: Explore the space and understand your purpose for renovation

Your first step should be have a walk around your space and ask yourself what the use of the space would be? What is the purpose for this renovation and what do you want to achieve? Is there anything you can do without? what would you like to change? Do you have a particular vision or is it a mix of things?

Once you get the answers to these questions, you will be able to prioritise the work that needs to be done, focus on the most critical issues and update your budget accordingly.

Step 2: Defining Zones and Natural Pathways

Take your time to do proper space planning and confirm it meets your needs and lifestyle. Try to define zones depending on their primary use.

If you are after a modern open floor plan where the kitchen, dining room and living room are all connected, it’s necessary to define each area. One way of doing it is adding an island to mark the heart of the kitchen. Just don’t forget to double-check if you have enough space to sit conveniently around it and that it doesn’t block your natural pathways.

You can also use furniture like the back of a sofa or a stylish bookshelf to create boundaries. Alternately you can even set a unique flooring feature to define a space like the living room. Once the spaces and your requirements are clear, you can sketch out the area. It would be useful to do it in scale, so you will be able to visualise how it all works together and achieve a functional layout. This will make shopping for furniture in the future easier.

Step 3: Choosing Colours and Textures

After you finished planning your space, it is time to choose colours and materials. It would be easier to start with tones and textures of design elements such as flooring, tiles, cabinetry, benchtop and splashback. It would be good to consult an interior designer for this process. You can select the wall paint colour last to finish up the look and create a complementing background

Step 4: Create a Mood Board

Collect samples from showroom and suppliers. Gather these materials and finishes to create a mood board. Explore, take your time to compare, see how they all work together. Remember that colours affects our mood and the atmosphere in the room. So don’t try to save time here as this process can definitely save you from making unnecessary mistakes in the future.

Step 5: Lay the actual space in your room with Samples

Once you’ve chosen your favourite colour tones, buy small pots of the paint to make a larger model that you can place around the room. Play around with lightings as things can look very different under different lighting. Also get some samples of textures to put around the room to see how they would look in different spaces.

Full house renovation completed in Epsom, Auckland

So do you need an interior designer for your renovation?

Your renovation company will have a designer on board to design the basic layout. However, if the process of pre-planning and designing your aesthetics sounds challenging to you then you should consult an interior designer. Consider working with an experienced interior designer alongside the builder at the very beginning of the project.

This can save a lot of frustration in the future. An interior designer will help you focus on functionality. The interior designer will also help create best layout and room flow for your needs. This will include furniture placement, kitchen and bathroom design, lighting design and colour consulting.

There’s no need to stress and overwhelmed about the colour, materials and choices in finishes. A skilled Interior designer will recommend and present a cohesive plan of how all the different elements work together. An interior designer and builder working together could yield a remarkable and highly functional space.

Designer home renovation projects by Superior Renovations

1. Urban Luxury home Renovation in Parnell

Our client had a centrally located quaint townhouse in Parnell. While the location was great, it lacked modern conveniences in the kitchen and living space. It was tiny, not functional and aesthetically unappealing. This home was fully renovated with concrete designer floors, changing the location of the kitchen to maximise functionality, adding a luxury modern feel to the bathrooms, building a false wall to install a fire place. See full case study here.

Full Town house renovation in Parnell by Superior Renovations

2. Cottage Style Kitchen Renovation

This was a special kitchen as it was about incorporating natural elements into the kitchen to reflect our client’s country surroundings. The kitchen was dated and was transformed into a chic country style kitchen complete with treated real wood as bench-tops, butler’s sink, floating shelves and cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look see more

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Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland

3. Entertainer’s dream Kitchen and Lounge Renovation

Guru and Neeta from Massey had a closed off kitchen which did not let them enjoy an open plan living. They wanted to renovate to introduce a feel of luxury but also make it an open space which could double as an entertaining space. We opened up the space for them and also extended the kitchen counter towards the lounge to act like a bar. The black and white see more

Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey

4. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. Her inspiration came from the arched hallways when she first bought her home. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry renovation in Stanmore Bay

Further Resources for your house interior design

Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
Real client stories from Auckland

What does an interior designer do?

An interior designer is there to help simplify the process of building or renovating, they do this by working within a client’s brief and budget to create and implement schemes to fit the client’s taste and lifestyle whilst working with the renovation company simultaneously.

When should I hire one?

The earlier into your project the better, If your project is large enough to require plans and drawings by an architect or architectural designer, it can be very useful to have an interior designer look these over, to optimise space planning and interior layout.

Who is Orly Baliti?

Orly is an experienced interior designer, Orly specialises in space planning and concept/color consultation which is exactly the kind of person who renovators need in order to get the best outcome from a renovation.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

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House Renovation

Joanne & Steve Hilson – House Renovated While Being on Holiday

August 21, 20200

Joanne & Steve Hilson

Video testimonial by Joanne & Steve Hilson for their House Renovation completed by Superior Renovations ® located in Greenlane, Auckland.

“Knowing that we weren’t there while it was being done as well was the best part, we were on the beach, and the renovation will be done”

“Working with Kevin and the team was easy because we weren’t having to ring up different suppliers ourselves, it was like one team does this, another team does that – and everything was done for us under one roof. Kevin had a contact for everything, and the experience was simple. You hear a lot of horror stories about doing renovations and I was like, well that was very easy”

The renovation included:

Kitchen Renovation
Removal of wall to become an open plan
Bathroom Renovation
Toilet Renovation
Addition of a New Toilet
New Laundry
New Custom Storage Area
Consent Process

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

House Renovation

Family Homes Vs Investment Properties – Renovation Guide for 2021

August 13, 20200

Are you looking at adding comfort and convenience to your home? Or renovating for an investment property?

Intention or motive is a key factor when planning your home renovation. It will determine your budget, the type of suppliers, raw materials, design and time-frame of your renovation. When you are renovating with the intention of renting it out or selling then your budget can be more limited as you do not have to make the house luxurious.

As long as it is functional and aesthetically pleasing with everything working well then you can look at getting more medium range supplies. However, if you are going to be living in the house then you might want to splurge more on design and luxury along with making it more functional.

In this article we will discuss the following:

We will discuss there broad intentions for renovating a home in Auckland. This guide will provide a comprehensive guide for planning your renovation based on 3 broad categories. It will talk about budget, types of materials that we recommend for the three types of renovations based on your intention to renovate in Auckland.

Renovations for when you want to rent your house in Auckland
When you want to add value to your home to sell in Future
Home Renovations for a family home – to increase functionality and comfort

1. Intention of renting your property

When you are renting your property your two aims should be aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to aesthetics you want to renovate your kitchen and bathroom with a medium range budget. Tenants are looking for a place which is modern and with minimal wear and tear. They also look for homes that are functional so they face the least amount of inconvenience.

Kitchen renovations in Auckland for rentals

Kitchen is one of those places that should always look and feel clean and hygienic. Old Auckland kitchens usually have a dated look about them which make them look aesthetically unappealing. No matter how any times you clean them they always appear slightly worn out and yellow. Hence, giving your kitchen a makeover greatly increases its chances of being rented at a good price. An easy way to renovate old kitchens is to replace the flooring, counter tops and work benches.

You can use mid-range materials for counter tops which will look nice and are durable but will not break your bank. Materials such as laminate, Engineered stone and glass counter-tops could be a great option for the kitchen if you are looking at renting the house out. They look great and will instantly make the home look much more appealing to the tenants. Laminate flooring is also a good option for such kitchens as they look great, are good for the budget and are durable.

Bathroom renovations in Auckland for rentals

If your bathroom is looking grimy then it is best to get it renovated before renting it out. An average bathroom renovation costs about 15K if you are replacing the shower, toilet, adding a vanity and replacing the floors. You can use Vinyl floors or simple tiles for the bathroom at a very reasonable cost. Basic showers and toilets can also be found at a reasonable price. If you are not changing the pluming around then bathroom renovation costs can be done at a very minimal cost.

Adding Rooms

One of the tricks for getting most out of your rental property is to make larger rooms into two different rooms. If you have a two bedroom home then it would be rented for about $550 on an average in most Auckland suburbs. But if your lounge is very spacious, you could erect a wall making a small study out of the lounge. This would give you a third bedroom or study. This would effectively let you increase the rent of your place. The added wall would cost you as much and is almost always possible because there is no structural change if the wall is added inside the house.

Painting in Auckland for rentals

If your home has started looking worn down then a good paint job throughout the house can also prove to be a good investment. The important thing is getting it done by a professional. A good paint job will make all the difference to your home and overall aesthetics of your rental property.

2. Intention of reselling or adding value to your property

If you are thinking of selling your house in the future then you should renovate with the intention of adding value to your home. Adding value does not mean that you have to spend a lot of money to ‘add value’. The perceived value of your home is the buyer’s perception of your home.

They want the foundation and structure of your home to be sound as they do not want to buy something that they will have to put more money into ‘fixing up’. Some of the key elements of the house like kitchen, and bathroom also need to be in good condition so that they do not have to spend money in maintenance like fixing leakages etc or even renovating.

Kitchen renovations and Bathrooms renovations to add value

When trying to sell your home you want to make sure that your bathroom has no plumbing issues, leakage or damage. That is the first thing that you should fix. You do not have to install the latest fixtures or accessories if your present toilet and shower are still in good shape. If they are however dated then it would be a good idea to pull the old bathtub out and install a new shower. The idea is to make the buyer have a higher perceived value of the home.

The kitchen is another aspect of the house that should be looked into before selling your home. If your kitchen is very outdated and has started to look shabby then a change is in order. Change the flooring and pull down the old cabinets to give your kitchen a fresh new look. There is no need for customisation; simply use the most basic cabinets and counter-tops to make it look modern.

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Todd Chandler’s Home renovation in Saint Heliers to Add Value before Selling (see case study below)

Stay away from themes

When selling your home it is good to stay away from modelling your rooms after certain themes. This might actually become detrimental to the sales process as your personal themes might not appeal to the buyer. If you are going for classic themes then it would be okay as classic timeless themes do appeal to most people. We would however not recommend renovating your home keeping a theme in mind as the return on investment for a project like that would not be great.

Painting in Auckland for Adding value

Adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior and interior of your home can also add considerable value to your home in the minds of the buyers. Again, we would advise you to paint in neutral colours as opposed to bold colours. Buyers will be willing to buy a house at a higher price if the house is well painted and looks striking.

Adding a deck to add value to a house

Add a deck to the house to instantly increase the value of your home. If you do not have a deck but do have the space on the outside of your home then we would recommend you to add a deck. The return on investment for building a deck is exponential as buyers would pay much higher for a home which provides them outdoor living.

3. Intention of giving your Family home to add comfort

When it comes to doing your own home renovation, then the options are unlimited. You can renovate your home based on your priority and needs of your family. If modernising your home is a priority then kitchen and bathroom would be the first few things to consider renovating. If you want a stylish makeover then you have plenty of options based on your budget, trends and personal preference for your home renovation.

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Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay for a family home (see case study below)

Kitchen Renovations in Auckland for a family home

If you want more functionality then consider changing the interior of your cabinets to the current shelf storage system trend. These cabinets have custom built shelves in cabinets for different types of appliances. This saves space and adds functionality to your kitchen. There are also numerous styles and designs available for designer kitchens if you want to add a touch of luxury to your home. Most renovation companies have an in-house designer that can help you with the design process and source supplies to complement the style of kitchen you are after.

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Lynette and Henry’s Kitchen renovation was done keeping their lifestyle in mind (see case study below)

Bathroom Renovations in Auckland for a family home

You could renovate your bathroom based on the needs of your family. If you are a growing family then you could convert your en-suite into a separate bathroom and toilet. Or you could convert the bathroom and toilet to make a luxurious en-suite. This type of renovation will really depend on your budget and your needs.

Adding Rooms

You could add or pull down walls to either add rooms or make your current rooms more spacious depending on what you want out of your house renovation.

When doing your own home renovation, you should first ask yourself what you want and how much are you willing to spend. When you have a limited budget then drawing up a priority list is a must. If you have any problem areas like leakage then it is best to tackle that first as opposed to giving your home a makeover. If next on your list is the kitchen due to limited functionality then the best way to go forward would be to increase functionality rather than getting a makeover in terms of design.

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Before the kitchen renovation

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After completion (see case study below)

Featured Projects for Family Homes and Investment Properties

Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough

Our client had a 2 bedroom house in Hillsborough which fetching very little rent due to its state. It was an old house with a very old and dilapidated bathroom and kitchen. Our client renovated the entire house in accordance with the current tenancy laws. The bathroom and kitchen was renovated with mid-range durable and easy to maintain materials see full project specifications

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Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling

Todd Chandler initially started his renovation for the family but then decided to just add value to sell it. We renovated 3 of his old leaky bathrooms with mid-range materials. The entire house was painted and the decks were re-built in accordance to the code of compliance see project specifications

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Full home renovation in Avondale for a 3 generational family living together

A full home renovation with structural changes, making space and room for 3 generations to live with comfort and convenience. This home needed to accommodate three generations with each generation having its unique needs in terms of convenience, comfort and aesthetics see full project specifications

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What are the best rental renovations for my investment?

Rental renovations are very different from Family home renovations. This guide discusses these differences in terms of budgets, materials used and customisation. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the top two renovations that increase rental return for investment properties. You can also read our article on 10 best ways to increase rental returns on our article https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/rental-renovation-and-upgrades/

Do I have to manage my own renovation?

Renovation companies like ours provide a project manager for every renovation who manages the entire renovation as well as all different trades involved.

Do i have to get my own builder, electrician or plumber?

If you are doing your renovation on your own and sourcing all trades then yes. However renovation companies like ours provide our clients with all the different trades which go into any renovation. So we would provide electricians, plumbers, tilers, builders, grouters, painters, plasterers, installers, waterproofer, and project management.

Do i have to get my own products?

Our company will provide all products required to renovate any given area of your home. We have longstanding relationships with our suppliers. We take you to our various supplier showrooms so you can pick and choose your fixtures, flooring, lighting, tiles. For kitchens we built custom cabinets.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

https://tiledepot.co.nz

finance-badge1000x1000 Family Homes Vs Investment Properties - Renovation Guide for 2021

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

We have partnered with Q Mastercard ® to provide you an 18 Month Interest-Free Payment Option, you can enjoy your new home now and stress less.

Learn More about Interest-Free Payment Options*

*Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Mastercard is a registered trademark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

This picture shows the skylights and deck that we renovated in this full home renovation in Auckland

House Renovation

10 Ways To Increase Your Rental Return by Renovating & Upgrading

July 20, 20200

How exactly do you plan a rental renovation?

Planning a rental renovation is very different from renovation your home. A rental renovation is not an emotional investment where you consider the needs and wants of your family members. A rental renovation is all about investing your money in the right upgrades and renovations to get the maximum return on your investment.

You want to add value so you can get a better rental yield and also be able to resell it at a good profit. The materials you choose and the areas you renovate are considerably different from when you renovate your home. It is important to understand this difference so you do not over invest in your renovation.

In this article we will first discuss the following:

What exactly is rental yield
the reasons you should invest in a rental property renovation
whether a rental property renovation is the right thing to do for your current finances.

Finally we discuss in depth the 10 different ways that you can add value to your home and most importantly how you can increase your rental yield. Rental property renovations need a bit more planning than your normal home renovations as you want to be able to get a good return on investment.

Having the right plan is important before you invest into your rental property.

What exactly is rental yield?

If you are a property investor in Auckland, you are either looking at getting the maximum rental yield for your property or renovating to sell for a maximum return on investment. For the purpose of this article, we will be talking about ways in which investors across Auckland can maximise their rental yield through rental property renovations.

Rental yield is one of the most important figures for any landlord. It is basically the rent that they can charge for their investment property. You cannot however charge any number that you desire. The rent a landlord can charge is always in proportion to the value of the property. This is easily explained with an example of a luxury two-bedroom apartment that can yield $900 per week

whereas another 2-bedroom apartment in need of some sprucing up might yield only $450.

At every stage of your investment, you will have to carefully consider your rental yield. What is your realistic rental income versus mortgage payments? Many lenders will require you to show that you can at least get 125% of your repayments in rental income.

Not every renovation is the same or as important to your tenants. Some types of renovations offer more rental value than other renovations. Kitchen and Bathroom renovations are the top two renovations to add value to your property.

However, exactly why do you need to renovate your rental property?

Why should I renovate my rental property?

So it is really worth renovating your rental property? The answer is yes. Even simple renovations to your rental property can bring higher quality tenants who are willing to pay more for a comfortable modern home. They want a home that is functional, has all the modern amenities and is easy to clean and maintain.

Differentiate your property from other competitors by putting some thought into your renovation. Make it attractive for potential tenants and for future buyers.

Expert Tip: Do not renovate your rental property as you would your home. When you are renovating your home, you personalise your renovations according to your taste. However, your taste could be vastly different from your renter’s or buyer’s taste. If you personalise your property, then it could put a potential renter or buyer off the property.

When renovating to rent, choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain. This will make life easier for tenants but more importantly it will ensure that you have lesser wear and tear. Do not choose the most expensive hardwood flooring because you love it. Instead choose laminate flooring to mimic hardwood floors which are of a great quality, easy to clean, and fantastic for your budget.

Top 3 Reasons for renovating a rental property

Improve energy efficiency: Adding energy efficient appliances such as induction cook-top means lesser electricity bills for tenants as well as a great selling point when you plan to sell in the future
Increase property value: By renovating in a thoughtful manner you could add value to your property which would attract higher rent or fetch a higher yield when you plan to sell the home.
Improve renter satisfaction: Include good quality appliances for your renters. Good quality appliances such as dishwashers etc would mean that they will increase renter satisfaction and also there will be fewer fixes that you have to make throughout the tenancy.

Now how much is too much to spend on rental property renovations? Let’s look at budget planning for rental property renovations.

Is a rental property renovation the right thing to do financially?

Research is important when renovating either your home or investment property. But when you decide to renovate your investment property it is even more important to do some thorough research about the market. Your first step would be to see whether you are charging low, median or higher rent as compared to the average rent for similar properties. If you are charging below the median rent then getting the property renovated to add value would be a great idea. However, if you are already charging way above the median rent then renovating to add value would not be great return on investment.

Here are a few questions to think through:

How much will the property cost to renovate?
How much will it allow you to increase the rent if renovating?
How long will it take for you to pay off your cost of renovation with your new rental increase?
How much can you increase the rent of your property realistically for people to want to renovate your property.

Once you have conducted your research, it would be good to contact a renovation company for advice related to the areas that could renovated with the goal of adding value to your property.

Do your research and get several quotes from various companies compare them in terms of what they offer and the costs. Choose a company that can give you a fixed quote in order to avoid future budget blowouts. Also as this is your investment property, you do not want to spend too much time on the property managing things. Choose a company that can provide a Design to Build service while providing a project manager to over see the entire renovation from beginning to end.

10 Improvements to increase rental value of your property through rental property renovations

A lot of landlords see minor upgrades as an expense rather than a long-term investment. Experts suggest that keep the formula simple. Invest in small upgrades that add convenience to a tenant in order to attract a more interest for your property, higher quality tenants and better rental yield. In the long term you will more than make your money back. Following are a few minor upgrades to add convenience:

1. Increase the comfort of your home

Heat pump installation

Adding a heat pumps are an energy efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioning. Summers and Winters in NZ often require either fans or heaters. If you install a heat pump in your home, you are bound to differentiate your home and attract tenants that are willing to pay more for this convenience. You can either get single units for each room, multi-level split units for multiple rooms or ducted heat pumps for central heating. Moreover, central heating will add value to your home when you want to sell in the future.

Insulation for your rental property renovation

A well-insulated house does not only provide health benefits but is also important to ensure the longevity of your property. A house that is not insulated will encourage the growth of black mould which is detrimental to the structure of your home. Black mould can seep into your walls and cause them to crack which in turn weakens the structure of the house.

Homes which are not insulated further deter good quality tenants and retainability of good ones. A home that is not insulated will not attract families as they can prove to be an unhealthy environment for families. Families usually are better tenants who will look after your home better that students etc.

Ensure the longevity of your property and increase rental yield by insulating your property. It should never be mistaken as an expense but an in investment.

Kitchen renovation in Hillsborough

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2. Kitchen upgrades and Kitchen renovation

Gone are the days when a kitchen was a secluded room at the end of the house. Kitchen now is a very integral part of everyday living. Open plan kitchens are not just a trend but a way of living. Apart from structure and layout, easy to clean materials are a must if you want to attract good tenants and retain them. You should also use materials that are not hard to maintain such as hardwood flooring as you cannot guarantee whether your tenant will take good care of it.

Expert tip: Rental properties should never be renovated according to the owner’s personal taste. Too much personalisation can deter tenants as well as future buyers. When renovating an investment property use classic colours and low maintenance materials. Classic colours allow tenants as well as future tenants flexibility to mould the house to their tastes.

We have listed a few ways that you can get the most out of your kitchen renovation if you want to get a higher rental yield or add value to your kitchen.

Flooring Use Laminate or Acrylic if you are redoing your kitchen floors. Laminate and acrylic flooring are low maintenance materials which are easy to clean and cost effective. They can imitate any other type of flooring in terms of texture and looks which make them a highly versatile material. Unlike most cost-effective solutions, they are also very highly durable which means that they increase the longevity of your kitchen floors. In case you do want to change this type of flooring in the future you can do so at a fraction of cost compared to hardwood flooring.

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Property renovation in Avondale (see full case study) – Laminate flooring to imitate hardwood flooring

3. Bathroom Upgrades and renovations

Bathrooms are the second most important thing that rentals and buyers look at after kitchens in a house. Bathroom renovations and upgrades add considerable value to a home and increase the rental yield of a house. Our project managers have put together a few things that you can upgrade in your bathroom to get a maximum return on your investment:

Get your bathroom waterproofed, heated and well ventilated – Moisture is an enemy to your walls and structure. Professionally waterproofing and ventilating your bathroom will ensure the longevity of your property while adding comfort for your tenants. Waterproofing and ventilating your property will save you a considerable amount of money in the future in terms of damages

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Rental renovation in Hillsborough above (see full case study)– We upgraded all fixtures and used low maintenance materials with minimum personalisation. This was an old and run down house but the owner wanted to renovate with the intention of charging above median rent.

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Property renovation in Hillsborough above – Client replaced flooring, basin, shower and toilet with new fixtures. A few changes can make a world of difference in any bathroom. See full case study

Installing new Fixtures – A bathroom with dated fixtures will hardly yield high rent or even a good price when you plan to sell your investment property. Update your dated bathtub for a modern shower to generate more interest for your rental property. Dilapidated bathrooms often deter tenants and buyers alike. Upgrade your toilet, vanity and bathtub in under $12,000 to increase the value of your property as well as rental yield.

4. Painting for your rental property renovation

Painting your house is a great cost-effective way of increasing the appeal of your property and preserving it. Painting a home increases the perceived value of a property which in turn increases its rental yield. Painting walls that have started looking drab will breathe a fresh life into your property which will attract a considerable amount of interest for renters and buyers alike.

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Rental Property Upgrade – Before we painted the entire room

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Rental Property upgrade – After we painted the room

If you have wallpapers on some of your walls, then this would be a good time to remove them and paint your walls. When you are renting out your property it is good to remember that you should be using solutions that will be able to sustain the most amount of wear and tear.

Full Painting in Greenhithe

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Property renovation – We painted the entire house to add value to the property

Hence when painting your investment property, it would be a good idea to get it done with professionals and use oil-based paints. Oil based undercoats and paints are able to withstand a higher amount of wear and tear compared to water-based paints. Oil based paints are more expensive than water-based paints, but it will prove to be a better investment for your money and time.

5. Increase Curb Appeal for your rental property renovation

Aucklanders love to have an outdoor area where they can entertain family and friends during summer. Having a nice deck or outdoor area greatly increases the value of a property and also attracts higher interest from high quality renters. A nicely renovated outdoor area is the first impression your renter or buyers gets of your property.

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Deck renovation in Cockle Bay (see full case study)– We replaced the old deck with a new one as it was dilapidated and unsafe for current use. The property had a lot of unused area around the house so we created a large deck to add value and convenience for clients.

Hence it is a good idea to invest a little money on renovating your deck or patio to a good standard. Deck renovations are inexpensive and a great return on investment for your property whether you are looking at getting a higher rental yield or increasing the value of your property before selling.

6. Minor Landscaping

First impressions count when renters or buyers first see your property in Auckland’s competitive market. The right renters will care if your property is well maintained from the outside. Make sure you keep the garden mowed; the trees mowed and plant a few plants for some added exterior appeal to your property.

When it comes to selling your property, a well landscaped exterior can add between 5.5% to 12.5% to the overall price of your house. While interior design trends might fade, a garden only matures with age which adds additional value to your property. The best way to add value through landscaping is having a plan. An incoherent plan or landscaping can in fact deter tenants and buyers.

Come up with a plan before you start your landscaping project. Take some professional advice, do some research and then commence your project.

7. Change the flooring of your property

Carpets have traditionally been the choice of flooring for living areas of most Auckland homes. Carpets however are difficult to maintain and start to look stained and dirty quite easily. Before we renovate homes, we always ask our clients what their reason for renovating is. This is because this will greatly impact the type of flooring you choose as well as your budget.

As mentioned above, rental and investment properties should make use of low maintenance materials for their renovations. If you have a carpeted rental property which has started looking old and stained, then it is not going to generate much interest in the rental or even buyer’s market.

To increase rental yield, it would be a good idea to rip your old carpets and renovate your rooms with a good quality laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is low maintenance and highly durable which will extend the longevity of your floors. They are also cost effective which means that even if they get ruined during a bad tenancy, they will not be expensive to replace. They also come in various, colours, textures, and designs which means that you can make your rental property aesthetically beautiful generating higher interest.

8. Small Aesthetic changes

If you are unable to invest in upgrades or renovations for your property, then think about making small aesthetic changes to your property. We have put together a few inexpensive ideas that you can implement to differentiate your property from competitors.

Replace old curtains and blinds with new ones to breathe a fresh life into your rooms. Old curtains can also make a room look shabby which is not what you want if you are looking for a higher rental yield.
Change your old stove top for a newer one. Kitchen is on top of the list for most tenants when they go for a house viewing. If you do not want to invest in a full kitchen upgrade, then it would be a good idea to change a few things to make the most out of your investment. An old stove top will deter potential tenants. A good quality stove top will only cost you $500 but even a $10 increase in rent/week due to this would get a good return on investment. The most popular and efficient stoves today are induction ovens. You can also opt for gas depending on your preference.
Change old taps in your bathrooms – Old yellowing and cracking bathroom tap-ware can deter tenants even if it might seem like a small thing. Spruce up your bathroom by changing all tap-ware in your bathroom without breaking the bank.

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BEFORE and AFTER – (see full case study) – Replaced flooring + Bathtub + Taps and Painted the entire bathroom.

Trim and Maintain your garden and landscaping to ensure that your property is in a good and presentable condition. First impressions matter so keep your exterior neat and tidy before viewings.
Change your kitchen bench-tops from old Vinyl to engineered stone bench-top. This can instantly lift your kitchen up and notch and dramatically change its look. Engineered bench-tops are versatile in design and texture so you can play around with it to add to the aesthetics of your kitchen. Engineered stone is very cost effective, durable, easy to clean and will last you a very long time.
Clean before your viewings. It pays to hire professional cleaner to make sure that your property is presented at its best light. Clean the windows, dispose off outside debris, wash the exterior of your home and clean the interiors to attract good tenants who will be willing to pay more for your property. The idea is to sell a dream to the renters of a place they can call a home. Polish your hardwood floors to add some more shine and glamour to your floors.

9. Furnish your home for expatriates as renters

Auckland has many expats living here who come to the country for a few years and then leave. They usually look for a stress-free tenancy which is mostly paid by the company. Their ample rent allows them the freedom to pick houses that are well maintained, aesthetically pleasing and furnished well. High end rental property renovations should include furnishing the house as well to attract expats.

We would not recommend you furnish your property if you do not want to invest much money into your rental. Most renters in Auckland do not want furnished houses as they already have their own or they do not want to pay more for a furnished house.

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Property upgrade and Renovation in Saint Heliers (see full case study)– Client wanted to renovate to add value before either renting as a luxury apartment or even selling.

If you want to attract expats, then you must be able to invest a good sum of money into revamping it. Expats do not want to bother with the hassle of buying furniture as they would be moving in a few years. In saying that, they also will not compromise with a house that is garishly furnished or have inferior quality. This does not mean that you must carry out a full renovation and get the most expensive furniture.

The key is to furnish it with some good quality furniture and a house that is tastefully decorated. You can double your rental yield if you invest some money into upgrading and decorating your property. Tell your agent that you are aiming for expats and take some advice before you begin redecorating. You can get up to $1500 per week for a 2-bedroom home if you upgrade and decorate correctly. Some examples of such houses are luxury apartments in the CBD.

10. Add a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer

Installing a dishwasher, washing Machine and dryer are not mandatory by law but they add great comfort for renters. Rental property renovations should be about including basic amenities to attract good quality tenants. More and more people are looking for properties that will make their life better without any hassle. This is all about getting a higher rental yield that you are currently getting. What tenant will not pay more for a house that has three comforts compared to a house that doesn’t?

Also, remember that you are not competing with every house in the market but a market that is of your choosing. You want to attract renters that are good, will stay for a long time, can pay more and will keep your property in a good condition.

Featured Projects

Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling

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Should i renovate my rental property?

One of the main reasons for renovating rental properties is to save on the ongoing maintenance cost. Renovating your rental property also means that you can attract higher quality tenants and get a better rental yield per week which in turn gives you a better return on your investment.

How can i get higher rent?

Yes you can get higher rent through renovations and upgrades. People will only pay higher rent for a property if it has modern amenities and comfort to be able to justify the rent. Read our full article to see the type of upgrades you can do to get higher rent.

What are the best rental renovations for my investment?

The top rental renovations are Bathrooms, Kitchens, Flooring, Painting and comfortable upgrades like adding a heat pump. The aim is to spruce things up and add a level of comfort that most people are looking for.

If you have any questions about upgrades to add value for better rental yield or explore other options then – feel free to get in touch with the team at Superior Property Services – 0800 199 888

Disclaimer: These cost estimates are based on quotes we’ve sent to past clients and jobs we’ve completed ourselves. This article is offered as a general guide only. The views and information expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency in New Zealand. Any person who relies upon any matter contained in this guide does so entirely at their own risk.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

https://tiledepot.co.nz

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House Renovation

Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

June 18, 20200

As you walk into Tile Depot you are overwhelmed by the sheer scale of their range. We never realised how exciting a tile showroom could be. There were huge Italian tiles, small colourful accent tiles, tiles with various textures, tiles that emulated wood and the list just doesn’t stop. The tile trends are plenty and the process of choosing the right tile is made surprisingly easy when you consult with the Tile Depot ladies.

We met Ruth and Kitty from Tile Depot and it reinforced our conviction that their values fit right in with ours at Superior Renovations. Working, selling and advising about tiles was not their only goal. Working at tile depot helping clients choose the right tile for their spaces was something of a passion.

Ruth has worked in Tile Depot for more than 15 years while Kitty has worked there for almost 8 years. Their knowledge about various tiles, upcoming tile trends and how they affect a space was phenomenal.

As a lot of our clients choose their tiles from Tile depot, it was important for us to understand how their experience was. We had a long conversation with Ruth and Kitty. In our discussion we talked about:

tile trends of 2021
how to select the right type of tiles for your home and situation
tiling mistakes that people should avoid
how tiles can affect the aura of a room.

Top 6 Tile Trends for 2021 by Kitty

1. Large Slabs of tiles

There are many advantages to using larger tiles in small and big spaces alike. Larger tiles make an area look ‘less busy’ says Ruth. There are lesser grout lines which means that when you use a large slab of tile in a small bathroom for example, then your room will look more spacious as opposed to if you use smaller tiles. Choose 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 for your spaces to bring out an elegant and spacious look for any room.

2. Tiles with Patterns

Gone are the days when tiles were just used for convenient clean up your bathrooms and kitchen. The conventional use of tiles has long been past. They are now used to add personality and aura to the room. Tiles used as feature walls or as a pattern on the wall have become very popular. 2021 will see a rise in the use of patterned tiles to add character to a room or as a feature wall. These vintage designs bring in some old-world charm to the modern homes of today.

A wide range of contemporary patterned tiles that can be used in a number of ways to add character to a room (Tile Depot, 2020)	Navy Artisan tiles used as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)
BrickOne Rosso Tiles used as a feature wall in the living room (Tile Depot, 2020)

3. Colours – Earthy tones

Accent tiles and splashbacks have become very popular in earthy tones. Earthy tones exude a feeling of warmth and create a calm rustic look for any space. Earthy tones draw their inspiration for natural elements such as the sun, earth, sky, and greenery. Most Italian tiles fall into this category adding a Mediterranean look when used in any room. This Tile trends has been growing for a few years and is set to rise in 2021.

Casablanca-Red-as-a-warm-earthy-tone-Room Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Casablanca Red adding a warm and earthy touch to a bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Earthy May Olive and Fern (Tile Depot, 2020)

4. Vibrant coloured tiles – the Casablanca collection

Tile trends are seeing a growth in the minimalist look with streamlined modern designs has also meant the growth of Vibrant tiles as accent walls or splashbacks. This is so people can add a ‘pop’ of colour to an otherwise neutral interior. The Casablanca collection at Tile Depot consists of a diverse range of bright and vibrant colours that can be used in any setting or space. Use Casablanca Black in your bathroom for an industrial look or Casablanca red to create a playful rustic look.

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Casablanca Sky Blue as a feature wall in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Casablanca Orange (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Casablanca Bottle Green as a splash-back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

5. Textured Feature walls

Traditionally textured tiles were only used around fireplaces and foyers. Textured have seen a growth in tile trends as feature walls as it generates interest and brings an essence of the outdoors into your home. The Lyon range at Tile Depot can be cleverly used as a feature wall in bedrooms and living areas.

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Textured tiles in the bathroom (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Textured Bronze Sky tiles used as a splash back in the kitchen (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Textured Black as a back-splash (Tile Depot, 2020)

6. Metal Range

Mixing elements of metal along with tiles is another growing trend to bring out an industrial look. Mix metals as patterns in your living room to make a unique pattern or simply use it as accent tiles in your kitchen.

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Metallic Stone Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Metallic Rock Silver Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

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Metallic Rock Bronze Tile (Tile Depot, 2020)

Your needs as a Family greatly determine the types of tiles suited for you

Your needs as a family can be a huge factor on the type of tiles you choose for your home. Your needs as a family with young children would be very different compared to if you have elderly relatives living with you. When thinking about elders you should think of functionality more than just what the current tile trends are.

Ruth explains in greater detail on the types of tiles suited for various types of family and the importance of choosing your tiles with great care. Look at our chart below to understand the types of tiles suited for your home.

Young Families

Families with young children lead busy lives especially if they also have a career to juggle. Low maintenance tiles which prove easy to clean and are durable are their top priority.

Recommended tiles:

Matte Finish tiles: Always remember the smoother the tiles the more slippery they will be. To avoid accidents and mishaps, choose matte finish tiles for your home.
Smooth tiles: Avoid textured tiles for families with young kids as they are harder to clean when compared to smooth tiles.

Low-Risk-Tile-Porceline-tile Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

An example of Low-Risk Porcelain tile

Moderate-Risk-Tile-Microban-surface Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

An example of a Moderate Risk Tile

Families with Elders

Anti-slip tiles are vital for elders and people with disabilities. The common misconception is that you can use outdoor tiles inside your home to avoid accidents due to slipping. This however is not true as outdoor tiles should never be used indoors.

Recommended tiles:

Matte Finish – Smoother the tiles the slipperier they are. Hence use matte finish tiles to avoid any unwanted accidents.
Antislip ratings – Tiles are rated between R9 to R13 with a standard interior tile having a rating of R9. If you are tiling an area that is at a slope, then it would be wise to choose one with a higher rating. The higher the rating the more slip-resistant it is.
LifeMark Range R10 – Lifemark range that has been tested with slight slip resistance which is good for bathroom/shower, so if any household that is elderly, adult that has been injured or with young kids they should consider looking at the Lifemark range for a better slip resistance

Lifemark-bathroom Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

A bathroom with LifeMark Tiles on the floor (Tile Depot, 2020)

Kitty shares the top 3 mistakes people make while choosing tiles for their home

1. Choosing small tiles for small spaces

As mentioned above, this is a very common mistake that people make when choosing tiles for their home. If your space is small, then choose large slabs of tiles to avoid breaks (in form of grout lines) between tiles.

2. Not buying extra tiles

It often happens that people buy the exact number of tiles that they require to tile a certain room. Kitty says that it is wise to buy an extra box of tiles for the future. It is common that stores discontinue a certain model of tiles which means that if something goes wrong in the future and you have to replace a tile then you might not be able to buy the exact one from the store again. In this case you might have to re-tile the entire area. To avoid this its best to have a spare box of tiles that you can use in case of any future mishap.

3. Always take a sample tile home before committing to the purchase

How a tile looks inside the store is very different to what it will look like in your bathroom. Factors like natural lighting of your bathroom and the layout greatly determine the shade of light that your tile will appear as. Hence its good to ask for a sample of the tile that you like and see how it looks inside your room.

Featured Projects

Full home Renovation in Parnell

This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell but the kitchen was tiny and lacked counter space. We completely changed the layout of this kitchen by first moving it from the left side of the area to the right. We then added cabinets in the dining area as an extended storage space. This cabinet featured shelves with internal lights which could be opened when required. The 3D textured Tile backplash was the star of of the kitchen. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications see more

DSC07315-1000-1 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

DSC07314-1024x682 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Spanish Style Kitchen, Bathroom and Laundry renovation in Auckland

Mary Stuart’s renovation was as much as a credit to her as it was to our designers and renovators. She had a clear vision tearing of converting an old closed off kitchen into an open and spacious Spanish style rustic kitchen. The use of mosaic tiles as feature strips in her kitchen and bathroom truly incorporated a Spanish feel to her Auckland kitchen. She was not afraid of bold colours and wanted to convert her bathroom and kitchen into a rustic villa reminiscent of Spain right her in Auckland see more

renovations-auckland-11-1024x681 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

renovations-auckland-7-1024x681 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

kitchen-ideas-by-superior-renovations-9-1024x681 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

DSC06418-1000 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Renovation Projects with Subway Tiles

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers – Subway tiles used on Bathroom walls

Avondale home renovation – Subway tiles used as a backsplash in the kitchen

West Harbour home renovation – Subway tiles used in Kitchen and Bathroom

Craig and Amber’s home renovation – Subway tiles used in the Kitchen

d064-H2105474-hires.20233-WEB12-300x200 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

IMG_9598-1000-300x200 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

kitchen-ideas-by-superior-renovations-44-300x200 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

DSC05546-1000 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Ambury-Rd-1024x768 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Ambury-2-1024x768 Emerging Tile Trends (2021) by Tile Depot (+common mistakes to avoid)

Further Resources

Ideas for Bathroom renovations in our bathroom renovation gallery of bathrooms we have renovated in Auckland
Ideas for Kitchen renovations in our kitchen renovation gallery for kitchens we have renovated in Auckland
Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
Real client stories from Auckland

Is flooring included in my renovation?

We provide a full service to renovate any given area. So if we are renovating your bathroom then flooring will be included in our service to renovate your bathroom. This applies to all the rooms in the house. We can also do just flooring for your entire house which means that we will design, supply, install and project manage your flooring project.

Do you work with Tile Depot?

Tile depot is one of our partners for flooring for renovations. We have been working with Tile Depot for quite a while and we often take our clients there to select tiles for their renovations.

Will you help me with the design process for selecting tiles?

Our project manager along with our design team will help you select the right type of tiles for your renovation. We also rely on the expertise of the Tile depot staff to help our clients make the right choice in tiles.

What type of tiles should i be using for my bathroom?

Our designer can help you with choosing the right type of tile depending on your design preference and the type of family situation you have. You can also read our article on bathroom design trends to have a better understanding of what most clients prefer these days https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/16-top-trends-in-bathroom-tile-design-for-2019/

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

https://tiledepot.co.nz

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Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

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House Renovation

Cost to build a new garage in Auckland – Superior Renovations®

May 23, 20200

In New Zealand, 92% of households have at least one vehicle according to One Roofs (2019) research so it’s not a surprise that most home buyers and renters are looking for property that has a garage. Does it actually add any value to the property? Not as much as people think but in short, it adds 2-3% to the sale price of the house – however it’s different for all locations (eg it will be perceived as more valuable in an area like Central Auckland, people are paying $50,000 to $75,000 just for a car park)

“In many locations, prices for properties with garages were in line with median values – in other words having a garage is the normal market expectation,” says says Valocity’s director of valuation, James Wilson.

This trend of having a garage is also reflected in the new builds in recent years with the majority having an internal garage. Today 87 percent of garages are internal (known as under main roof, or UMR in council parlance) in Auckland.

In our recent blog on converting a garage to a granny flat, we’ve found that it’s not limited to just using it to store a vehicle, here are some examples of other uses:

Work from the home area/ office
Gym area
Gaming/Entertainment area
Hobby room
Storage
Laundry
Workshop

If converted, it can also be used as an extra bedroom or 2nd dwelling, or to be rented out for extra income. The options are endless hence why it’s a popular demand for most home buyers/renters.

There are of course a lot of different options to consider when you’re building a garage as such, internal garage, detached garage, materials, extra facilities and size. A custom built garage can start from $40,000 (low end) up to $100,000 for a high end garage.

New Garage Cost Calculator

Have you tried our new garage cost calculator? this might help you give you a better idea of cost, check it out here.

Cost to build a garage calculator nz

Are there cheaper options to get a new garage?

There are cheaper options such as kit-set garages constructed from Aluminium and Galvanized steel that starts from $4,000 up to $10,000 (comes unassembled) from sites such as Trade Tested.

gd4472a-ironsand-1c Cost to build a new garage in Auckland - Superior Renovations®

Image from Trade Tested: https://www.tradetested.co.nz/sheds-carports/garages/single-garage-4-4m-x-7-2m-widespan-ironsand.html

This doesn’t include installation costs, foundation works, consents, and custom work required. Any building above 10 sqm with all four sides enclosed requires consent and the cost of consent can vary dependant on where you’re located. However on their website, it does say that it comes with come with assembly instructions, Specifications and diagrams.

Here’s an example – https://www.tradetested.co.nz/sheds-carports/garages/single-garage-4-4m-x-7-2m-widespan-ironsand.html

In this article, we explore options about building a new garage from scratch at three different price points. Keeping in mind that this is only to be used as a guide for research purposes.

What factors determine the cost of building a garage?

The size of the garage

You can actually build any size garage you want if it’s detached, and if you are legally allowed. With that said, there are standard size garages that most homes adhere to which are:

Double garage: 6m x 6m with a 5.2m door width
Single Garage: 3.4m (wide) x 5.8m with a 2.6m door width

Dependant on the size of the garage, this affects the cost in terms of labour and material costs. In most newly built homes in Auckland, a single garage is smaller in length than a double garage and this is due to size constraints of the block of land the house is built on.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Like any build, preparing the site prior to construction is an essential part of the project. It’s very difficult to give an estimate for this because it varies for every property dependant on the current condition of the ground, whether levelling is required, foundation work, amount of demolition work, and clearing/landscaping work required.

Foundation

If you’re building a detached garage or extending your home to build a garage, then no doubt foundation will be required prior to the build and it’s normally slab foundation in most cases. It will also be required if you’re extending from your existing house to build the new garage.

Walls for the garage

After the framing of the garage is complete, you’ll need to consider what you want for the garage walls such as if you want insulation, have it covered up with gib, or leave it as a frame (which is fine if you’re just using it for storage). Basic dry wall for an interior costs around $750 to $1,500, while insulation for new construction costs about $500, assuming it’s pink batt insulation.

plastering-house-2 Cost to build a new garage in Auckland - Superior Renovations®

cost of building new garage

Exterior material of the garage

Once of the framing is done, you’ll also need to decide what material you want for the outside of the garage; and it really depends on what is important to you, whether it’ costs, or appearance (to match the house) or longevity.

Typical materials for siding and trim for a garage include:

Aluminum
Fiber cement
Vinyl
Stucco
Wood

Roof type for the garage

Like the choice of material for the exterior of the garage, your choice of material for the roof also depends on what is important to you. The most common choice for homes is asphalt shingle but this is not the case for garages. For most Auckland garages, aluminum is the most popular choice due to durability and being cost effective.

Typical materials for garage roof:

Metal from $50 per square metre
Membrane from $75 per square metre
Concrete and clay from $60 per square metre
Slate from $200 per square metre
Copper from $250 per square metre
Asphalt from $60 per square metre

Utilities

It’s common to have electricity running to the garage, which provides for wiring the garage door opener, installing lights, and at least one electrical outlet. However in addition to this, you may also want to have water running in the garage. All these additional features will require consent, if you’re building a garage that includes living space (2nd dwelling) then you’ll also require resource consent. You will pay between $60 and $90 an hour for an electrician when building your garage and expect the wiring to take anywhere from 4 to 16 hours, depending on the scope of the job and if excavation is required, expect a total of $240 to $1,440 in electrical work.

Flooring

Most garages in Auckland are concrete slab foundation but you also have an option to put in industrial carpet (for a Single garage – $500 – $700 & Double garage – $1,000 – $1,300) which is becoming a lot more common especially if you’re planning on using the space for other purposes (besides parking the vehicle). You can also look at sealing the concrete flab foundation or coat it in epoxy to help it last longer, at a rate of around $600.

Garage-Images Cost to build a new garage in Auckland - Superior Renovations®

Image credit: https://carpetcourt.nz/faq-garage-carpet/

Important Design Principles for Garages

These are design principles communicated by the Auckland Council, your architect will be aware of this when they’re drafting up plans for consent but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re still researching and deciding whether to build a new garage or not. For the full document by Auckland Council, visit http://content.aucklanddesignmanual.co.nz/regulations/design-for-the-rules/Documents/Design_Element_R3-Garages.pdf

R 3.1 Garage doors should generally be set back a minimum of 0.5m from the front facade of the house. This helps make the habitable rooms of a house more visually prominent than the garage.
R 3.2 A garage should be no more than half the width of the street elevation of the house. This design principle also applies to shared driveways serving more than 10 dwellings if the principal pedestrian entrance to dwellings is accessed from the driveway.
R 3.3 Garage doors should be setback a minimum of 5m from a site’s front boundary, this ensures that any car parked in front of the garage does not hang over the public footpath.
R 3.4 Large garage doors can present a visually blank frontage when viewed from the street. Consider ways in which the design of garage doors can provide visual interest while remaining in keeping with the design and character of the dwelling. This could include dividing double garage doors into two single garage doors, and/or the use of various design elements such as windows, smaller scale panels and changes in materials or colour.
R 3.5 For developments involving multiple dwellings, consider providing vehicle access from a rear service lane, this avoids creating a series of garages and vehicle crossings on to the street.
R 3.6 Maintain clear visibility to the road and footpath from driveways. This ensures vehicles exiting a site are able to see passing pedestrians, including children. Keeping fencing low or visually transparent near the driveway can help with this.
R 3.7 It is recommended that at least 50% of the front yard must be landscaped and separate from vehicle areas.

How much does it cost to build a garage on a basic budget?

For the basic garage, the average build cost is $35,000 which includes timber framing, foundation, roofing, manual garage door, and aluminium exterior. You’ll be a single bay garage within this price range, however 2 bay garages can be achieved dependant on choice of material.

How much will it cost to build a garage on a mid-range budget?

For a mid-range garage, the average build cost is $50,000 which includes a double garage, seal concrete floor, plasterboard walls, automated garage door, electricity and maybe running water. Some clients will also choose have plasterboard put on top to form a ceiling, but it all depends on your needs – without it means you could utilise that space as storage.

How much will it cost to build a high-end garage?

For a high-end garage, the average build can start at $60,000 and then go up from there dependant on added amenities. With this price range, you’ll be able to get more parking spots, added space for office, bathroom, storage and it will be powered. The flooring could be a combination of garage carpet or polished concrete, the options available become a lot more at this price range. You’ll also have more choice with the material of the roof, exterior and garage door.

Garage Type	Average Cost
Basic Garage	$35,000
Mid-Range Garage	$50,000
High-End Garage	$60,000 +

New Garage Cost Calculator

Have you tried our new garage cost calculator? this might help you give you a better idea of cost, check it out here.

Cost to build a garage calculator nz

How about the cost of building an attached garage?

For an attached garage, we would normally classify it as an extension and there are more factors to consider due to changes to be made to an existing property. The cost of an attached garage, or if you’re converting an existing space to a garage can go from $60,000 – $100,000 +

Garage Door Costs

While there are double garage doors, which uncover both cars at once, it is more common to have one door for each vehicle stored in the garage so that each has its own access.

Garage doors come in several materials, each of which has attributes to consider:

Door material	Cost for single door
Vinyl	$500 – $800
Aluminium	$750 – $1,500
Fiberglass	$1,050 – $2,150
Wood	$1,250 – $2,600
Steel	$1,400 – $2,100

Garage Door Opener Costs

The price of a garage door opener varies depending on the model, but you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 supply and installed.

General Garage Building Process

Keeping in mind that this is just a basic process, every project is different and comes with it’s own challenges and there are a vast range of variables based on each and every clients needs.

The ground is cleared and levelled
Pouring of concrete to form foundation slab
A frame is laid, and the walls and roof are erected
The interior frames are put up (if any)
Roof is put up to minimise chances of moisture ingress
Exterior cladding is to be done
Installing of insulation
Electrical work is carried out
Plasterboard is put up against the walls (or left bare)
Shelving or storage units may be installed
Flooring is done (either sealing the concrete or putting in garage carpet)
If there is no driveway currently, one will be constructed, and the new garage doors will be installed and hooked up.
Any windows will also be installed.

Attached vs Detached Garage

There are big differences between the two and one involves alterations to an existing property – and requires the old structure to connect with the new, so the level of complexity in an attached garage is a lot higher than a detached garaged. But in saying that, most people prefer an attached garage because of the convenience of not having to go outside.

However, the benefits of a detached garage (other than being more cost-effective) is that there won’t be any exhaust fumes going into the home. The decision all comes down to personal preference (what you plan to use the garage for) and your property (what can and can’t be done). There isn’t really a straightforward answer to this question of one or another.

What are the current trends in Garages?

Battery Backup – Garage doors run on electricity. If the power goes out, you won’t be able to open the garage door – so a backup battery system can help, and not only for the garage but for the house.
Exterior Lighting – If you have an outdoor area or space, it is a good idea to look at installing outdoor lighting around the garage to utilise the space around it.
Gutters and water tanks – Your new garage should have the same gutters as the rest of your home to direct rainwater away from the structure but you can also consider using this to collect water into a water tank – and this can be used for gardening.
Office/ Gym – Garages are not only used for cars, but if the space allows, creating a separate space as an office/ gym has been quite popular in recent years.
Workshop Area – Garages can be used for many things, including workspaces. So when you’re building your garage, have a think about storage and the equipment you own.

Additional Considerations and Costs

Adding a garage to your property typically has a return on investment of 60% to 80%.

If your workplace uses flammable items in the garage, keep in mind that there is a danger of fire for not only the garage but your entire home. This risk is lowered for detached garages.

Consents are required for detached garages over 10sqm, and is required for attached garage. Resource consent may be required as well is it’s going to be an additional dwelling. Please check with Auckland council or consult with an architect to ensure you’re building within the regulations.

A few more important things to know when building a garage

Make sure you talk to a project manager and an architect

So you understand your regions regulations and zoning laws, it’s different for all regions, but it would give you an idea of what can be done as a starting point.

Decide if you want an attached or detached garage

There is a big difference between the 2, the process/cost for each is also vastly different – once you’ve spoken to an architect to see what can be done, and what the challenges are (from the builder), from there you can generally make an informed decision.

Make a choice between a single and double garage

You’ll need to decide how big you want the garage if the space allows, this decision is made before any plans are done otherwise you’ll be making unnecessary changes along the way.

Plan your driveway carefully

If you already have a carport, your current driveway may be sufficient. If you don’t, and you need to build a driveway to the new garage – you’ll need to make sure there is enough space and allowance (with the boundary) that it will be permitted. Check this first before deciding where to build the garage.

Think about the design

It’s not something people think about when it comes to building a garage, but it does take up quite a bit of space, so making sure it’s consistent with the current look of your house, and keeping in mind the street appeal is still important.

Be clear on how much you’re willing to spend

Like any renovation or build, it’s very easy to get carried away especially with unnecessary features/ amenities that you didn’t originally planned for. So have a fixed budget in mind for your build and work within that budget, then decision making becomes a whole lot easier.

New Garage Cost Calculator

Have you tried our new garage cost calculator? this might help you give you a better idea of cost, check it out here. Cost to build a garage calculator nz

To conclude

If you’re thinking about building a garage, preparing and planning is very important and this includes choosing the right company to carry it out. Budget blow outs happen in projects that are either not properly managed, budget not made clear from the start, choosing the wrong materials, not having a contingency budget for unforeseen expenses, or not anticipating an expense. Like all renovations, it’s very easy to overspend when there’s such a wide range of options and price ranges – but being clear from the start and having a plan to work within will help making decision making during the project a whole lot easier. Lastly, as you’ve read in the article, there are many variations and factors that come into play when building a garage so make sure you negotiate a fixed price contract with your builder/renovation company to ensure no surprises – and be clear on what is not included so this is built into your budget.

Please note: Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.

To wrap up

How much does it cost to build an attached garage?

The average cost to build a two-car garage in Auckland is around $50,000 – $100,000 +

Does a new garage add value to the property?

Yes, based on sales prices with and without a garage, on average there is a 2-3% increase but it varies in different regions.

How much does it cost to build a single detached garage?

The average cost for a garage this size is around $35,000.

What insulation should I use for garage walls?

We would recommend pink batts as it’s commonly used in most Auckland homes.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

finance-badge1000x1000 Cost to build a new garage in Auckland - Superior Renovations®

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House Renovation

What Renovations Need Building Consent In Auckland?

April 12, 20200

If you’re thinking of renovating and have been doing some research, then there no doubt that the term “building consent” has come up once or twice. Most people would try to avoid renovations that require building consent, and builders/renovation companies are guilty of this as well for a number of reasons such as:

It’s too complicated dealing with the council
It might uncover more things that need to be done
Building consent related works sounds too expensive
It will create unnecessary issues during the project
It will create unnecessary delay
And the list goes on

However, it’s not all true – we will generally weigh up both sides (with and without consent) and draft up an action plan with scope of works that reflect both. The deciding factor really comes down to matching the scope of works (client’s requirements) with their budget; and whether that requires building consent or not – we manage the process for the client.

Building Consent applications needs to be included project documentation and specifications which identify the compliance path used for each aspect of building performance, with evidence to show how that will be achieved.

If you are renovating, always do your own research into what requires consent – you may find that different builders have different opinions on the situation, and may make suggestions that favour them.

We suggest looking at the following Government sites for up to date information:

Building.govt.nz
Aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
And legislation.govt.nz

So, what renovations require building consent?

Have a look at the list below (put together by the team at lodge.co.nz)

Renovation	Consent needed?	Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) needed?
KITCHEN
New cabinetry	No	No
New sink and tapware	No	Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Stove/cooktop install	No	Yes, regardless of whether you use gas or electricity.
New rangehood install	No	Yes (electrician)
Removing a wall to modify kitchen size	Yes	Yes
New counter and/or splashback	No	No
Re-flooring kitchen	No	No
BATHROOM
New sink and tapware	No	Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Shower/bath install (including re-tiling shower)	No	Only if you’re modifying the set up of the plumbing and/or drainage.
Removing a wall to modify bathroom size	Yes	Yes
Installing new vanity and cabinets	No	No
Re-flooring bathroom	No	No
Installing an extractor fan and/or heat lamp	No	Yes (electrician)
INTERIOR
Repainting	No	No
Adding new lights	No	No
Adding new powerpoints	No	Yes
Recarpeting/flooring	No	No, but we recommend using a professional to install it
Re-gibbing walls	No, unless they are part of an exterior wall	No
Insulating interior walls	No	No
Insulation exterior facing walls	Yes	Yes
Removing/adding a wall to modify room size	Yes, if a structural wall is being removed	Yes
Adding a new room	Yes	Yes
Installing a woodburner or air-conditioning system	Yes	Yes
EXTERIOR
Re-roof home	Yes	Yes
Replace external cladding	Yes	Yes
Repainting cladding	No	No, but you will need to use scaffolding on anything high enough to present a fall risk
Add a deck	Yes, if over 1.5m high	Yes, if over 1.5m high
Replace fence	No, unless over 2.5m high	No, unless over 2.5m high
New driveway	No, unless it differs from the council blueprints	No
Building an ancillary dwelling (i.e. a granny flat)	Yes	Yes
Converting a garage into a room	Yes	Yes
New shed	Yes, if greater than 10m2 in floor area	Yes, if greater than 10m2 in floor area
Swimming pool and fence	Yes	Yes
Retaining wall	No, unless higher than 1.5m	No, unless higher than 1.5m
Garden trellis	No, unless over 2.5m high	No
Exterior home maintenance (e.g. replacing a weatherboard or piece of spouting)	No	No

How much does it cost for the building consent?

Check out the table below from Auckland City Council, it is subject to change so please check it directly from their website for the most up to date figures. We’ve put a list of references at the end of this article to guide you to the right page. Please note that all prices at inclusive of GST.

Pre-application meetings

Description	Fee
Building consent – standard pre-application meeting	$311 (fixed fee)
Building consent – complex pre-application meeting	$311 processing deposit (additional charges by the hour)
Fire engineering brief meeting	$311 (limited to 1 hour, hourly rates apply thereafter)

Building applications

Description	Processing deposit	Inspection deposit	Total deposit
Project value up to $1999	$500	$288	$788
Project value $2000 to $4999	$840	$432	$1272
Project value $5000 to $19,999	$1100	$576	$1676
Project value $20,000 to $99,999	$1925	$720	$2645
Project value $100,000 to $499,999	$2775	$1440	$4215
Project value over $500,000	$4620	$1728	$6348

Code compliance certificate

Description	Total deposit
Project value up to $19,999	$152
Project value $20,000 to $99,999	$355
Project value $100,000 to $499,999	$533
Project value $500,000 and over	$853

Do you need a building consent for a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation?

When you’re renovating a kitchen or bathroom, whether you need to apply for building consent or not can be a bit tricky, and it’s not always so clear – here are some examples of what may require consent, and what doesn’t.

You are unlikely to require a building consent to:

re-position or replace sanitary fixtures (e.g. a bath, bidet, wash hand basin, shower or toilet pan) within an existing home bathroom
move a toilet pan from a toilet compartment into an adjacent existing bathroom
remodel an existing kitchen within the same space, leaving the kitchen sink in the same position
move an existing home laundry tub to a new location to an adjacent room
relocate or remove an existing hose tap
remove a bath with a shower over it, and replace it with a new proprietary shower enclosure and a new bath within the existing bathroom space.

You will need a building consent to:

install a tiled wet area shower – as it involves critical building work that is not sanitary plumbing, such as carpentry and installing waterproof membranes
move a vanity, bath, and shower within an apartment of a multi-level building – as it may involve new penetrations through a fire separation
add a shower, hand basin, and toilet to an ensuite – as these sanitary fixtures are additional to those already existing in the building.

Where sanitary plumbing work could adversely affect the performance of structural elements, such as floor joists or wall framing, this work may require a building consent. You are required to obtain a building consent if the work involves adding an additional sanitary fixture to your house – for example, a new bath, new toilet – where there was not one previously.

A building consent is not required for a range of general building repairs, maintenance, and replacement of parts

This information can be found on building.govt.nz – you’ll also find many specific examples on the website that clarifies what is determined as “general” repair, maintenance or replacement.

What the law says

Subject to section 42A of the Building Act, Schedule 1 exempts the following from a building consent:

The repair and maintenance of any component or assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that comparable materials are used.2. Replacement of any component or assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that: (a) a comparable component or assembly is used; and (b) the replacement is in the same position.3. However, subclauses (1) and (2) do not include the following building work:(a) complete or substantial replacement of a specified system; or(b) complete or substantial replacement of any component or assembly contributing to the building’s structural behaviour or fire-safety properties; or(c) repair or replacement (other than maintenance) of any component or assembly that has failed to satisfy the provisions of the building code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the building code; or(d) sanitary plumbing or drainlaying under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.

Understanding Consent Requirements for Bathroom Renovations in NZ

When you’re planning a bathroom renovation in New Zealand, it’s crucial to determine whether you need consent. According to the guidelines provided by Building.govt.nz and Auckland Council, not all bathroom renovations require consent, but there are specific instances where it is mandatory.

When You Don’t Need Consent

For minor renovations or maintenance that doesn’t affect the structure or weathertightness of your home, you typically don’t need consent. Examples include:

Replacing old fixtures with new ones (like-for-like replacements).
Painting, tiling, and other cosmetic changes.
Installing new cabinetry or vanities, provided they don’t require plumbing changes.

When You Do Need Consent

However, certain renovations do require building consent. These include:

Structural Changes: If you’re moving walls or altering the structure of your home.
Plumbing Work: Significant changes to the plumbing system, such as moving a toilet, installing new pipes, or modifying drainage systems.
Waterproofing: Ensuring the bathroom is properly waterproofed is critical. If your renovation impacts the waterproofing layer, you may need consent.
Adding Windows or Doors: Changes to the exterior that affect weathertightness

So, do you need consent to renovate your bathroom in NZ? It depends on the scope of your project. For minor cosmetic changes, you’re likely in the clear. However, for more substantial renovations involving structural changes, plumbing, or waterproofing, obtaining the proper consents is essential. Always check with your local council to get specific guidance tailored to your situation.

Do I Need Consent to Renovate Kitchen NZ?

When planning a kitchen renovation in New Zealand, it’s important to determine whether you need building consent. The guidelines from Building.govt.nz and Auckland Council help clarify this.

When You Don’t Need Consent

For minor kitchen renovations that don’t affect the structure or weathertightness of your home, you typically don’t need consent. These include:

Replacing existing cabinets, countertops, and appliances without altering their locations.
Painting, tiling, and other non-structural cosmetic changes.
Installing new fixtures (sinks, taps) in the same positions.

When You Do Need Consent

However, certain types of renovations do require consent. These are:

Structural Changes: Moving or removing walls, adding windows, or making changes that affect the structure of your home.
Plumbing and Electrical Work: Significant changes to plumbing or electrical systems, such as installing new pipes, relocating the sink, or adding new electrical outlets.
Ventilation and Gas Fitting: Installing or altering ventilation systems, or making changes involving gas appliances.
Waterproofing: If the renovation impacts areas that require waterproofing, such as around sinks or dishwashers.

So, do you need consent to renovate your kitchen in NZ? It largely depends on the scope of your project. Minor cosmetic updates typically don’t need consent, but significant structural, plumbing, electrical, or waterproofing changes do. Always check with your local council to get precise guidance for your specific renovation.

What renovations require resource consent?

A resource consent is completely different to a building consent, a resource consent is a formal approval from your council to do something that they haven’t clearly identified in their unitary plan as either permitted or prohibited. Also keep in mind that the unitary plan differs for different zones around Auckland – so make sure you know what rules apply in your zone. Normally your architect/planner will check this as part of their feasibility study, and this is done prior to drafting plans.

You’ll need to apply for resource consent if your renovation includes things like:

using or subdividing land
taking water
discharging contaminants in water, soil or air
using or occupying coastal space.

If a proposal/scope of works sits within the Building Controls in the District or Unitary Plan, Resource Consent will often not be necessary. You can check Auckland’s Unitary Plan here: https://unitaryplanmaps.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/upviewer/ – but again, we suggest talking to an architect or planner if you’re not familiar with interpreting the plans.

If you don’t need resource consent but want confirmation, a council can issue a certificate of compliance for permitted activities. This confirms that the activity is lawfully established in relation to the Resource Management Act. However, you may still need a building consent or need to meet our district requirements.

Talking to your local building consent authority (BCA) is also a good idea. If the scope of what you are planning is slightly beyond the exemption listed in on their website, for example, the BCA has discretion as to whether or not it will require a building consent.

We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions, we’ve included all the references below that was used to develop to article so you can read further. If you do have further questions about consents, feel free to let us know by emailing us or by filling in a form – we will then forwarded it onto our Architect to follow up.

To wrap up

How much does it cost for the building consent application?

The cost starts at $788 for projects up to the value of $1999, and $2645 for projects up to $99,999 - the cost is dependant on the value of the project.

Do you need a building consent for a kitchen and/or bathroom renovation?

It's generally not required unless there is going to be alterations to the structure of the building (removal of a wall) or additions to sanitary fixtures.

Where do i find the most up to date information about consents?

We suggest visiting the government websites such as building.govt.nz, aucklandcitycouncil.govt.nz and legislation.govt.nz - main reason is because this information is continually updated. Talk to an architect or a planner will also help because they will be able to interpret the information for you.

Does adding an extra toilet require a building consent?

Yes it does, because you'll be added an extra sanitary fixture that wasn't there before - so you will need to apply for building consent for this.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

References:

finance-badge1000x1000 What Renovations Need Building Consent In Auckland?

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House Renovation

Guide to Renovating Rental/Investment Properties in New Zealand

March 21, 20204

SRR_9265-1000 Guide to Renovating Rental/Investment Properties in New Zealand

Are you trying to make up your mind about renovating your property or make improvements in advance before a new tenant moves in? or perhaps your renovating to increase the equity in preparation for selling?

When it comes to property investment, it is recommended you review your finances from time to time. Refinancing, at a better mortgage rate could help achieve a higher return. You may also want to contact your accountant or tax specialist to see if you qualify for any or further tax benefits.

Should I be spending money to renovate my rental properties, is it worth it?

In this article, I help you understand the maths behind improving your property and why undertaking renovations on your rental property could be financially beneficial, but also why you shouldn’t be renovating as well.

Some rental owners think that renovating their property isn’t financially worthwhile.

Common views from rental/investment property owners:

It is just a rental property. Even if I put in new fixtures and chattels in it, they will wear out anyway. Why bother?
I don’t understand much about the renovation. I’m not certain about where to begin or whom to talk to so it’s a bit of a risky investment.
If I make improvements in my rental property, it will be even better than our own home!

These are all valid points and not wrong to some extent, however we’re going to dig deeper to see what the data says. We will also address some of these questions in this article and hopefully provide you with enough information to make an informed/data driven decision that ultimately puts you financially better off.

If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools

Calculating the potential ROI of your rental property after the renovations

A simple and quick way to do so is to approximate the annual rent increase after renovations are done. Then divide that into the renovation cost.

For instance, imagine you spend $7,000 on making improvements to your kitchen between tenancies. We don’t mean setting up a brand new kitchen, but renovations such as repainting walls and cupboards, new floors, replacing bench top or acquiring a new stove.

Consequently, you can obtain a higher rent, probably about $30 every week.

By attracting higher income earning tenants
To retain existing tenants with the upgrade (after the increase in rent)

You can determine your return by calculating your yearly rent increase (52 weeks x $30). Then divide your answer into the renovation cost ($7,000). You should get 0.22, and you can multiply this by 100 to get a percentage (22.28%) – and that is your return on investment, which will pay for itself after 3-4 years (assuming you’re not increasing rent further, and you’re not selling).

Real estate investors are always looking for a high return on investment (ROI) when buying rental properties. Higher returns can be achieved and influenced in many ways. Real estate renovation is one of those ways.

Renovated rental units justify a higher rental rate – but it’s important you’re spending on the “right” renovations. There are a couple of other factors behind real estate renovation:

To maintain or improve the value of the investment property through necessary repairs or replacements
To increase equity
Rental property improvements to attract better-qualified tenants
Tax advantages
Reduced maintenance
Lower vacancy rates

Five things you need to know before you consider renovating your rental

When undertaking renovations on your investment property, avoid looking at it like it’s your own home, it should be a data-driven decision. What you want for your home is not necessarily what your investment needs to ensure best return.
Create a strict budget and research thoroughly and ensure to create room for contingency for unexpected costs – it is common with renovations – for example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, you may find that there is water damage in the subfloor which is common with the older properties.
Choosing the right renovations should not only increase the property value but also the rent.
Good renovations are “bulletproof” In the long term, a durable renovation will outdo a fancy renovation.
Don’t forget to consult your accountant, finance specialists and local renovation company (project manager) – get all your ducks lined up and make an informed decision based on data.

Renovations that add value in the property

I want to make improvements to my property to add value. To achieve this, I plan to spend $15,000 to paint the interior and replace damaged carpets to increase my property value by $30,000 and similarly raise weekly rent by $30.

Sounds good in theory! But it doesn’t always plan out that way. We can definitely speculate the return on investment, and the increase in rent (but is that what the tenant wants?).

If you are looking to renovate to add value, instead of looking at the “end result” first – begin with focusing on what you are in control of which is choosing what to renovate. By choosing the right renovations to begin with (within your planned budget) backed by data – the end result of the renovations is a given. Rental property owners tend to make the mistake of assuming what they think should justify increase the value or rent, but this subjective thinking leads to making the wrong decisions. Be careful where you get your advice from as well, everyone seems to have an opinion on what they think you should do to your property.

So we’ve put together a list of renovations that proven to add value and justify increasing rent.

Kitchen renovations

According to Realtor.com, kitchen and bath remodels offer nearly an 85% ROI, making them sound investments whether renting or selling. In lower income locations, renovating the kitchen can be extremely expensive and not worthwhile. However, there are simple kitchen cheats that you can use to ensure kitchen makeovers are cost-effective and still create an appeal. One of these is purchasing second-hand cabinetry online and using stain-block on your old cabinetwork. Perhaps even consider replacing the kitchen cupboards and draws assuming the carcass of the kitchen is still in good condition. For mid to high income locations, a full kitchen renovation is definitely worth considering because it would appeal more to the target audience. But with both options, consider the value of your property and make sure not to overcapitalise.

Street appeal

Although this appears overly simple, re-staining your fence, painting the roof and installing a new letterbox can give your home a new look that appeals to buyers and renters alike. This kind of renovation is best suited during spring when the weather allows you to paint outside, and your paint will dry quickly because of the warm weather. If you’re looking at selling the property, painting the home is the most cost-effective way to give the home a spruce up.

Bathroom renovations

A bathroom renovation is widely considered to increase the value of home significantly and it’s been stated by Business Insider that it can be up to a 70% return on investment. Whether a renovation is structural or simply cosmetic, an attractive bathroom will always appeal to the savvy buyer. But again, the decision to make minor alterations to the bathroom or to fully renovate the bathroom comes down to the location of your property (it would resonate with the target audience, eg Location with mostly growing families would prefer to have a bath), and to ensure you’re not over capitalising. Get the right lighting – Plenty of light is essential for a bathroom, but so is a warm and cosy glow. Check your lighting and see what you can change to make your bathroom appeal to your type of buyer.

Gardening & Landscaping

A smart garden appeals to everyone, and it all narrows down to your audience in the location (families, working professionals, or flatting situations). One thing to note is always go for plants that don’t need much gardening time or maintenance – don’t expect tenants to look after it (if they do, great!). These may be natives that are endemic to your area. Always ensure that your garden’s front lawn is tidy and trimmed. Also, berms ought to follow suit.

Floor Renovations

Carpets in old rentals act as hind outs for various crawling insects, including such as ants. While a carpet can be costly, there are cost-effective options to acquire one. One of these is purchasing in bulk. You will buy them at a reduced price, and you can use the extra carpets across your multiple rentals.

The most common floor renovation for rentals is converting from Carpets to Laminate flooring for multiple reasons such as:

Laminate flooring is much more durable, which means it will last longer then carpets (which leaves marks). After a while, carpet will start to fray and show obvious signs of wear. Although landlords can request for the carpets to be cleaned, it’s not going to stop it from general wear and tear. It’s important to note, landlords cannot get compensation for fair wear and tear, and distressed carpets usually fall into that category.
Tenants are becoming more health conscious and carpets are much more prone to attracting and clinging onto dirt, which means they get dirty quickly and need to be cleaned regularly. So it’s preferable to both buyers and tenants that if they’re choosing a property, laminate flooring would be ideal.
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, the process only requires a very moderately damp cloth and a sweep. For a thorough carpet clean, a specialist vacuum and shampoo is required, and it becomes more of a problem when there is spills/stains (which in some cases don’t come out)

Painting

Always seek professional painters to do the job – it seems like something that can be done by yourself but if not done properly, it’s very obvious and visible. Here’s an article that outlines whether you should DIY or Choose a Professional Painter. The most common painting project clients undertake is interior and exterior painting (not so much roof, normally a roof wash is sufficient), or replacing wallpaper to painted walls. Painting the property is one of the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve the perceived value of the property especially if surfaces look tired – it is also value added to potential buyers and renters. Check out blogs from Superior Painters (North Shore) for more information on painting your rental property.

New curtains and Blinds

Normally something easily forgotten – but it does make a difference. To give your property a refreshing impression before selling or renting it. Installing/purchasing new blinds and curtains can be as low as $2,500 for standard 3 bed home (8 windows).

Call in your mates

While you can have someone to provide their services in your house within a day, you can accomplish the same tasks or even more in much less time with your mates. Besides, you will have more fun doing it together.

Let there be light

Light shades offer decent and stunning looks in your rooms, but they can get pretty dingy after some years. Although it is relatively simple to get a replacement, you can restore their new and fresh look by performing an effective scrub. A common choice we get from home owners and rental property owners is replacing all the lights in the home to LEDs, for the following reasons:

LED lighting uses less energy (90% less energy)
LED bulbs last much much longer (landlords are responsible for replacing)
No need to change the fitting
LED bulbs are coming down in price every day!
And lastly, LED lighting is the preferred choice for all new builds now

What is the cost of renovating a rental property?

We need to be certain that the costs of carry out a renovation will be recovered in the long run through increased capital and rental appreciation.

The cost of renovating a rental is different (due to requirements) compared to if you were renovating your own home because:

Choice in materials – you’ll lean towards durability and what is cost effective
Features and extra amenities will be limited, functionality will be more important
Design will not be on top of the list, for example, you would rather choose to go with an acrylic shower base than a full tiled shower/bathroom.
Choice in fitting/product supplier will be on the lower end (but still good enough quality to be durable and long term) – although in saying this, taps, shower heads/fittings and mixers, always choose the better quality option over the cheapest.

Here is a break down of costs you can expect to pay for different renovations:

Note: Copied from our article on: How much does it cost to renovation in Auckland for 2019

TYPE OF HOUSE RENOVATION COSTS	COST RANGE
Heat pump	$1,500 – $3,500
Renovation Management	$1,200 – $3,000
Electrical	$2,200 – $4,400
Plumbing	$2,700 – $4,200
Builder	$15,000 – $25,000
Joinery (windows)	$4,000 – $7,000
Insulation	$1,000 – $3,600
Roof	$4,400 – $9,600
Interior Renovation costs	$40,000 to well over $100,000 (dependant on size of home and specs)
Renovation Costs Bathroom	Starting at only $8,500 for a basic alterations to an average spend of $18,000 – $22,000 for a full bathroom renovation.
Renovations Costs for Kitchen	Ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for minor alterations (changing cupboards and draws) to an average spend of $22,000 – $28,000 for a full kitchen renovation.
House Extension cost	$100,000 +
Recladding cost	$150,000 +

Common mistakes made when renovating an investment property

In most cases, the renovation of investment properties is regarded as an unfailing plan that guarantees an increase in rental returns.

While this seems straightforward, the truth is it’s not always the case because when operating in an unstable market, the monetary gains of improving a property may be outweighed by equity loss.

Here some mistakes that are made by renovators of investment property.

Ignoring market trends and audience in the location

Some people who have owned investment properties for over a decade tend to think that they are in an advantageous position to carry out renovations. But what they might not know is the market keeps on changing. Such changes range from interior designs, property value, to tenants’ tastes. Thus, you are likely to miss out on your projected returns by ignoring current market trends. So before renovating your property, undertake research on recent sales of property, analyze current trends in the market, and consult those in the property industry business. A good example is like people leaning more towards properties with LED lighting (as mentioned above).

Failing to monitor the rental market

Monitoring rental markets are often not in the priority list of most property renovators. But property prices keep of changing, and if you don’t monitor their trend, you might be left with vacant properties to fill after prices fall. If you have old properties, you need to keep monitoring the rental market to ensure they remain competitive.

In saying that, if the market is flat lining and not appreciating in value – it might be a good time to renovate to increase it’s value if you are intending to sell/ or increase rent.

Tenants living in the property

If there are tenants residing in the property you are renovating, it will cause rental income loss if they need to move out while renovation works takes place. You may also be responsible for their belongings (storage cost), electrical bill, and water bill.

To avoid all these issues associated with tenants living in the property, make renovations plans in advance and plan out the renovation in stages to minimise loss rent – try to avoid having the tenants move out or do it when they are away on holiday. For example, if you’re renovating the bathroom, hire a porta-loo for them to use for the time being (negotiate a reduction in rent as a compromise as it’s not exactly ideal). Make appropriate scheduling for delivery of renovation tools and materials to minimise issues with the tenants.

Overcapitalising

There are cheap alternatives that smart renovators use to minimize costs while providing added value to their clients. But cheap renovations doesn’t always mean the best return on investment, it may even be detrimental (dependant on the location of the property and the target audience).

You need to recognize the amenities and services that drive tenants’ demands. Some alternatives will drastically minimize cost and end up with a finish that delivers projected value and results.

Refinancing to renovate

You are likely to get into arrangements that don’t pay off, for instance, by extending your home loan to cater for your property improvement. This is because a huge portion of your returns will go into loan payment.

If you must borrow to carry out renovations, you need to be confident that your improvements will bring about higher rental returns. This will help you to evade risky situations of making zero returns, considering the unstableness of the market. We’ve put together an article exactly for this, on how to finance your renovation via loan – courtesy of Linda from Loan Market.

7 questions to ask before starting renovations on your rental property

How will renovation influence my rental returns?

This should be the first question you need to consider before considering any renovation. Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially.

For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.

Remember to be realistic with your estimations and projections. Don’t invest less and expect huge returns.

Repair or replace?

Never replace things that can otherwise be repaired or fixed. Since renovation is an expensive undertaking, you need to save it for those areas that require it.

In case you are working with a limited budget, and you still want to increase your returns, try these:

You can give your kitchen a new look by replacing countertops and handles, and replacing the cabinets/draws. Replace carpets and repaint walls to give the home a new freshness to it and give the impression of it feeling new.

Instead of thinking about replacing your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, just cut costs by replacing the tapware (makes a bigger impression, if the cabinet is still in good condition)

What you should renovate (important)

Focus on vital and functional areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where tenants are likely to spend much time. Restoring these areas will have a huge impact on the daily living of tenants and rental returns as well. Is renovation vital to tenants?

Not every renovation work is important to your tenants. Some restoration will only enhance the resale value and not the rental value. For instance, a new toilet may appear good in the house; a tenant may regard it as just a toilet.

For your rental property to appeal to tenants, focus on aspects that are regarded highly by tenants. This includes having additional space or room and installing a heating pump for cold seasons.

Which material do you plan to use, and are they practical?

Although maximizing your property’s ROI is vital, you need not compromise on quality. Cheap fixtures and repair materials are prone to wear and tear fast, and you will be called to replace them sooner than you expected (focus on long term return/cost)

Besides, analyze the prices for different materials as they are likely to vary from one hardware store to another. Ensure that the materials you have chosen are suitable for your rental. About renovation materials, think more about their durability and not just costs. You will maximize your ROI by using long-lasting materials and it’s not an area to cut costs.

Is it too little or too much?

You shouldn’t overcapitalize the upgrades. In other words, keep it simple. The majority of the tenant will not bother to know how much that you invested in the renovation. They just want to have it functional so that it can fulfil their needs.

Be flexible in terms of considering cheaper but quality accessories. Also, think about the locality of your rental property and determine whether your upgrades would warrant an increase in rent (is it important to your target audience).

Is it a legal obligation to your tenants?

In New Zealand, rental laws are continually changing. From installing smoke alarms to making sure your property is healthy and safe, you should comply with all the legal obligations about rental properties and focus on these first before any other renovations/alternations.

It is worth noting that all forms of renovations should reflect and conform to the set laws as well – so make sure you’re using companies that are able to provide certificates/warranties. Rent increase also needs to conform to established stipulations. This includes giving advance notice prior to the increase.

We hope this guide has been helpful, and it gives you enough information to make an informed decision about renovating. Do let us know if you have any questions, and we would try our best to answer every question posted. Lastly, don’t forget to share your experience and tips that’s not mentioned here that you think will be valuable to those interested in renovating your rental property.

Please note: Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. The information may change without notice and Superior Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.

To wrap up

Should I renovate my rental property?

Depends on what you’re trying to achieve and what you’re renovating, not all renovations are equal and all delivers different returns on investment – including a number of variables to take in consideration such as location, target audience, financial circumstances, current market trends etc

What renovations can add value to my rental property?

Kitchen renovations, renovations to increase street appeal, bathroom renovations, New Curtains and Blinds, and Lighting are amongst the most common renovations.

What are common renovation mistakes made with rental properties?

Ignoring market trends and audience in the location, Failing to monitor the rental market, Tenants living in the property, Tenants living in the property, and Refinancing to renovate if they can’t afford to.

How will renovation influence my rental returns?

Understand your reasons for conducting a renovation and what you’re expecting in return financially. For example, renovating a devastated three-by-two house can increase the weakly rental rate by $50. (at a minimum, always use minimums to determine affordability – not what you think it’s worth) – Your weekly rental rates might shoot from $320 to $380. In a year, you will realize an extra $2,600.

If you’re looking for “specific” cost estimates, try our Renovation Cost Calculator Tools

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Superior Renovations is quickly becoming one of the most recommended Kitchen Renovation & Bathroom Renovation company in Auckland and it all comes down to our friendly approach, straightforward pricing, and transparency. When your Auckland home needs renovation/ remodeling services – Superior Renovation is the team you can count on for high-quality workmanship, efficient progress, and cost-effective solutions.

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

finance-badge1000x1000 Guide to Renovating Rental/Investment Properties in New Zealand

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House Renovation

Q&A with Phil Yates: Shaping the Future of Construction and Industrial Waste in NZ

March 9, 20200

Did you know:

In Auckland, construction and Industrial waste makes up of 85% of rubbish sent to landfills?
40% of waste which goes to landfills in Auckland comes from construction waste alone?
When plasterboard is dumped into a landfill, it converts into methane gas which is a poisonous greenhouse gas?

The year of 2019 and 2020 has witnessed movements across the globe about minimising negative impact that mankind has on the environment. Even if you are not a front runner in this movement, it has affected everyone in some way or the other.

Whether you now choose to bring your own bag to countdown instead of buying a plastic bag or sorting your rubbish and recycling more carefully, this slow but sure change in habits comes from awareness of how our previous practices are just not sustainable for our planet anymore.

The media and government are finding ways of raising awareness about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling our residential waste, but can we say the same about construction waste? Auckland council estimates that construction waste is the single largest waste stream with up to 40% going directly to landfills. New Zealand has 110 landfill sites with 88 of these sites in Auckland alone.

As a renovation and construction company we were shocked at these numbers and wanted know more about how our waste was contributing to our environment. As we are partnered with Green Gorilla to manage our waste, we decided to contact Phil Yates from the company and understand a bit more about construction waste and its impact on the environment.

Phil-Yates-green-gorilla Q&A with Phil Yates: Shaping the Future of Construction and Industrial Waste in NZ

Phil Yates, Marketing Manager at Green Gorilla

Phil Yates is the Marketing Manager at Green Gorilla. Apart from being passionate and believing in Green Gorilla’s commitment to sustainability, he also plays a vital role in raising awareness of the detrimental impact that the construction industry in Auckland has on the environment.

https://nz.linkedin.com/in/philyatesnz

Q&A with Phil Yates

Superior Renovations: How much do construction/renovation companies contribute towards the total waste in Auckland?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Auckland Council estimate construction waste is the largest single waste stream, at around 40 percent of total weight going to landfill, this doesn’t include the rubble and concrete that go to clean fill and managed fill sites.

Superior Renovations: Have you seen growth?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): The whole industry has been in upward growth and the most recent figures from Statistics New Zealand reflect that. Auckland dominates about 40 percent of all construction work in New Zealand which reached $22.78b in 2018, 7.3 percent more than in 2017.

Non-residential building soared by almost 20 percent to $3.1b in Auckland, eclipsing residential building’s increase of 14 percent to $6.05 billion.

Superior Renovations: Traditionally how was this kind of waste dealt with?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Generally construction and demolition waste is still dumped straight to landfill. This is common across most of NZ. Something to remember is that waste disposal is controlled by each local authority not by government, so there is no obligation or regulation to discourage this behaviour.

Superior Renovations: What impact does this waste have on NZ’s environment?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): You only have to look at the recent events on the West Coast of New Zealand where coastal erosion and storm weather exposed landfill and spread waste along the coast. There are 110 known closed dumps around parts of the country that will be exposed to the sea with just a 0.5 metre rise in average sea levels. Auckland has 88 of those sites.

Landfill is not inevitable and by designing out waste, understanding its root causes and re-engineering current processes and practices, we can alleviate its generation.

At every stage of a project, waste reduction strategies also bring financial benefits for all stakeholders and ultimately to all New Zealanders.

Superior Renovations: Are construction companies aware of the role they play in negatively affecting Auckland’s environment?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): There is some awareness but generally the message doesn’t seem to as much uptake as befits the issue. There is a massive opportunity for the construction industry to take responsibility and make a major contribution to the well-being of the New Zealand environment.

Superior Renovations: How much waste does Green Gorilla process per annum?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Approx. 163,000 tonnes (2018)

How much of this is construction/renovation waste? Approx. 60,000 tonnes per annum (2018)
What percent of this waste is recycled? Approx. 79.8% or approx. 47800 tonnes (2018)

Superior Renovations: What are the repercussions of using a landfill for construction waste?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Where to start! Let’s look at plasterboard waste which basically consists of paper and gypsum a non-renewable mineral. Put gypsum into landfill and it will decompose, releasing up to a quarter its weight in hydrogen sulphide which is a major odorous component in a landfill. It poses a potential risk to humans and causes odour problems and complaints by the residents near landfills. The paper in the plasterboard converts to methane gas which is a potent greenhouse gas. That’s just plasterboard!

Superior Renovations: Why do construction companies choose waste disposal companies that are reliant on landfill compared to environmentally sustainable companies? Is it purely the cost or lack of awareness?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): There is no one clear answer across the industry. It depends on the construction company management. Sometimes they just don’t care what happens to their waste as long as it’s gone from their site. There could be relationships or agreements with waste service companies that dictate their waste disposal. Or waste diversion services might not be available in their area. Pressure from the end consumer could affect some change of the ‘dump to landfill’ behavior.

We could tell by our conversation so far that awareness was a huge issue with construction waste. The second issue was the attitude towards waste. During construction and renovation, waste was the last of everyone’s worry. The focus was dealing with the renovation and waste was just considered an inevitable by product of the process.

Construction companies were not asking their waste management companies about how their waste was dealt with. This question is however important and needs to be asked. We asked Phil what Green Gorilla’s solution was? What were they doing to manage our waste? Even though green gorilla managed our waste, we were not aware of the extensive measures that they undertook to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Green Gorilla’s Solution to Managing
Construction Waste in a Sustainable way

Their Philosophy is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Superior Renovations: Tell me a bit about Green Gorilla

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Green Gorilla is the largest non-landfill owning, full-spectrum waste services provider in Auckland. Our aim is to maximise recovery, reuse and recycling of commercial, construction and industrial waste otherwise destined for landfill. Unlike several of our major competitors, we don’t own or operate landfills, which means we are truly focused on the challenge of reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

Superior Renovations: What happens to construction waste at Green Gorilla?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): The waste is run through our Construction and Demolition Waste Processing Facility. Here we separate recyclable materials such as timber, plasterboard and metals from landfill waste. Our wood chipping operation, diverts treated and untreated wood for use as biofuel and animal bedding and landscaping product. The plasterboard processing plant successfully separates gypsum for use in horticultural and agricultural sectors. Metals are sent to specialist metal recycling plants for processing.

Superior Renovations: What are some sustainability initiatives Green Gorilla have in place?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): We have been operating electric waste trucks and support vehicles since 2017, and firmly believe that being able to operate a significant portion of our services on a zero emissions basis far outweigh the additional cost of the investment. The benefits of these EVs goes beyond our business, our customers and the community.

In addition to our electric vehicle fleet, our waste processing facility is electrically powered, and our material handlers are also electrically driven, being the only ones of this type in New Zealand. Electric power for this facility and our vehicle charging is supplied by Electricity, New Zealand’s only 100% CarboNZero certified supplier.

Superior Renovations: Tell me a bit about the homestar and green star reporting?

Phil Yates (Green Gorilla): Green Star is an internationally-recognised rating system for the design, construction and operation of commercial buildings and fit-out.

Homestar assesses a house, apartment or multi-unit development against several categories including energy, health and comfort; water waste and materials.

Green Gorilla can provide waste disposal reporting necessary for achieving certification.

In 2018 the associate environment minister Honorary Eugenie Sage, announced a Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) grant of $3.1 million to enable Auckland recycling firm Green Gorilla to divert the waste and allow materials to be reused (Beehive.govt.nz, 2018).

This grant allowed Green Gorilla to construct a highly mechanised plant in Onehunga which would allow to recover a large amount of materials to be recused and recycled. This is a huge step towards sustainable growth towards a more cleaner waste management system in New Zealand. At Superior Renovations we are proud to have aligned ourselves with Green Gorilla, a pioneer in their field of sustainable waste management. We want to make a difference not only when we can but we realise that it is a necessity for the future of New Zealand.

How you can help?

Even if you are not part of the construction industry there is a way to help the future and sustainability of New Zealand and its environment. Raising awareness is the best way that anyone can help as the lack of awareness is one of the major factors for poor waste management in New Zealand.

You can help by:

Raising awareness by sharing this article with your friends and family
If you are renovating or building, then ask your renovator about their waste management methods and make an informed decision.
If you hold a position of authority in the local boards then ask your local board to review current regulations and legislation about construction waste.

Learn more about Green Gorilla by visiting their website

https://www.greengorilla.co.nz/

Common questions

How much do construction/renovation companies contribute towards the total waste in Auckland?

Auckland Council estimate construction waste is the largest single waste stream, at around 40 percent of total weight going to landfill, this doesn’t include the rubble and concrete that go to clean fill and managed fill sites.

What impact does this waste have on NZ’s environment?

You only have to look at the recent events on the West Coast of New Zealand where coastal erosion and storm weather exposed landfill and spread waste along the coast. There are 110 known closed dumps around parts of the country that will be exposed to the sea with just a 0.5 metre rise in average sea levels. Auckland has 88 of those sites.

What are the repercussions of using a landfill for construction waste?

Let’s look at plasterboard waste which basically consists of paper and gypsum a non-renewable mineral. Put gypsum into landfill and it will decompose, releasing up to a quarter its weight in hydrogen sulphide which is a major odorous component in a landfill. It poses a potential risk to humans and causes odour problems and complaints by the residents near landfills. The paper in the plasterboard converts to methane gas which is a potent greenhouse gas. That’s just plasterboard!

What is Homestar and Greenstar reporting?

Green Star is an internationally-recognised rating system for the design, construction and operation of commercial buildings and fit-out. Homestar assesses a house, apartment or multi-unit development against several categories including energy, health and comfort; water waste and materials.

Still have questions unanswered? schedule a no-obligation consultation with the team at Superior Renovations

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

House Renovation

Superior Renovations Awarded Best Of Houzz 2020 in New Zealand

February 21, 20200

The Annual People’s Choice Award from the Houzz Community Highlights Home Renovation and Design Professionals with Most Popular Designs and Top Ratings.

Auckland, New Zealand February 18th, 2020 – Superior Renovations has won a “Best Of Houzz” award for Service on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The fast-growing renovation company in Auckland was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.5 million active home building, renovation and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz badge is awarded annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honour professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2019. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognised with the Photography award.

This is a HUGE accomplishment as this award is only achieved by the top 3% of professionals with the most 5 star reviews in each market from the previous calendar year. Congratulations!

A “Best Of Houzz 2020” badge will appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

“The team here at Superior Renovations is stoked to have received this award, it is a great encouragement to the team, also a testament to the experience clients are receiving from us” from Steven Ngov, General Manager of Superior Renovations

“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home renovation and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Tony Been, ANZ Managing Director at Houzz.

“This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across New Zealand and around the world.”

Follow Superior Renovations on Houzz

https://www.houzz.co.nz/pro/superiorrenovationsnz/superior-renovations-auckland

About Superior Renovations

Superior Renovations is an established and highly recommended house renovation company based in Auckland, New Zealand, offering full house renovation, bathroom renovation and kitchen renovation services. Our renovation projects are all designed in-house by our design team and every project is unique, each individually crafted for the client and their home.

Superior Renovations unique project management system and process allows us to tailor each renovation project personally to you and your budget.

We will go above and beyond every step of the way to help you decide on a renovation plan that is truly for you and your family’s needs. We are here to make your house feel more like home ever before.

Superior Renovations is a mixture of passion, effective results and personalisation, engaging with the best in the construction industry to create an amazing client-focused renovation process. In an ever-changing industry, we’re all about challenging the status quo in providing the best possible service and options to our clients without compromising on quality.

Want to know more about Superior Renovations? Simply Google us Superior Renovations and you can see why we’ve been awarded the service award.

About Houzz

Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, discover products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.co.nz.

WRITTEN BY SUPERIOR RENOVATIONS

Get started now by booking a free in-home consultation.

Request Your In-home Consultation

Or call us on 0800 199 888

www.superiorrenovations.co.nz

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House Renovation

Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

Renovating your own house is something that most people would look forward to and why shouldn’t they? The thought of changing your kitchen, bathroom or entire house to give it a complete makeover would get anyone excited.

Meet Orly from Place2Be

Here is what we discussed with Orly:

Importance of space planning in your design process

What is space planning?

What can go wrong if space planning is not done well?

Orly has shortlisted Top 5 things that she has seen with poor space planning.

How interior designers are an integral part of a renovation process

5 Simple steps of space planning as told by Orly

Step 1: Explore the space and understand your purpose for renovation

Step 2: Defining Zones and Natural Pathways

Step 3: Choosing Colours and Textures

Step 4: Create a Mood Board

Step 5: Lay the actual space in your room with Samples

So do you need an interior designer for your renovation?

Designer home renovation projects by Superior Renovations

1. Urban Luxury home Renovation in Parnell

2. Cottage Style Kitchen Renovation

3. Entertainer’s dream Kitchen and Lounge Renovation

4. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Further Resources for your house interior design

What does an interior designer do?

When should I hire one?

Who is Orly Baliti?

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

Joanne & Steve Hilson – House Renovated While Being on Holiday

Joanne & Steve Hilson

The renovation included:

Family Homes Vs Investment Properties – Renovation Guide for 2021

Are you looking at adding comfort and convenience to your home? Or renovating for an investment property?

In this article we will discuss the following:

Renovations for when you want to rent your house in Auckland

When you want to add value to your home to sell in Future

Home Renovations for a family home – to increase functionality and comfort

1. Intention of renting your property

Kitchen renovations in Auckland for rentals

Read more…

Bathroom renovations in Auckland for rentals

Adding Rooms

Read more…

Painting in Auckland for rentals

2. Intention of reselling or adding value to your property

Kitchen renovations and Bathrooms renovations to add value

Read more…

Stay away from themes

Painting in Auckland for Adding value

Adding a deck to add value to a house

3. Intention of giving your Family home to add comfort

Read more…

Kitchen Renovations in Auckland for a family home

Read more…

Bathroom Renovations in Auckland for a family home

Adding Rooms

Read more…

Materials for family home renovations

Read more…

Featured Projects for Family Homes and Investment Properties

Investment Property to increase rental yield in Hillsborough

Todd Chandler’s renovation in St Heliers to add Value before Selling

Full home renovation in Avondale for a 3 generational family living together

What are the best rental renovations for my investment?

Do I have to manage my own renovation?

Do i have to get my own builder, electrician or plumber?

Do i have to get my own products?

References:

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

10 Ways To Increase Your Rental Return by Renovating & Upgrading

How exactly do you plan a rental renovation?

In this article we will first discuss the following:

What exactly is rental yield?

Why should I renovate my rental property?

Top 3 Reasons for renovating a rental property

Is a rental property renovation the right thing to do financially?

Here are a few questions to think through:

10 Improvements to increase rental value of your property through rental property renovations

1. Increase the comfort of your home

Heat pump installation

Insulation for your rental property renovation