Are you thinking about Renovating? or perhaps it’s been on your to-do list for while?

As Auckland prices soar, more people are renovating their homes than ever before. Most families want to renovate to either re-sell or add functionality and comfort to their existing homes as the needs of their families evolve.

People are reluctant to sell their current homes for larger or more modern homes because of several reasons. Some of our clients were reluctant because they love their current neighbourhoods or because a better home might mean moving further away from the central suburbs of Auckland.

The Auckland housing market is also not the best if you want to sell your home. So instead they look at renovating their homes to suit their family’s needs.

This article will cover the following topics:

Types of renovations and their average cost in Auckland
Top 3 reasons Aucklanders are using Finance vs Savings for renovations
4 Most common payment options available for Renovations in Auckland
Interest Free^ options with Q Mastercard^® (Our newest Partnership)
Qualification process for Q Mastercard^® Flexi plan
Fees and Payments for Q Mastercard^® Flexiplan for renovations
Most commonly asked Questions

An Average of what you can expect to spend on renovations in Auckland

The costs and prices reflected in the following table reflect average spent on renovations in Auckland. These prices reflect what you would spend with a renovation company similar to ours. Renovation companies include the cost of design, demolition, materials used in renovation, installation, all trades, and project management in their quotes. If you are doing a DIY project or managing the renovation, supplies and trades on your own the costs will differ from what are listed in the table below.

Renovation Type	Average cost in Auckland

Full Bathroom Renovation	$21,000 – $35,000
Full Kitchen Renovation	$24,000 – $50,000+
Bedroom/s Renovation	$2,000 – $80,000 +
House Extension	$60,000 – $200,000 +
Re-roofing	$15,000 – $30,000 +
Re-cladding	$100,000 – $400,000 +
Full home renovation	$80,000 – $300,000 +
Loft conversion/Adding a second storey	$200,000 – $400,000 +
Walk in wardrobe	$3,000 – $10,000 +

The table gives you an idea of what time of money you will be putting towards a potential renovation. Before you start renovating, we always advice clients to work out the reason for your renovation as this will determine the amount you are willing to spend. If it is just to add value to a renovation, then it is unlikely that you would customise your renovation to your taste which means that the price would be at the lower end of the spectrum. However, if you are planning to live in the house after renovation then you can customise it according to your needs which means that you would be willing to use more higher end materials.

3 Reasons why Aucklanders are looking to Finance VS Savings for renovations

Finance is less Risky than Using savings

Financing a renovation is less risky than using savings that you have carefully accumulated over the years. On an average a bathroom renovation in Auckland starts from about 21K and a kitchen from about 25K. Taking that kind of money at one go can prove to be risky for any family if an unforeseen circumstance is to occur.

A steady cashflow

Using Finance to fund your renovation allows you flexibility and more control of your cashflow. Paying your renovation off monthly, weekly, or fortnightly means that your savings are intact, and you are able plan your finances better. There are several finance options available in Auckland which we will discuss in depth further along the article.

Using Finance means you can start your renovation now

Not everyone has the freedom to renovate whenever they like as its hard to save a good chunk of money that is required for renovations. Using finance to fund your renovation means that you do not have to save up money to renovate. You can start your renovation when you feel like there is a need.

4 Most common types of Payment options for renovations in Auckland

There are plenty of finance options available today. As every person has unique financial situations and needs, it is always good to do some research and receive financial advice for what works best for you. The most common types of finance available in Auckland are as follows:

1. Bank Loans

Once you have secured your collateral, different banks will give you loans with various interest rates. You can either contact several banks or go with your own bank to seek out the best available deal for you. This process can be daunting as banks have highly strict and regulated rules for renovations loans. You will have to do your due diligence and present your application well to be able to qualify for a loan.

2. Finance Company loans

These are loans granted by finance companies and are like bank loans. They do however have a higher chance of getting accepted as they are more lenient with their criteria. They also provide more competitive interest rates.

3. Home Loans

We collaborate with Linda Eagleton from Loan Market to provide home loans to our clients. Linda essentially acts as your agent between a bank and yourself. She asses your affordability and financial situation and draws up a plan to borrow against your assets. As loan market has long standing relationship with all the banks in New Zealand, they know all the rules and regulations to get your application accepted. You will be at an advantage if you already have an existing loan or the home has equity because then you will be accessing more funds for your borrowing at reduced rates.

4. Interest Free^ options with Q Mastercard^® – Our newest partnership

We have recently partnered up with Q Mastercard^®offering our clients up to 18 month interest free. This allows clients to breathing space by taking the pressure off paying now for things that are most needed by you. Q Mastercard^®interest free offers gives customers the ability to be able to pay off their renovation in interests with zero interest. ^lending criteria, fee and conditions apply.

Q Mastercard^®right for you?

Q Mastercard^®gives clients flexibility of paying for renovations in installments without paying any interest. With Superior Renovations 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months interest free^ terms you can leave your savings in the your bank and use of our the interest free offers to get your renovation done today. ^Ask one of our teams for the full terms and conditions.

Qualifying Process for Long term Q Mastercard^®Finance

Q Mastercard^®qualifies clients based on their lending criteria and hence approve a limit for individuals.

You can do partial or full payment on Q Mastercard^® depending on your approval limit. To apply for a Q Mastercard^®we have outlined a simple process below. Please note the approval amount does depend on Q Mastercard^®lending criteria.

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply you need to be 18 years or older, hold a current NZ Driver license and either be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. You will also need a valid email address, mobile number and agree to a credit check.

Next steps after you are approved:

Step 1: Once approved

Upon submitting your application, you will receive a customer ID number via email. Call us on 0800 199 888 with this number and we will walk through your interest free options. Depending on the amount you are approved for, we will see whether you want to do a full or partial payment on Q Mastercard^®.

If you already have a card:

We accept Farmers Mastercard, Q Mastercard^®, Flight centre Mastercard and Q card. Existing members can enjoy the benefit of applying for our interest free offers. Please call our team at 0800 199 888 with your card number for us to process.

Step 2: Transactions and Payments

According to what you have agreed with us on our contract with you will we transact the amount accordance to your payment structure.

The full amount will be transferred into your account which will be shared with Superior Renovations. We will set up the transaction structure according to the payment structure in our contract with you.

For example for a bathroom renovation the payment structure will be as follows:

10% – Initial deposit to secure booking/project
40% – Prior to commencement of the renovation project
30% – On completion of tiling
20% – Remaining balance on completion/ sign off

You will be able to see these transactions as well as us. Our accountant will send you an email 2 days before the transaction to get your approval for the transaction according to the progress of your renovation and contract. Only once you have approved will the accountant transact these amounts into our company account.

Step 3: Completion of project and your term with Q Mastercard^® begins

Once your renovation is completed and you are satisfied will be mark your project as completed. The project manager will sign of the project with you and our accountant will send you an email about the final 20% payment. Only once you have approved this will we transact the final amount.

Once the final payment is made will your term with Q Mastercard^®begin. This means that only once your renovation is completed will your 6 month, 12 month or 18 month interest free term with Q Mastercard^®begin.

Fees for Q Mastercard^®

This is an interest free offer (Click here for full terms.)
Annual Account fee of $50 applies.
New Cardholders fees – $55.
Existing Cardholder fee – $35 Advance

What does the payment plan look like?

Here's a snapshot of what it would look like if you renovated with us (with a Project Value of $18,500) on a 6 & 18 month term interest-free finance

6 Months

^$715.57_{/ per week}

Renovation Cost – $18,500
Annual Account Fee – $50
Annual Account Fee Applies, paid in 6 monthly instalments
($25 applied on opening and every six months thereafter)
New Cardholder Fee – $55
$35 for Existing Cardholders
Total Paid: $18,605

18 Months (Most Popular)

^$238.84_{/ per week}

Renovation Cost – $18,500
Annual Account Fee – $75
$50 Annual Account Fee Applies, paid in 6 monthly instalments
$25 applied on opening and every six months thereafter
New Cardholder Fee – $55
$35 for Existing Cardholders
Total Paid: $18,630

Please note: Minimum payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period.

The figures above are only to provide you an example based calculations made at the time of creating it (November, 2020), rates/fees/terms and conditions are subject to change at any time by Q-Card. Please refer to Terms and Fees on Q-Cards website for up to date information.

Budgeting for a renovation

It is always good to draw up a budget when renovating your home in accordance to your financial situation. If you are renovating a family home to live for the foreseeable future then you can renovate to maximise comfort and functionality. You can renovate materials that are specific to your taste. There is no real risk of over capitilising for such renovations. We still recommend you to draw up a list of priorities to see the areas that you can renovate first.

If you are renovating an investment property for either rent or re-sell then drawing up a budget is even more important. When renovating investment properties there is always a risk of overcapitilising. Try and renovate areas that will increase the value of your home and give you the best return on your investment.

When adding value to your home, you want to renovate with quality products but not personalise your renovation. Another consideration is to carefully plan your budget as well as renovate rooms that actually add monetary value to your home. Rooms like bathroom, kitchen and repainting your home will add the most amount of monetary value to your home when re-selling.

Most commonly asked questions

What kind of payment options do you provide on Q Mastercard®?

At Superior Renovations we provide 18 months Interest free with a minimum spent of $985

How long does it take to do an application for Q Mastercard®?

For sales under $10,000 you will use the link provided by our team to do an online application. This will take 5 minutes to complete. For sales over $10,000 you will submit an online application form and you will also fill statement of finance position with a proof of income to request for credit limit. This will take 3-4 working days.

How do I access Interest free offer with Superior Renovations?

If you are an existing Farmers Mastercard, Q Mastercard® , Flight Centre Mastercard or Q card you can enjoy our interest free offers. Please call our team at 0800 199 888 for us to secure the interest free rates for you. If you do not have any of these cards then call our team and we can guide you through on the application process.

How much Interest do I have to pay on repayments?

Our interest free offers are at 0% interest to you. You are required to make a minimum payment of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) throughout the interest free period. Paying only the minimum will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. See full terms and conditions on https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/interest free-finance-terms/

Is there any additional fees?

Annual account fee of $50 applies. New cardholders fees - $55 establishment fee. Existing cardholder fee for advance of payments is $35

How do I set up repayments?

You can set up online banking or do direct debit. The ways to repay Q Mastercard®: http://www.qmastercard.co.nz/ways-to-pay/

How much can I pay through Q Mastercard®?

This will depend on what you have approved for through the Q Mastercard® process of qualifying. Once they have processed your application, you will have an approval limit. Based on that you can decide whether you want to partially pay for renovation or fully pay for it.

Is there a minimum that I have to spend with you to use Q Mastercard® for an interest free option?

As we do full renovations of any given area, our minimum for a renovation is at $20,000. You can however decide based on your approval limit from Q Mastercard® to fully or partially use that for your renovation

View Full Terms and Conditions Here

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.

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

Want to see if you qualify?*

Fill in your details below to be taken to the application page – there’s no obligation to proceed or renovate.

*Please note: Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.

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

Kitchen Renovation

Stellar Ways To Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, Drawers, & Pantry

November 26, 20200

Doing More With What You Have

Kitchens are sort of the heart of a property. Even when a kitchen is just some bare-bones solution filling out one wall of a break room in an office building, that area of the premises will almost always have people in it. Especially for homes, kitchen management, design, and organization are key.

To make your home’s kitchen “heart-healthy”, you’ll want to remodel it at intervals, refurbish it when the time is right, and assure everything is as organized as possible. Breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, midnight snacks—multiple occasions develop where individuals might have to make a meal or prepare an appetizer.

If your kitchen isn’t well-organized, you’re going to end up making a big mess every time you go to fix something up. But with organization, it’s not difficult to put things away, and you may just find you’ve got a heightened ability to prepare food. If you can find what you want when you want it, you don’t get frustrated pulling things out and putting them away.

With those things in mind, this writing will concern a few best practices pertaining to kitchen organization, storage, and overall management. These concepts are all symbiotic one to another. In a phrase, organize properly, and the rest will follow. So take stock of the information here—there may be some tips you hadn’t ever thought of before.

Utensil Trays And Their Organization

This option is pretty straightforward, but it’s often incorrectly used. Most people are familiar with common utensil trays. But most people don’t use them correctly. For one thing, you have to designate clear spaces for unique utensils. You’ll want a fork area, a butterknife area, a cutting knife area, and a spoon area. Additionally, you’ll want a “special utensil” area.

Corn cob stickers, apple peelers, small spatulas, egg beaters, and whatever else fits the uncommon bill should have an area designated just for the purpose. Also, the deeper the drawers, the better. Now, you may not have a choice here, but consider stacking your silverware tray.

You can obtain a velvet-lined box for your best silverware, and usually, these boxes are about two and a half inches thick. You might put that in the bottom of the drawer, and put your traditional utensil tray atop the box. This will help you most effectively maximize drawer storage. If you can use multiple drawers that make sense as well, but for smaller kitchens, you might not have this option.

All these things being said, beyond having the utensil tray, you need to discipline those in your household to properly use those trays. It’s really easy to pull the items from the dishwasher and throw them in the drawer. That’s going to create a conglomeration of chaos unnecessarily.

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Vertical Storage: A Chandelier Of Pots And Pans

Now vertical storage is wise not just for pots and pans, though these items of food preparation tend to benefit most from the practice. Essentially, vertical storage is to home storage as skyscrapers are to real estate. Builders realized in the twentieth century that building up rather than out allowed them to get more storage in a smaller space.

Well, in your kitchen, storing vertically against the walls rather than horizontally along the plane of a countertop may just free up some space—especially if you’ve got high ceilings. Pots and pans have these little “chandeliers” which can be used to store them. Essentially it’s a circular conglomeration of hooks that are “anchored” in the ceiling.

You hang pots and pans on the hook. Now you can put this circular conglomeration of storage solutions in the middle of the kitchen, or you can relegate it to an empty corner where there are no other vertical options. There may very well be other alternatives for storage of this kind as well, depending on your kitchen. Nothing’s wrong with being creative here.

Compartmentalizing The Pantry, Labeling sections

Many kitchens either include a small room to be used as a pantry, like a little closet, or they’ve got a floor-to-ceiling cupboard for the purpose. If your kitchen doesn’t have such an option, you can install it; but more on that in a minute. When you do have a pantry, you want to keep yourself from just throwing things in there willy-nilly.

First, determine what you want to store in your pantry. Then, segment the available space for storage. You might use baskets on shelves that can be pulled out, then pushed back in. For example, if you’ve got Tupperware, you might store all that in a wicker basket on the bottom drawer. Put a label on it so you don’t get confused if that ends up being an issue.

If you’ve got appliances, separate them and store them in designated areas. Dry goods, canned goods, utensils, appliances, receptacles, spices, treats, plastic bags, plastic wrap. All this can be compartmentalized in a tiny space with exceptionally organized harmony. Doing so merely requires intentionality and follow-through.

Here’s the big thing to be sure you do: avoid making anything in such spaces difficult to access. You want it to be easy to store things away, and just as easy to retrieve things when the time is right. If you stack things too tightly, you’ll make an unnecessary chore out of the retrieval process.

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Installing New Or Better Cabinets That Fit Your Space

New cabinets provide quite a lot of space, and there are quality affordable kitchen cabinets out there that can be fitted to your exact specifications. Have you heard of RTA options? Ready To Assemble cabinets work like this: you enter necessary dimensions online, then the cabinets are shipped to your home and you assemble them on-site.

You can also install non-RTA options if that’s more amenable to you. Additionally, it’s possible to buy used or to have cabinets built-to-order, but these options are different polarities of the same problem. With used cabinets, structural stability wanes, and the cost of their installation collaterally is high, as you may soon have to replace them.

Conversely, made-to-order options can be much more expensive than those available via RTA or elsewhere; so though you get something that works well, you pay way more than you have to. A balanced alternative is, say, white shaker cabinets from a well-known provider, or RTA options that can fit into a specific area.

Even small kitchens generally have some segment of space which can be augmented positively with cabinetry options. Look at the space you’ve got, and consider whether replacing existing cabinets, installing new ones, or some hybrid between these alternatives best matches what you’ve got to work with.

Downsizing: What Food Preparation Items Do You Never Use?

A very wise way to upgrade your kitchen is to find where you’ve got things you don’t need, and get rid of them. Oftentimes some appliances end up just taking up space in a kitchen. Have a garage sale, donate these items, or throw them out. Sometimes there are even broken appliances just collecting dust in a corner. Why keep them; for posterity?

The truth is, life is so hectic, such items tend to be put aside and forgotten. If you’re not going to use them decoratively, cannibalize them, or put them to their intended purpose, find a way to get rid of such unnecessary space-monopolizing devices.

A great way to do this is to keep tabs on the sort of meals you prepare for over a month. Do you use that blender…ever? How about the waffle iron? Is that toaster just a delayed rust machine? Do you have boxed appliances from your wedding you never opened? Most couples tend to have something like that lying around; get rid of it and reclaim the space.

Adding A Repurposed Wardrobe As A Mobile Pantry

A wardrobe is made to store clothes, but you can put some shelves in there and make a pantry out of it. If you’ve got a wardrobe in the house you’re not using, you might move it to the kitchen corner where a pantry would go. Some kitchens don’t have pantries and desperately need them.

Beyond a wardrobe, there are pantry storage options available at varying furniture stores and home betterment facilities such as Menards or Home Depot. If you need more space and don’t have a pantry, find a way of making one. Cabinets can be stacked on one another, wardrobes can be repurposed, and specific furniture options are out there.

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Kitchen and House Renovation

Getting The Most Use Out Of Your Kitchen

Regardless of the size of your kitchen, you can probably get more storage out of it through the implementation of these strategic options. Repurpose a wardrobe or add a pantry another way, downsize where appropriate, install some new cabinets, compartmentalize pantries or other storage areas, utilize vertical storage, and get your utensils squared away.

When you implement tips like this, even a small kitchen can see storage space expand notably. Provided you’re creative, you’ll likely find a way to use the space available with the greatest efficiency

Featured Projects

Urban Luxury Kitchen 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. To see Before and After pictures and project specifications …. see more

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Entertainer’s Dream Kitchen and Bar

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

Cottage Style Kitchen in Mangere Bridge

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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Ambury-5 Stellar Ways To Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, Drawers, & Pantry

Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland

Further Resources

Featured projects and Client stories to see specifications on some of the projects.
Real client stories from Auckland

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

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

finance-badge1000x1000 Stellar Ways To Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, Drawers, & Pantry

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.

Bathroom Renovation

Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) – Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

November 12, 20200

Bathrooms are often the smallest space in any home which means that they must find the right balance between functionality and aesthetics within any bathroom design. Even a decade ago, most bathrooms had a clinical look about them with white tiles or walls and standard shiny chrome fixtures. Bathrooms of today however are very different in terms of aesthetics as there are many more options to choose from.

One of the easiest ways to improve the look of your bathroom is to integrate statement taps within your bathroom design. Bathroom accessories are often overshadowed by bathtubs and vanity which means that they are often a secondary consideration when renovating. Most people don’t realise however that statement tapware can really elevate a bathroom design.

Statement tapware and basins can transform a bathroom whether you are doing minor upgrades or renovating your entire bathroom. In the last year or so we have seen an increasing number of our clients opting for designer tapware for their bathroom design.

Hence we decided to look for suppliers in Auckland that could fill this niche and hence our partnership with The Kitchen Hub was formed. The Kitchen Hub specialises in designer tapware for bathrooms and kitchens designed by leading designers in Australia, UK and the USA.

We met with Holly from The Kitchen Hub to understand a bit more about their company and the trends in tapware seen in Auckland.

This article will discuss the following:

Q & A with Holly – The Kitchen Hub’s process on narrowing down the right tapware for clients
Top 5 Tips on choosing the right type of bathroom accessories for different styled homes in Auckland

Holly-e1605140718870 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Meet Holly from The Kitchen Hub

“My role is to assist in promoting and advertising our bespoke collection of kitchen, bathroom and laundry products. My passion is to create brand awareness for our high-end boutique ranges that will assist our clients in discovering and selecting the right products for their homes. At The Kitchen Hub, we strive ourselves on offering unique brands that create luxury statements. Which is why I am always working closely alongside our clients to help provide innovative outcomes.”

Holly, Sales & Marketing Manager

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We sat down with Holly from The Kitchen Hub to see how she helps clients with their tapware choice

Superior Renovations: How can clients narrow down their choices amidst such an overwhelming tapware selection?

Holly: I usually first ask what kind of budget they are working with and how much they are willing to allocate towards the products that they are after. If they are working with a tight budget then I will usually point them towards Meir and our other more cost effective brands, or if they have a larger budget then I will suggest Astra Walker or The Watermark Collection.

Understanding the client’s budget helps me identify the brands that are suited for them. Once I have identified the brand, then I dive a little deeper and start to understand the design a bit more. This is where I ask what kind of build it is (new build or renovation) and whether it is contemporary or traditional design. This helps me narrow down to specific product ranges which I can then show to the client.

Superior Renovations: How do people choose through the various finishes? How do you help them choose?

Holly: Selecting finishes will depend on various factors. First I need to understand what the setting is and who will be using the tapware. If it is for a family home, then clients will be wanting something that is durable and easy to clean. So I tend to recommend a stainless steel or brushed finish, something that won’t show finger prints and is low maintenance. Sometimes, if clients have young children, I do suggest not to use a matte black finish. While most of our matte black finishes are electroplated and are very durable, they still tend be easier to scratch if they are not handled carefully.

Superior Renovations: What is the difference between living finishes and Sealed finishes?

Holly: Living finishes are becoming more popular for their raw and organic appearance. They are designed to change and evolve, so they will develop a unique worn appearance over time. But the aged look is not for everyone.

If our clients want a living finish then our go to would be either Astra Walker or Buddy. These brands offer of range of living finishes, including natural brass and aged brass, which are the most common finishes that our clients tend to go for.

If the client wants a finish that will remain the same over time then I would recommend our trending sealed finishes which are matte black, brushed brass, stainless steel, brushed nickel and gunmetal. These finishes are offered by various different brands which gives a bit more flexibility when it comes to product selection.

Sealed Finish

Living Finish

Superior Renovations: Are there any specific trends that you are seeing in bathroom tapware?

Holly: There are a couple of design trends that have started to emerge with bathroom tapware. I have noticed a lot of people are now going for coloured tapware, especially brass finishes, as opposed to standard chrome and matte black. Living finishes are also becoming increasingly popular for the more industrial and retro design look. Elevated tapware is coming back into fashion as well, with a lot of interest in our cross handle and lever options as opposed to standard wall mixers.

Top 5 tips on choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Tip 1 – Design your bathroom which complements the rest of your home

Every person is unique which means that the style of every home is different from the other. However, the 5 broad categories that most homes fit into is contemporary, Traditional, Modern, Rustic, and Industrial. Most homes are not however designed to specific style and often contain a mix and match of various styles.

Modern or minimalistic Bathroom designs

Modern bathroom designs usually have tapware which are sleek and with straight lines. The overall look of a modern bathroom design often features a minimalistic look with a clean and uncluttered look. Most modern bathrooms used to feature shiny tapware, but a growing trend has seen a shift towards black matte tapware. Matte black look adds a certain sophistication to a bathroom design. It is versatile and works with most colour schemes in a bathroom. Even with smaller bathrooms where the colour scheme is often neutral, black matte taps can add a great design element to the bathroom.

Read: TOP 15 BATHROOM DESIGN TRENDS IN NZ FOR 2021 BY DESIGNERS IN AUCKLAND

Contemporary-modern-zig-zag Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

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DSC00373 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

If you are going for a Trendy and modern look for your bathroom then this range can be great to incorporate within your bathroom design.

Traditional Villas and Bungalows

Most bungalows and villas in Auckland feature traditional elements within their structure like hardwood floors, casement windows, and traditional chandeliers. The overall design of traditional homes can be carried on to bathrooms while still having modern luxurious like bathtubs and wet rooms. You can add a traditional element to your bathroom design by installing traditional tapware like the classic range from Aster walker. The classic range has taps and bathroom accessories are reminiscent of old Victorian and Edwardian times which come in over 23 textures and colours to suit most traditional bathroom tastes.

cropped-matte-black-olde-english Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

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DSC00338 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

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Matte Black Olde English 3 tap set up used from the Astra Walker range. This set up is perfect for Villas and Bungalows that want to retain the old world charm for their homes.

Rustic Style bathrooms

There has been a growing trend in rustic style bathrooms in Auckland. We recently renovated two rustic style bathrooms which featured brass sinks and antique gold finishes. Rustic style bathrooms often feature elements of nature such as wooden accents, warm colours and matte brown or golden fixtures with an antique finish. If you are looking at adding rustic elements to your bathroom then changing your tapware could be a great way to do so.

elk_eco_brass-Jpg Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Elk Eco Brass is a great choice for a
Rustic bathroom

Icon range can be used for a modern
Rustic Style bathroom

Contemporary bathrooms

Contemporary styled bathrooms are one of the most popular in bathroom designs of today. The contemporary style borrows a bit of every style for a streamlined look. It is mostly a bit of old and a bit of new. There is a lot to choose from when you are designing your bathroom in a contemporary style. When choosing accessories for a contemporary bathroom, think about your colour scheme as well as your family situation.

Metropolis-Matt-Black-Jpeg-1 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Contemporary bathrooms often feature basins which are placed above the countertop with tapware attached on the wall (Metropolis Black matte tapware from The Kitchen Hub)

If you do have a young family then opt for tapware which is shiny and not matte. Matte finish tapware leaves fingerprints on them a lot easier which means you will have to wipe it more often. Hence, if you have a busy household with young children then we would recommend you to use a shiny finish for your tapware.

Industrial style bathrooms

The industrial look was first inspired by the typical New York style apartments. Most industrial design takes clues from old industrial pipes and old factories. This style works great for apartments and architectural homes. However, if you love the look then you can add a vanity, basin or tapware in an industrial design without changing the whole look of the bathroom.

Tip 2 – Choose the right type of shape for your bathroom fixtures

Not all types shapes are right for certain bathroom designs or even the layout. When choosing your tapware make sure that you are choosing something that looks great but also something that is functional for your family. Think about your family dynamics and who is going to be using that bathroom. Are your young children going to use the bathroom, are adults or the elderly members? If young children or someone who is elderly are using the bathroom then it would be best to install a basin and tapware that is easy to use. Perhaps a single leaver which can be used with one hand is more suitable but if there are adults using the bathroom then you can install a 2-leaver set up for your bathroom.

Also think about your overall bathroom design to make decisions on the tapware that you choose. If you have a traditional or vintage look in your bathroom then opt for 3 tap set up for your basin. Use a separate hot and cold-water knob fixture to re-create a traditional vibe. Do not use a very sleek or shiny tapware and basin. Opt for more traditional looking basins and tapware. If you have a more modern or contemporary like set-up then go for large square sinks with tall-curved tapware.

If you have a small bathroom design then think about a smaller and less cumbersome vanity set up. Always choose your bathroom fixtures in accordance with the size of your bathroom. A lot of people make the mistake of buying bulky fixtures for their small bathrooms which often ends up becoming an eyesore when the renovation is completed. A great advantage now is that there are a lot of options when it comes to smaller vanities in various design and style options.

Further inspiration for small bathrooms

15 BATHROOM IDEAS FOR SMALL BATHROOM DESIGNS IN AUCKLAND – 2021 EDITION

Tip 3 – The type of finish you choose should depends on your family situation

Our clients often find it hard to choose the right finish for their tapware due to the countless options available today. They often struggle with whether they should get chrome, matte black, or a brushed finish.

Choosing the right type of sheen or finish is important as they determine how your bathroom will look as well as how you will be maintaining it. So we decided to ask Holly for her expertise in choosing the right finish for bathroom tapware.

When asked how she helped clients using the right finish she said “Selecting finishes will depend on various factors. First, I need to understand what the setting is and who will be using the tapware. If it is for a family home, then clients will be wanting something that is durable and easy to clean. So, I tend to recommend a stainless steel or brushed finish, something that will not show fingerprints and is low maintenance. Sometimes, if clients have young children, I do suggest not to use a matte black finish. While most of our matte black finishes are electroplated and are very durable, they still tend be easier to scratch if they are not handled carefully.

BATHROOM RENOVATION PHOTOS FOR OUR TOP 17 RENOVATIONS IN AUCKLAND

Tip 4 – Size of your bathroom

It is important to choose the correct size of tapware for the size of your bathroom. Getting the size of your tapware wrong can disrupt the overall look and flow of your bathroom design. Before you choose your fittings, you should measure up the space of your bathroom. Measure the space for your vanity, shower, toilet and the height available between your vanity and mirror for the tapware.

If you have a small bathroom then perhaps you can opt for a shorter tapware set up or even wall mounted tapware. If you have plenty of space available, then you can choose a long-arched tapware. The same goes for your vanity. If you have a small bathroom then make sure you measure the space available for your vanity before you go shopping. This will help you choose a set up for your bathroom in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Tip 5 – Choose tapware that is compatible with your water pressure

If you are renovating your home, then chances are that you are going to be using your existing plumbing. Auckland homes that are built over 20 years ago often have low water pressure. Its always good to check the type of water pressure you are working with before you buy your tapware. You can get your water pressure checked by a professional or simply look at your water cylinder. If you have unequal or low water pressure, then your water cylinder will say ‘low pressure’. Unequal water pressure means that your cold water will have more pressure as compared to your hot water, hence unequal water pressure.

edwardian_nickel_black_porc_basin-jpg Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

This porcelain basin and 3 tap set up is perfect for villas with low pressure water (Edwardian Nickel black porcelain basin and tapware from the Astra walker range)

Read: 18 TOP TILE TRENDS IN BATHROOM DESIGN FOR 2021 – NZ EDITION

Newer homes do not have unequal water pressure which means that your cylinder will say ‘main pressure’. The pressure for hot and cold water for newer homes however is equal. Most villas and bungalows in Auckland have low pressure which means that you will have to find tapware which is compatible for low pressure. Most single leaver tapware is only suited for main pressure cylinders . If you have a low pressure water system and are not ready to change it to main pressure then you have to ensure that you choose tapware which is compatible for low pressure water cylinders.

Our Featured renovation projects highlighting bathroom accessories

Rustic Bathroom Renovation in Westmere

This rustic bathroom has all the classic features of natural elements that make a space look warm and inviting. The use of green tiles as a feature wall adds depth to the wet area by making it a calm and serene space. Matte gold is often used in rustic design and was hence used in the design of this bathroom.

Read – Full project details for this bathroom renovation

Tracey’s Artisan Style Contemporary Bathroom renovation in Titirangi, Auckland

This small bathroom was renovated in a black and white theme using designer tiles on the floors and white subway tiles on the walls. We also used a floating wooden vanity to add some warmth in the bathroom along with matte black tapware and shower fixtures keeping the theme in mind.

Read – Full project specifications for this bathroom renovation.

DSC00169-1 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

DSC00119-1 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

DSC00141 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

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

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 kind of bathrooms are best for contemporary bathrooms?

The great thing about contemporary bathroom designs is that they take elements from various styles to bring a cohesive bathroom design and look. This means that you have a lot of options when choose tapware or fixtures for bathroom designs. The growing trend however has been black matte in contemporary designs and stainless steel. If you have more questions about which tapware or bathroom fixture is best for your bathroom design then get in touch with our design team at 0800 199 888 ext 1.

Do I have to get my own designer?

Not when you are renovating with us. We have designers on our team which will help you choose the right bathroom fixtures and tapware for your bathroom.

Can I buy my own bathroom tapware?

We prefer working with our own suppliers in Auckland so we can maintain quality and workmanship. However if there is something that you prefer then bring it along and we can see what we can do.

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

finance-badge1000x1000 Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) - Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

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Bathroom Renovation

Olivia – Classic Upgrade to a Much Loved Villa

November 4, 20200

Olivia – Grafton, Auckland

Video testimonial by Olivia for Bathroom Renovation completed by Superior Renovations ® located in Grafton, Auckland.

“I just had a very pleasant experience with my dealings with Superior Renovations from start to finish; the communication, price, quality of the work, and the speed of the work, everything was just terrific…. I needed it to be easy for me as I have a full-time job and I couldn’t really be here dealing with tradies and scheduling things, I needed something to be easy and that would work with my lifestyle and it did, it was great!”

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

Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

October 4, 20200

Kitchen is most definitely the centre of a home. Our evolving lifestyle in modern times means that the kitchen is no longer tucked away in a separate room. Today’s hectic schedules means that families usually get together in the evenings to spend some quality time together. Cooking is a big part of this and open plan kitchens allow the family to congregate together in the evenings. Most kitchens also feature a breakfast bar which allows for casual dining and provides additional counter and storage space.

Kitchen renovation photos can provide a real sense of what kitchens can look like after a renovation. While Pinterest and Instagram provide great inspiration, they fail to show specifications on real projects. This article aims to provide a gallery of projects with photos of kitchens that we have renovated in Auckland. We will also provide project specifications on kitchens and ways of making them more convenient and functional for your lifestyle.

In this article we have put together a portfolio of bathrooms that we have renovated in Auckland.

We will discuss the following 5 things:

Kitchen renovation photos + Before and Afters
Case studies of real client stories in Auckland and links to their kitchen specification pages
Problems with kitchens in old homes of Auckland
Modern solutions in Kitchen to make them more functional and easy to maintain

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

Featured Kitchen renovation Photos

We have renovated over 200 kitchens in Auckland in just the last 3 years. This does not include minor alterations as we only focus on full kitchen renovations. Our full kitchen renovation includes the following:

A comprehensive design process
Demolition of existing fixtures and flooring
Disposal of the above
We provide all materials like flooring, counter tops and fixtures which you get to pick and choose from our local supplier showrooms
We custom build all the cabinets and benchtop here in Auckland
Installation
We also provide all the trades involved for example electricians, plumbers, installers, painters, carpenters, builders, tilers, grouters, painters, and plasterers.
A project manager to manage the entire renovation and who acts as your sole point of contact through the renovation.

#1 Classic Kitchen renovation Before and After – Epsom

Our clients bought a historic Epsom bungalow and needed to add some modern elements to complement their lifestyle. As a family with young children, the old kitchen posed some issues for the family. While there was nothing wrong with the kitchen, it lacked modern storage spaces and was not very easy to maintain. Hence she decided the modernise her kitchen with easy to maintain materials. They did however want their kitchen the complement the rest of the house and decided to go with a white Victorian cottage theme.

Read -See full kitchen specifications and photos

BEFORE

AFTER

#2 Mary Stuart’s Spanish themed Kitchen photos in Stanmore Bay

Mary’s kitchen was renovated to mimic the themes of Spanish Villas. When she bought the house she was inspired by the existing arched doors in the hallway. We broke the wall between the lounge and kitchen to make it an open style kitchen. This kitchen boasted Melteca MDF cabinets which were made to look like Timber, colourful mosaic tiles, and brass fixtures.

Read – See Mary’s project specifications + all kitchen renovation photos

441-WH26396-Rodney-District-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

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AFTER

480-WH26396-Rodney-District-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

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#3 An Entertainer’s dream kitchen in Massey

Guru and Neeta had a dated kitchen which was tucked away in a room with no natural sunlight. They wanted to break the two walls dividing the kitchen from the dining and living room. They also loved entertaining their friends and family so we created an open large space complete with a bar that extended out to the living room. We went with a luxurious modern feel for the kitchen with black cabinets and gold LED lights.

Read – See full details for this kitchen renovation in Massey

BEFORE

Renovation-Massey-West-Auckland-27 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland AFTER

BEFORE

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#4 Urban Kitchen renovation photos from our Parnell project

This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell village but it was not configured well to maximise the space in terms of functionality. We moved the kitchen from the left side of the room to the right side and used the space on the left for storage and laundry. The kitchen was renovated

Read – Full bathroom renovation specs for this Parnell townhouse

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

#5 A Kitchen renovation photos in Blockhouse Bay

This was our client’s family home which they then decided to renovate after much deliberation. Like most old houses in Auckland, this kitchen lacked functionality and had become shabby. Once the kitchen was completed, the space transformed into a large and bright area complete with extensive storage and a breakfast bar.

Read – Full kitchen details + all photos for this project

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

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#6 Kitchen renovation photos from our Papatoetoe renovation

This young family from Papatoetoe were in need of an upgrade of their old looking kitchen. The old laminate cabinets and countertops had started looking shabby and they wanted to incorporate a more modern looking style for their kitchen.

Read –See full kitchen specs + all photos for this project

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

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Custom built pantry with shelves

#7 Craig and Amber’s Kitchen renovation in Hillsborough

Craig and Amber initially contacted us because their kitchen had started living. They wanted to repair the damage and sell their old home and buy a new house. They however ended up renovating their entire house and opted to live in their home as they loved the area.

Read – See full project details + all photos for Craig and Amber’s project

BEFORE

AFTER

#8 Kitchen renovation photos from a 8 person household

This was an extensive interior and exterior renovation that we carried out in West Harbour. As this was a large household, the needs of various family members had to be integrated into planning every aspect of the renovation.

BEFORE

AFTER

IMG_0811-1024x683 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland IMG_0839-1024x683 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

#9 Kitchen renovation photos from Joanna and Steve’s renovation

Joanna and Steve initially bought this property as an investment property as they were meant to relocate to the UK. The move however got delayed which meant that they decided that they would make this house their home for a short while. They were used to modern and new homes which meant that this new house did not suit their taste. Hence we renovated the entire kitchen and bathroom to suit their modern taste.

Read – See full details for Joanna’s kitchen renovation + all photos

BEFORE

AFTER

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#10 Kitchen renovation photos from a historic bungalow in Greenhithe

This historic bungalow boasted original timber floors and a good solid structure. However, the kitchen had started looking dated so we renovated the kitchen to increase storage and make it more convenient. We also rewired the entire house, restored all timber floors and doors, and rewired the entire house.

Read – See full kitchen specs and photos for this project

BEFORE

AFTER

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#11 Investment property Kitchen renovation in Hillsborough

Our client renovated her entire home to increase her rental yield for her investment property. We used mid range materials which were easy to maintain to minimise wear and tear.

Read – See full kitchen specs + photos for this project

BEFORE

AFTER

#12 Cottage Style Kitchen renovation photos from Mangere Bridge

Our client’s home was surrounded by lush greenery and it was important to her that her kitchen reflect the natural elements. Hence she decided to go for a cottage style kitchen with Vintage looking cabinets, antique looking knobs and a real wooden countertop which was treated for durability.

Read – Full project specifications + all photos for this project

Ambury-6-002-768x1024 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

#13 Lynettte and Henry’s Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach

Lynette felt that her current kitchen did not suit their current lifestyle as they did not have a breakfast bar. Her family usually preferred to crowd around the kitchen while she cooked and having a breakfast bar was a must where they could all comfortably sit. She renovated her entire kitchen with a few unique design elements like a coffee corner, sparkle induced countertop and hexagonal backplash.

Read – Lynette’s full kitchen specs and all photos for the renovation

#14 Kitchen renovation in Avondale for a 3 generational family

We renovated the entire house and moved their kitchen from one end of the house to the other. The new kitchen was made in an open style which opened into the dining area where we built further storage cabinets and pantry.

Read – See full project details for this renovation + all photos

#15 Kitchen renovation photos from our project in Albany

This was an old kitchen which was modernised with new custom built cabinets, a gas hob, new laminate flooring that was made to look like wood and a sink with a hot water tap.

Read – all details + Photos for this project

DSC05295-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

#16 Kitchen renovation in West Harbour

This was a tenanted property of our client’s but when they decided to move back to Auckland they needed a renovation to suit their tastes. The bathrooms and kitchen was modernised in classic and neutral themes.

Read – See full project specs + all photos

Problems with old kitchens in Auckland

Old homes in Auckland often feature kitchens that are not suited for todays lifestyle and family dynamics. The configuration of your kitchen can affect how your family interacts during a meal or during the preparation of it. In this section of the article we discuss the modern solutions to old kitchen problems.

The 5 key issues with old kitchens are as follows:

Lack of modern storage solutions
Laminate countertops that are prone to staining
Cabinets and floors that are hard to maintain and clean
A layout that does not suit our lifestyle
Sinks, taps and knobs that do not incorporate any technology (less eco friendly)

5 Modern solutions for Kitchens designs of today

In this section of the article we will outline modern solutions to the 5 key problems mentioned above.

1.Storage solutions and Organisation

Storage is very important in kitchens. Appliances, crockery, cutlery, groceries, condiments, rubbish bins and cooking utensils need to have a place where they need to be stored. Older kitchens often lack proper storage areas which can be organised effectively. Nowadays however, there is alot that you can choose from to make your kitchen a well oiled machine making life simple and convenient.

Pantry with pull out drawers

Gone are the days when a pantry basically meant a laminate cabinets with groceries heaped up on top of eachother. Today the pantry takes on a whole new form where you can make custome drawers which can be pulled out for better organisation.

DSC06720-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Custom built drawers for a pantry in a kitchen renovation from Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

Custom built shelves in a pantry from a kitchen renovation in Papatoetoe

In-built cutlery and condiment drawers

In built drawers for cutleries and condiments can make organisation easier in your kitchen.

Renovation-Massey-West-Auckland-18 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

For further storage solutions ideas

Craig and Amber’s kitchen renovation

Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay

Pull out bins

Installing pull out bins have been one of the most popular kitchen design element for our kitchen renovations in Auckland. They are hygienic, convenient and make the kitchen space look less cluttered.

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Magic Corners

Corner cabinets in a kitchen are often underutilised as their corners are hard to reach. We usually end up storing things that we would not need on an every day basis in these corners or simply leave it empty. Magic corners solve this issue by making it easy to reach the corners by a shelf that rolls out. Below are a few examples of ‘magic corners’ that we integrated into our kitchen designs for our client homes in Auckland.

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Breakfast Bars/Islands that double as storage

Kitchen designs today often include a breakfast bar which provide various functions. Kitchen islands can be used as extra counter space, to have a light meal and for extra storage by building cabinets in its frame. This increases cabinet storage space which is always good to have in a kitchen.

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Custom built kitchen island with cabinets at the bottom allowing our clients to have extra storage space. (Kitchen renovation in Epsom)

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An custom built L shaped island with cabinets at both ends to maximise storage. (Kitchen renovation in Blockhouse Bay)

Further examples of multipurpose Kitchen islands

Mary’s Stuart’s Kitchen island with a gas hob

L shaped Kitchen island with extensive storage

Stone Engineered Countertops

Old Kitchen designs usually incorporate either laminate or wooden countertops. Laminate countertops start looking shabby very quickly and are prone to staining. Wooden countertops on the other hand need to be polished and maintained regularly in order to prolong their lifespan. This basically means that laminate and wooden countertops are not very suitable for lifestyles that are hectic or with young children.

Stone engineered countertops on the other hand are cost effective, easy to clean, they are durable and can be aesthetically changed to whatever look you are after. Below are a few examples of stone engineered countertops from some of our kitchen renovations in Auckland.

DSC06467-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Mary’s Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay – As this kitchen was modelled after rustic villa’s of Spain we decided to use a stone engineered countertop in shades of brown and yellow.

DSC07018-1200-1024x681 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Black Stone engineered countertop with infused sparkles – Lynette and Henry’s kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach.

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Stone engineered countertop with a matte marble look – Kitchen renovation in Parnell

3.MDF cabinets and Modern Flooring solutions

MDF cabinets Vs Solid Wood

What should you use MDF or wood for your cabinets? People often think that wood is the answer when it comes to building cabinets. Often people think that wooden cabinets are sturdy and MDF cabinets are viewed as a cheap and weak alternative.

Despite popular belief, wood is not always the superior choice; in some situations MDF Board might be the better material. Wood is In simple terms, solid wood is essentially the natural lumber while the MDF is categorized as “engineered wood”. Engineered wood is a mixture of redwood, fibers, veneers, resin, and adhesives.

Good brands of MDF like Melteca and Bestwood are often sturdier, easy to maintain and can be manipulated to look and feel like any material of your choice.

Read more…

MDF Vs Wooden cabinets for your Kitchen

Ambury-Rd-1024x768 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Custom built MDF cabinets which were wrapped and destressed to give a Vintage look – Kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge

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Melteca MDF cabinets custom built which were made to look rustic – Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay

Further examples of MDF cabinets used for our clients’ kitchen renovation

MDF cabinets in a kitchen renovation in Massey

MDF cabinets used in a kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay

MDF cabinets used in a kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge

Modern Flooring solutions for Kitchens

Older homes in Auckland usually feature either lackluster laminate, wooden or white tiled floors in kitchens. Wooden floors in kitchens are not easy to maintain, however laminate and tiled floors are best suited for kitchens.

With technological advances, you can get tiled and laminate floors which can be made to look like wood. These are easier to clean, maintain and are more suited for the hectic lifestyles of today.

DSC07076-1200-1024x681 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Ceramic tiles which mimic hardwood were installed for easy maintenance and as a cost effective option (Kitchen renovation in Bucklands Beach)

DSC07256-1000-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Laminate Flooring for a Kitchen renovation in Massey

DSC06386-1024x681 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Laminate flooring made to mimic hardwood timber flooring (Kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay)

IMG_0811-1-1024x683 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Laminate floors in West Harbour’s kitchen renovation

Emerging Tile trends as discussed with Tile Depot + Mistakes to avoid

4.Layouts of Modern Kitchens

As discussed previously in this article, open planed kitchens are more suited for the family dynamics of today. Older kitchens in Auckland often feature kitchens as a separate room. Most of the kitchen renovations that we have carried out have involved a change in layout. This is often done by demolishing the walls separating the kitchen from other living areas. This also allows more space and an open living setting. Kitchens can still be separated from the other living areas by installing a kitchen island instead.

Examples of kitchens which were renovated to give them an open plan design

Before and After photos of a kitchen renovation in Massey to make it an open plan living space

Before and After photos of a kitchen renovation in Stanmore Bay to make it an open plan living space

5.Integrating modern technology into your kitchen renovation

Advancement in technology means that you can now make your kitchen an efficient and eco friendly space.

Soft close cabinets and a no handle set up

Having Soft close cabinets, hinges and drawer runners means that there will be a lot less wear and tear which often happens when cabinet doors closed with force. We use BLUM and Haffaelle brands for all soft close cabinets, hinges and drawer runners.

A no handle set up for cabinets means that you can achieve a more sleek and modern looking kitchen design. Some of our clients also like installing a strip of LED lights above the ‘no handle’ set up to make the area more defined.

DSC07054-1024x682 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Haffaelle soft close drawers

LED lights installed above the ‘no handle’ cabinets

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BLUM hinges installed in cabinets

Soft close drawers in a custom built pantry

Durable Sinks and Hot water taps in sinks

Silgranit sinks have become increasingly popular recently as they are very durable, easy to clean and are not easily scratched as compared to steel, metal or ceramic sinks.

Hot water taps are ec0-friendly and are very convenient for every day cooking.

DSC07323-1024x682 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

Black Silgranit sink with a hot water tap

A dual grey Silgranit sink with a hot water tap

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A dual silgranit sink

A large singranit sink with a filter in its water tap

Remote controlled LED lights and other technology

Remote controlled LED lights allow you to dim the lights to create an nice ambience for your kitchen space. Another simple technology that you can integrate into your kitchen is power plugs that can be installed on your counter top. You can push them back into the counter when not in use.

DSC07394-1000 Kitchen Renovation Photos For Our Top 16 Renovations in Auckland

LED lights controlled by a remote

LED lights installed beneath all cabinets

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A power point that can be pushed back into the counter when not in use.

How much would it cost to renovate a Kitchen in Auckland?

Communication and coordination with a skilled team is key to renovating any kitchen successfully. It involves a high level of coordination/communication with a number of suppliers, electrician, tilers, installers, painters/plasterers, plumbers, demolition team, and Auckland Council.

There are several factors that can affect the budget of your kitchen renovation. The top 5 things that affect the cost of a kitchen are as follows:

Size of your kitchen
Repairing of any damage
Structural change and council related works
Materials and supplies used
Labour and Project Management.

As a company we provide a full renovation service for kitchens which means that your proposal would include all materials, fixtures, labour, project management, repair work and council fees.

On an average a kitchen renovation without any council related work will start from $22,000. This type of kitchen renovation would use our mid-range products while more luxury kitchens would cost anywhere above $27,000.

If you are looking for a ball park figure for a kitchen renovation then you can also use our cost calculator tool on our website. The link to use a cost calculator and get an instant quote can be found below.

USE OUR KITCHEN COST CALCULATOR TO GET A BALL PARK FIGURE ON YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION

Already have all your own trades and you’re comfortable managing them for your kitchen renovation?

Although we don’t recommend if you haven’t renovated a kitchen before and/or you don’t have trades people you can trust, most renovations if not all comes with it’s own surprises because not all homes are the same – this is where experience/project management plays an important role in minimises risks to maintain costs/delays giving you higher certainty of outcome/quality backed by associated guarantees and warranties.

However, if you do intend to manage the kitchen renovation yourself, it does work out more cost effective to contact a kitchen cabinetry manufacturer directly to get the kitchen cabinets designed, manufactured and installed – leaving you to manage the other trades such as flooring, demolition, painting, plastering, splashback/tiling, electrician, plumber, and sometimes a carpenter/builder.

Try Little Giant Interiors cost calculator below to see what you can expect to pay for cabinetry.

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

How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

A basic kitchen renovation starts from 22K if there is minimal change in layout and if you use our mid range of products. As we are a full renovation company, our kitchen renovation costs would include design, materials, fixtures, custom built cabinets, labour, project management and all different trades. Otherwise kitchen renovations can go upto 50K depending on customisation and if premium range products are used.

How do I budget for my kitchen renovation?

Make a list of why you want to renovate your kitchen. Is it to increase functionality by including modern amenities and changing your layout? Is it to make minor upgrades as things are starting to look old? Is it to convert a closed of kitchen into an open space living? Is it to upgrade a rental property to yield better rent in the market? These questions will largely affect your budget. If you are looking at upgrading an investment property to either add value or yield better rent should be getting a basic renovation with little customisation with the use of medium range supplies. However, if your intention is to increase functionality and add comfort then you can use our mid-range to premium suppliers and customise your kitchen to the extent that your budget allows.

Do you have finance options for my Kitchen renovation?

Yes we do provide finance options for people wanting to renovate their kitchen with us. We realise that it is not always possible to put aside a huge chunk of money for your renovation and we have hence partnered with Linda from Loan Market to provide finance options for our clients. Yes we do have finance options. To understand more about our finance options, visit our page: https://superiorrenovations.co.nz/guide-to-financing-your-home-renovation-in-nz-by-superior-renovations/

Where can i find help to design my kitchen?

We provide a full 'design to build service' will include design in to their process which means that you do not have to find your own designer. Having a designer in the same team as the rest of the renovation company is an added benefit as you do not have to liaise with two different companies.

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

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Bathroom Renovation

18 Top Tile Trends In Bathroom Design For 2023 – NZ Edition

September 26, 20200

This article has been updated with further content to reflect bathroom tile trends for 2023

Nowadays, picking out the best tile for bathroom renovation is an overwhelming task because of a variety of factors you need to consider, such as texture, color, shape, and design. In the past, it was easy to choose the best tile for remodeling purposes since functional benefits such as low maintenance, durability, and water resistance were the only things considered. However, this is the opposite of this era. Today, the tile’s aesthetic impact has the same weight as its functions. As a result, manufacturers have made several changes on their selections to provide unique tiles to the homeowners. From the current research, we have come out with the top trends in bathroom tiles in 2019 that every homeowner should consider when deciding to renovate their home. These tile trends essentially covers the tiles’ patterns, finishes, shapes, and colors.

bathroom-renovation-auckland-19 18 Top Tile Trends In Bathroom Design For 2023 - NZ Edition

Superior Renovations

Most people prefer statement tiles for their bathroom renovations, but it’s not such easy to choose the best brand as per their desires because of the variety of colors and shapes available in the market. Worry no more! With the currents trends, it will become easy to choose the best bathroom tile for your renovation task.

However, you should note that choosing a riotous pattern or brash color is the best way the best option for making a statement with your bathroom tiles. Considering also variation, shape, and the texture of your bathroom tile is essential in selecting the one capable of creating a stimulating effect. Here, you need to go for things like the quirky arrangement or a single color.

A featured wall, tiled floor, or splashback is not an option if you want to invest less but create a statement look that has a significant impact. Considering the effect the tile will bring is essential for anyone who’s after tiling the entire room. Check the image the tiles are likely to bring. Will they make the space to look larger and lighter or they’ll make it moodier and more intimate? Are the tiles eye-attractive? Do they create a sense of height?

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

What are the different types of Tiles available?

There’s actually a lot to choose from that not many people are aware of, we’ve come up with a list of 20 different types.

Ceramic Tiles
Terracotta Tiles
Vinyl Tiles
Stone Tiles
Marble Tile
Granite Tiles
Limestone Tiles
Wood Floor
Linoleum Floor Tiles
Cork Tiles
Glass Tiles (including Mosaic)
Metal Tile
Cement-Bodied Tile
Slate Tiles
Porcelain Tiles
Pebble Tile
Vibrant Tiles featuring a Casablanca collection
Large Slab tiles
Textured Tiles
Artistic Statement

What is the most common/popular tile type?

Porcelain Tile (most popular)
Ceramic Tile
Marble

Later in the article we will also discuss 6 common tilling mistakes that you should avoid for renovated bathrooms.

Below are the top 20 tile trends in bathroom design that every Auckland homeowner should consider.

Tile Trend #1: Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are the best option if you want to get a clean neutral look for your bathrooms. They’re rectangular, brick-like tiles coming with a wide range of colors. They are the most preferred tiles because they can fit any style, be it, the traditional or the contemporary one.

Other than this, subway tiles are the best option because they’re fashionable. It should be an alternative if you want to create an excellent look for your bathroom and keep the value of its decoration for several years.

A growing trend has also been to use colourful subway tiles as a feature wall to add some colour and character to an otherwise neutral space. We sat with Tile depot’s Ruth and Kitty who shared top tile trends for 2021 and colourful tiles was big part of trends for coming years.

Now everyone can come up with a delightful wall mosaic for their bathrooms by coupling different colors of a subway tile either in horizontal or vertical bands or incorporating various patterned tiles. Nowadays, it’s common to come across homeowners installing patterns or textures of tiles that don’t match to get a unique bathroom as per their desires. Therefore, subway tiles give rise to a wide range of possibilities since you can mix and match them with many sorts of interesting variations.

Tile Trend #2. Vibrant Tiles

As mentioned above, Vibrant tiles have become a growing trend in bathrooms as well as kitchens. People do not want contemporary bathrooms with a neutral palette. More and more people are opting to add a splash of colour to their otherwise neutral bathrooms.

The best way to add a bit of colour is accented tiles or feature walls with a pop of colour. Tile Depot’s Casablanca collection has become very popular with our clients to add colour to their bathrooms. Add a pop of dull red to a neutral bathroom to achieve a rustic bathroom.

Tile Trend #3. Hexagonal Tiles

Hexagonal tiles are the best option for the creation of a honeycomb effect, which can create a lasting statement. They work best as the feature walls, and you can customize them to suit any home by varying their patterns, size, and even tone.

You can take hexagonal tiles to another level by adding texture as well as a 3D effect to give it an interesting illusion. These type of tiles can give your bathroom an industrial or New York style bathroom look. To complement the tiles, you can have your bathroom fixtures a monochromatic black and white look. This would add to the overall feel of an industrial style bathroom.

Tile Trend #4. Large slabs of tiles for the bathroom floors

Using larger tiles on bathroom floors is not so much as a trend than it is a practical solution for tiling smaller bathroom spaces. Contrary to popular belief, using large tiles in a small bathroom can in fact make your bathroom appear larger. This fact was revealed to us by Kitty and Ruth from Tile Depot. Using larger tiles means that there will be lesser grout lines which means there be fewer ‘breaks’ on the bathroom floor. Fewer ‘breaks’ means more continuity which would make your bathroom look more spacious.

Kitty says that people should not be afraid to use large slabs of tiles and could use 600 by 600 or even 600 by 1200 in their bathrooms.

Tile Trend #5. Geometric Tiles

There are high chances to create a real statement using your tiles if you keep repeating the dramatic angles and sharp corners. Now you can pull your bathroom space together to add interest and depth by using the geometric tiles.

Geometric tiles are the best option for setting the tone for your entire flooring or all your bathroom walls. Other than this, they work best on an accent wall, and you can use them to create a definite pivot from the rest of your bathroom.

You can use geometric tiles in small bathrooms to improve the perception of that place by matching them with neutral colors. For the large bathrooms, these tiles are the best option for forming artful accents in different areas such as the makeup station or spa area.

Tile Trend #6. Dark And Stormy Tiles

A dark bathroom is the best option for an area that receives little natural light. Blacks and dark grays are the best options for enhancing a moody look filled with a luxury feeling. However, if you do have a small bathroom then refrain from using dark tiles on your floors and walls. This can make the space looked closed in. Dark tiles are mostly suited for large bathrooms which have plenty of space.

If you have a small bathroom and want the same dark and luxurious feel then use more greys as opposed to black tiles. Light greys can give you a similar luxurious feel when accented by black fixtures.

Tile Trend #7. Spanish And Moroccan Tiles

This style is the best option for any tile referencing the traditional geometric patterns but expressing them out in a modern way. Using a neutral color palette is the best option if you are going for a subtle Moroccan feel for your bathroom.

Moroccan tiles are often used as a feature wall or as accent tiles to add character to a bathroom. If you are not afraid of colour and are going for a moorish look for your bathroom then you can use a colourful palette for your Mosaic Moroccan tiles.

The bathroom below was renovated by us as the client wanted a Spanish Villa type feel for her bathroom. She was not afraid of colour and hence her bathroom features blue walls, Moorish colourful tiles and brass fixtures to add a Spanish Villa charm to her home.

Read more about our client Mary Stuart from Stanmore Bay about her renovation details and experience while renovating her bathroom and Kitchen to add a Spanish Villa charm to her home.

DSC06415-300x200 18 Top Tile Trends In Bathroom Design For 2023 - NZ Edition

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Tile Trend #8. Mosaics Tiles

Mosaics are the sheets featured by small, glass tiles. They’re the best for attracting attention because of their reflections. For the best experience, you can mosaic one feature wall or your entire bathroom for glitter and texture addition.

Tile Trend #9. Brick Tiles

Yes, we’re used to several types of tiles featuring brick shapes, but now there is a new design that works best when used as a wall tile. Now you can get these tiles in a wide range of colors, with the District Track Brick being the best brand.

Tile Trend #10. Baltimore Natural Tiles

Do you want a contemporary home? If yes, then Baltimore natural must be your best option in this case. However, you should go to the Newport and newcomers Rhin options if you’re after a more random design with an aged appearance.

Tile Trend #11. Plant Ash Tiles

Venis Ferroker is the most preferred floor tile that works great with everything. Most people love it because of its ability to make a remarkable statement look for your bathroom floor. For those who want an aged look, Plant is the best option. You can get it in a variety of colors that works best in the New Zealand market.

Tile Trend #12. Deck Day Tiles

Almost everyone has indeed come across a wood looking tile. These are the most popular tiles that keep attracting the attention of most people from time to time. However, their quality depends on the designer and your budget. If you want a natural, modern look, Deck is the best option for shorter lengths while Montana is the best for longer stretches.

Tile Trend #13. Petra Pacific Grey Tiles

In the past, everyone loved the natural stone for the floor and wall covering because of the luxurious feel it bestowed. As a result, several manufacturers have been at the forefront in adjusting the texture and appearance of the natural stone to create a more welcoming look from the porcelain tiles.

Tile Trend #14. Matte Finish Tiles

Matte finish tiles have always been recording an impressive record for several years now. They’re the most preferred option because of their soft and sturdy beauty-style. If you compare these tiles with the glossy ones, you’ll realize that it’s rare for them to show water marks and smudges. As a result, matte finish tiles are the best option for busy bathrooms.

Also, most people prefer matte finish tiles because the low sheen makes it easier to maintain them. It is always essential to ensure that there is enough lighting whenever installing these tiles since they’re not the best for reflecting light.

For a dramatic effect, Glossy tiles are the best option to install in your bathroom. These are the most preferred because of their ability to create a highly polished look. They work best for the small bathrooms since they reflect much light, and they create a perception of a larger space. Mostly, these tiles work best whenever installed in a bathroom with low traffic or on the walls because they require more maintenance.

Matte finish tiles are the best option for those who’re after an understated elegance. They work best for those who want to create an earth style on their bathrooms. However, you should consider going for the glossy finish tiles if you’re after an attention-grabbing and more dramatic look.

Tile Trend #15. Neutral Bathroom Tiles

Neutrals colors are the popular features for a contemporary design. It’s rare to come across a homeowner installing bright colors such as yellow, blue, and red in their bathrooms. Instead, you’ll find most homeowners installing neutrals such as creams and grey. Nowadays, grey and beige are the most popular colors used as complementary neutrals.

White is the best option if you want your bathroom to be more bright. Since a bathroom is one of the relaxing places, you should install neutral since they play an essential role in reinforcing this atmosphere. Natural color is the best option for any bathroom since it keeps the mind calm and relaxing, hence creating a sanctuary in this atmosphere. For the best experience, consider using these colors from the bathroom floors up to the ceiling.

Also, layering in various shades of neutral finishes, colors, shapes, or textures is essential to create a more active bathroom since these installations give a new and lovely look to everything.

Tile Trend #16. Flooring Using Wooden Planks

Woods planks are other trends emerging in the tiles’ market. Most people go for these tiles whenever customizing the size of their bathrooms. Also, wood grained tiles are the most preferred option because they enhance the creation of ornate patterns like herringbone. Most of the wood-grained tiles have their widths measuring 6 inches as their lengths vary from 12 inches to 48 inches. However, wood grained tiles can become distressed, whitewashed, and even weathered because of the effects other finishes in the market.

Porcelain wood grain tiles work best for any bathroom because of their ability to provide significant water resistance and stain without the cases of sacrificing the design aesthetics. Make a step of using the wood grain tiles if you’re after improving the organic feel required in every bathroom space. Also, consider matching natural stone planks with other materials in the market such as wooden grains and concrete, if you’re after a compelling look. By doing this, you’ll add an unexpected and welcoming style to your bathroom flooring.

Tile Trend #17. Textural Finished Tiles

Now it’s easy to add surface interest, color depth, and variation to your bathroom. You only need to incorporate a textured field tile and create that compelling look you want. But you should note that textures can appear in two forms depending on the color you want, the finishes applied, and the material used. They either appear subtle or pronounced.

3D dimensional tiles are the best option in this case because of their ability to inspire everything from an object or place up to a feeling. You can get these pieces of art in a wide range of shapes, styles, and sizes. Other than this, these tiles are the best option if you’re after creating new focal points in your home. They make this possible by using distinctive pieces of tiles. Also, they’re the most preferred because they work best in different areas within the house, including in the wall in your dining room.

Tile Trend #18. Metallic Finishes

Metallic is also another thing that has attracted the attention of most people. Most prefer it because of the shining effect it creates on their bathrooms. It is a shiny and reflective material that gives any bathroom a gorgeous look for everyone’s desires. It’s amongst the modern look for bathrooms, that’s expected to pop up more and more for the next few years.

Tile Trend #19. Textured Tiles

Tile trends have been shifting towards more irregular and textured surfaces in recent years, and this trend is particularly popular in bathroom tile ideas. Bathroom tiles with textured finihses that mimic the natural beauty of wood are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. One example of this trend is the new organic range of panels offered by our supplier Melteca, which can be used to create a textured look in any bathroom space. These bathroom tile ideas and tile trends allow homeowners to add a unique and individual touch to their bathroom decor, and can be used to create a textured look in any bathroom space.

Tile Trend #20. Artistic Statement

Tile trends for bathroom tile ideas are indicating that bold colours and patterns will continue to be popular among homeowners this year as they look to incorporate their own personal style into their home. Instead of sticking with neutral or subdued colour schemes, many are opting for more vibrant and bold colour palettes in their tiled bathroom ideas. One example of this trend is using patterned tile backsplashes to add unique character and flair to the space. The use od tile trends for bathroom tile ideas and tiled bathroom ideas homeowners to add a touch of individuality and personality to their homes.

What Determines The Cost Of A Tile?

It’s evident that most people don’t know the difference between a designer tile and a budget-friendly tile. For the budget-friendly tiles, they go at around $50 per square meter as the designer tiles go at approximately $100 per square meter. However, there are cases where the designer tiles go up to $150 per square meter. But they can also cost more than this depending on the size and finish you want.

Quality, depth, and colors are the main things that dictate the price of a tile. You’ll realize that a cheaper one usually looks flat, features fewer colors, and sometimes has a lower pixel on its printed image, resulting in a blurred look. Also, a tile that costs less features a noticeable pattern that keeps repeating across it. For an expensive tile, you’ll realise that it features a fresh design, has a more realistic look, and better color depth.

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Tiling a shower

Not water proofing your shower well or having minor leakage in your tiled bathrooms can cause major damage to the structure of your walls and floors. Doing a DIY job might seem simple after you have watched a few YouTube videos but in reality a small mistake can prove to be detrimental.

There are quite a few tenchicalities that you might not be aware of while tiling your shower and bathroom. Our first advice would be to get a professional tiler to tile your bathroom. We had a conversation with our tiler and put together a list of top 6 mistakes you should look out for when tiling your bathroom.

Mistake 1 – choosing the wrong tile for your shower

Not all type of tiles can be used in your shower. Shower tiles have different ratings to the ones that you can use on your walls or floors. There are some tiles that can be used for both your shower wall and floor. Make sure you check with your tiler as well as tile manufacturer before purchasing the tiles.

Select a shower tile is rated for wet applications as some tiles are not rated for wet applications.

It would also be a good idea to reapply sealant to the tiles and grouts regularly to your renovated bathroom.

Mistake 2 – Tiles, sealers and Grout are not enough for waterproofing a shower

Tiles and grouts are water resistant but that does not mean that it is enough to keep the water out. You need to properly prepare the shower properly and correct installation is key to have a water proofed shower.

It is good to stick to the same manufacturer for all the components such as waterproofing, shower pan etc as the different components might not be compatible with one another.

Also ensure that the person tiling and waterproofing your shower is certified and has the skill set to carry the task out.

Mistake 3: Inaccurate calculation of drainage slope

The correct slope for your shower floor will enable the water to drain properly without causing any future leaks or pooling of water.

Install pea gravel or spacers around the drain with weep holes to enable drainage. Use a professional renovation company to measure the drainage slope to avoid any future issues.

Mistake 4 – Not doing a flood test before installing the tiles

Once you have prepared the shower space, carry out a flood test before you install the tiles. Most holes that would lead to future leakage cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Carry out a flood test for 24 hours by filling up your shower pan with water and plugging all drainage spaces and weep holes. Periodically check the water level for the next 24 hours. If the water level decreases then you have a leak.

Fix any leaks before you install the tiles.

Mistake 5 – Breaching the water proofing membrane

As mentioned above, waterproofing your shower is an important and technical step to avoid future leaking disasters. Set out a strict waterproofing zone and do not breach the waterproofing zone when tiling your shower. Do not use nails, screws or cement boards when tiling the shower wall.

Mistake 6 – Poor Mortar coverage

Mortar is made of cement, silica sand and moisture retaining agents. Tiles require atleast 95% mortar coverage to work effectively in wet applications. If there are any empty spaces behind the tiles then there is a risk of water getting through.

Recommended tile suppliers in Auckland

Bath and Tile – https://www.bathandtile.co.nz/
Tile Depot – https://www.tiledepot.co.nz
Tile Space – https://www.tiles.co.nz/
Tile Trends – https://tiletrends.co.nz/
Tile Warehouse – https://www.tilewarehouse.co.nz/

Final Thoughts

The wide range of tiles in the market makes it almost impossible or hard to choose the right brand for your bathroom. The best way to handle this challenge is to consider the material, color, shape, and finish you want. Also, by putting the above trends into practice whenever purchasing a tile for your bathroom, it’ll become easier to land on the best brand as per your desires and needs.

Featured Projects

Gary Flemming’s home renovation in Ellerslie (subway wall tiles + dark tiles on floor)

Gary’s home in Ellerslie boasted a separate bathroom and toilet. We demolished the wall between the bathroom and toilet to create an ensuite. The ensuite now boasts a shower, bathtub, toilet, a her and his wash basin, subway tiles and dark stormy tiled floors see full project specifications

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Mary Stuart’s Spanish style bathroom with Mosaic tiles

Mary’s kitchen and bathroom in Stanmore Bay was renovated by keeping the design of Spanish Villa’s in mind. The bathroom was painted Blue with Mosaic tiles as feature on the walls. A brass sink and tap-ware added to the feel of a Spanish rustic villa see project specifications.

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Todd Chandler’s Bathroom renovation in St Heliers (wooden looking tiles used)

We renovated Todd’s 3 leaky bathrooms in a contemporary style with wooden looking tiles and cabinets. The wooden looking tiles against the white fixtures made the bathroom look spacious and modern. See project specifications

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Further Resources for your house interior design

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

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

Related terms
bathroom tile designs gallery
bathroom tile ideas 2019
bathroom tiles design
bathroom tiles images gallery
tile trends

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Bathroom Renovation

Bathroom Renovation Photos – Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

September 25, 20200

Bathroom renovation photos can be a great way for you to envision what your space looks like. Not everyone is a bathroom designer which makes it harder for us to imagine what a bathroom would look like after it has been upgraded. Bathroom and Kitchen renovations are the most popular type of home renovations in Auckland.

You can get bathroom design ideas on Pinterest or Instagram but replicating the exact bathroom is often not feasible. It is also good to remember that bathroom renovation photos on social media website are often tweaked and have a filter on them.

In this article we have put together a portfolio of bathrooms that we have renovated in Auckland.

We will discuss the following three things:

Bathroom renovation photos for renovated bathrooms in Auckland
Case studies of real client stories in Auckland and links to their bathroom specification pages
Importance of renovating bathrooms in old homes of Auckland
Before and After bathroom renovation photos

Need ideas? Check out our Kitchen Design Gallery or dive into our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration!

Featured Bathroom renovation Photos

We have renovated over 400 bathrooms in Auckland in just the last 3 years. This does not include just minor alterations but full bathroom renovations. We have included few bathroom renovation projects in this article. We provide a full bathroom renovation service for all our bathroom renovations. This would include a full design process, consent process if required, demolition, supplying of all fixtures & flooring from our supplier showrooms, installation, project manager to oversee the renovation and manage all trades like plumbers, electricians etc which we provide. The bathroom renovation photos below of are from some of our featured projects.

#1 Bathroom renovation photos from Epsom, Auckland

Our clients renovated their historic Epsom Bungalow to add some modern features to add comfort and convenience. The bathroom has a wet area, bathtub, modern vanity and LED touch mirror.

Read – full bathroom renovation specifications

#2 Bathroom Renovation in West Harbour

We fully renovated a toilet and a separate bathroom for our clients in West Harbour. The old bathroom and toilet had started looking shabby and needed a fresh look. As the space was relatively small, we decided to use white fixtures to make it look more spacious. Our clients did want an artistic flair so we included darker tiles for contrast.

Read – See full specifications for our project in West Harbour

#3 Bathroom Renovation photos from Todd Chandler’s home

Todd bought a property in St Heliers in order to renovate before selling. Todd’s priority was for us to renovate and repair 3 leaky and shabby bathrooms to give them a contemporary look.

Read – See Todd Chandler’s bathroom renovations’ project specifications

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#4 Tracey’s Contemporary bathroom renovation in Titirangi

Tracey initially wanted to renovate her bathroom as it was old and had started leaking. She wanted to transform her small bathroom into something that was functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The real star of her bathroom was the tiles that she chose for her floors which perfectly complemented her fixtures.

Read – Tracey’s full project specifications + product list

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#5 Rustic Style Bathroom renovation in Westmere

This rustic style bathroom was designed for comfort as well as luxurious aesthetics. The bathroom was under the roof which meant that it had an awkward space which was converted into a large wet area. This wet area also includes a textured green accent wall which complements well with the large 600 by 600 floor tiles. The matte gold fittings used along with a wooden looking custom built vanity add a touch of rustic charm to the bathroom.

Read – Full project specifications for this Rustic style bathroom in Westmere

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DSC00246-2 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

#6 Bathroom Renovation in Parnell

This townhouse was centrally located in Parnell village. The space within the townhouse however was not used well to maximise functionality. Hence we carried out a full townhouse renovation including two bathrooms on the second floor. The theme that the client wanted was modern urban luxury.

Read – Full bathroom renovation specs for this Parnell townhouse

#7 Bathroom renovation photos from Avondale

This was a 2 storey old house in Avondale which we fully renovated to accommodate a 3 generational family. We renovated two bathrooms and created a bathroom in an empty space. This renovation required consent which we handled along with the renovation.

Read – Full bathroom specifications for this project in Avondale

#8 Linda’s Bathroom Renovation in Cockle Bay

Linda is one of our finance specialists who helps our clients with finance options. Linda has been working with our clients more about 2 years and renovated her 2 decks along with a bathroom with us.

Read – Full bathroom details and specifications for Linda’s renovation

#9 Mary Stuart’s Bathroom renovation in Stanmore Bay

This was a real fun renovation for us as it was very unique as compare to other bathroom we had renovated. We used bold colours, mosaic tiles, brass fixtures and a Spanish style to renovate the bathroom.

Read – See full details of Mary’s Spanish style bathroom

#10 Bathroom Renovation in West Harbour

This was a big renovation project that we carried out in West Harbour. This family of 8 moved out during the renovation process as the entire house was renovated internally and externally.

IMG_0777-1024x683 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

IMG_0779-1024x683 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

IMG_0747-2000-1-1024x683 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

IMG_0750-1024x683 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

IMG_0749-1024x683 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

IMG_0866-1000 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

#11 Gary’s Bathroom renovation photos from Ellerslie

Gary and his partner renovated the entire house to make it more functional and to their taste. Their separate toilet and bathroom were combined together to make an ensuite. They wanted a spa like feel for their bathroom and hence went for a standalone bathtub and bowl shaped sinks.

Read – Full details of Gary’s bathroom renovation

#12 Bathroom renovation in Papatoetoe

Our clients have two young children and had only one en-suite between them. This was becoming very inconvenient for the family, so they decided to build another toilet with the space that they had. The design and materials used during this renovation were chosen keeping easy maintenance and convenience in mind.

Read – A modern bathroom upgrade for a young family see specifications

The importance of bathroom renovations in Older homes

When you buy an old home or when you have been living in a home for a long time, bathrooms can often be an issue. There could be two issues when dealing with old home bathrooms. One of the biggest issues with older bathrooms is leakage. Leaks in bathrooms can develop over time without it becoming obvious for years.

Leaky bathrooms can damage the structural integrity of your home and can pose a health and safety hazard. Mould will also become an issue in leaky bathrooms which can become an unhealthy environment. The second problem with older bathrooms is that they can start looking very shabby. Yellowing toilets and plastic shower boxes can lower the value of your overall home.

It is always good to fix the damages and renovate bathrooms in older homes. Renovating an old bathroom does not have to be an expense but it is an investment for your home’s future.

How much would it cost to renovate a bathroom?

Did you know renovating a bathroom is the most complex renovation of them all? it may sound like a small project considering the space involved but reason why it’s the most complex is because it involves the most people to get it done. Communication and coordination with a skilled team is key to renovating a bathroom successfully. It involves a high level of coordination/communication with a number of suppliers, waterpoofer, electrician, tilers, installers, painters/plasterers, plumbers, demolition team, and Auckland Council.

There are several factors that can affect the budget of your bathroom renovation. The top 5 things that affect the cost of a bathroom are as follows:

Size of your bathroom
Repairing of any damage
Structural change and council related works
Materials and supplies used
Labour and Project Management.

As a company we provide a full renovation service for bathrooms which means that your proposal would include all materials, fixtures, labour, project management, repair work and council fees.

On an average a bathroom renovation without any council related work will start from $19,000. This type of bathroom renovation would use our mid-range products while more luxury bathrooms would cost anywhere above $27,000.

Read more..

Top 18 Bathroom Tile Trends for 2021

Comprehensive cost guide for bathroom renovations in Auckland for 2020

Before and After Bathroom renovation photos

13.Bathroom Renovation in Stanmore Bay

Mary Stuart had a clear vision for her kitchen and bathroom renovation when she contacted us. She wanted her house to resemble a Spanish Villa complete with bright warm colours, mosaic tiles, brass sinks and tapware.

Read – Mary Stuart’s bathroom renovation specifications

Before Renovation

After Renovation

14.Bathroom Renovation in Hillsborough

Our client bought this investment property to generate additional weekly income. The house however was fetching minimal rent as it was old and shabby. Our client fully renovated the house in order to increase their rental yield.

Read – Full bathroom renovation specification for this Investment property in Hillsborough

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

15. Amber and Craig’s Bathroom Renovation in Hillsborough

Amber and Craig were deciding whether they should sell and buy a new house or renovate the existing house. They decided to renovate the existing house. Below are the pictures of their 3 bathrooms that we renovated.

Read – Amber and Craig’s bathroom renovation specs

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

Before Renovation

After Renovation

16.Bathroom renovation in West Harbour

This full home renovation included a renovation of 4 bathrooms suited for different members of the family.

Before Renovation

IMG_0866-1000 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

After Renovation

17. Joanna and Steve’s bathroom renovation in Greenlane

Joanna and Steve renovated their Greenlane property to make it more modern as all their previous homes. We put a toilet in their existing bathroom and renovated the entire thing. We also renovated their standalone toilet.

Read – Full specifications for Joanna and Steve’s bathroom renovation in Greenlane

Before Renovation

DSC06492-1-1024x681 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

After Renovation

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

Do i have get my own plumbers and electricians for my bathroom renovation?

We provide a full renovation service for bathrooms which means that we will provide all the trades involved for your renovation. In short, you do not have to provide electricians or plumbers. We will provide electricians, plumbers, builders, waterproofers, tilers, grouters, painters, plasterers and a project manager to over see the renovation.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

On an average a bathroom renovation with us starts from 19K. This will include design, all materials and fixtures, installation, all different trades like electricians, plumbers, grouters, tilers, painters, plasterers, builders, waterproofers and a project manager to oversee the entire renovation and manage the trades.

Do i have to get my own products?

We have longstanding relationships with leading bathroom suppliers in Auckland. If you are going for a more premium range then we will take you to showrooms like Reece, Casa Italiano etc and if you are going for a mid range then we would take you to Bath and Tile. All building supplies and fixtures will be included in your quote.

Do I have to manage my own project?

You will not have to manage your project or any supply deliveries or tradies. We will have a project manager for your renovation project who will manage the entire renovation for you. Your project manager will be your only point of contact for the duration of your project.

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

finance-badge1000x1000 Bathroom Renovation Photos - Renovations in Auckland (Top 17)

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.

House Renovation

Container Homes Vs Regular Granny Flats in Auckland

September 7, 20200

What is the difference between container homes and regular sleepouts/granny flats?

Container Homes

There has been a growing demand for container homes in recent years. They can be made into granny flats, or a fully functioning home by joining several containers together.

They look trendy and have become somewhat of an architectural gem. So, what exactly are container homes? Container homes are just what they sound like. They are large containers which are used to transport goods. With almost 1.4 million ‘out of service’ container homes around the globe, they have become a novelty that can now be converted into homes.

Container homes must be bought and then either shipped directly to your site or it can be built off-site. Internal timber frames are then erected, the structure insulated and then renovated to make it a liveable space. The structure of container homes is sturdy, but the roof is often an issue. This means that a new roof must be put on the container home before it can be used as a living space.

Regular Sleepouts and Granny Flats

Regular sleepouts and stand-alone granny flats are built from normal building materials. They can either be extended out from your existing home structure or can be built as a minor stand-alone dwelling on your property.

The current economic climate has seen a rise in demand for granny flats, sleepouts and minor dwellings on an existing property. This can be either your need for extra space or as a source of additional income. They can be rented out and can yield between $300 – $600 per week in Auckland.

In this article we will discuss:

This article aims to draw a comparison between container homes and Regular minor dwellings/granny flats for the following factors:

The difference in the Consent process
Ease of construction and Time taken for construction
Average costs in Auckland for container homes and Regular minor dwellings
Their relevance in Urban Auckland and your return on Investment

Pros and Cons of Container homes Vs Regular Sleepouts and Granny flats in Auckland

1. Consent Process

What is the consent Process for Container homes?

Container homes can act as a sleepout or a standalone dwelling for properties. However, there is always a consent process when you want to build a container home in New Zealand.

Container homes are a relatively new concept in New Zealand which basically means that the process of consent can vary.

“That’s one thing you find straight away”, said Burne the co-founder of Architecture and Interiors Ltd. “Many, many, shipping container homes don’t have permits or consents, and they probably wouldn’t get them because they don’t meet the building code”. (2019, February 1^st) (Stuff)

This means that a lot of the ‘cheaper’ container homes that you see in New Zealand are not approved by the council. The process or the time taken to approve a consent for a container home in New Zealand is not consistent and the rules are ever-changing. This can prove to be challenging when building container homes as a source of an additional income in Auckland.

This however does not mean that you cannot build a container home in Auckland. We recommend you hire a professional company and not do a DIY job. Yes, the consent process might feel like a grey area, but it is possible.

Regular minor dwelling – Granny Flats and sleepouts

Regular minor dwellings like standalone granny flats or attached sleepouts have been built in Auckland properties for years. This means that the consent process for such dwellings is much easier and straightforward as compared to container homes.

The recent Building Act of August 2020 has made building minor dwellings even easier.

‘Single-storey detached buildings include sleepouts, sheds, greenhouses and other similar structures can be built without a building consent. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are not included in the exemption. Any plumbing work to a new or current building still requires a building consent, and any electrical work will still have to be carried out by a registered electrician’.

The act further explains that the dwelling must be 30 square metres or less to be except from consents. This means that you can easily make a sleepout without even requiring any sort of consent work for your property. This would save you time and money.

However, if you are investing in building a sleepout then we would recommend you include a bathroom and kitchen within the sleepout. This will require consent but it is an easy and straight forward process.

You could rent the sleepout and generate an additional source of income. A newly built 1 bedroom or even 2-bedroom minor dwelling on your property complete with Kitchen and bathroom can yield between $400 – $600 a week in Auckland.

The consent process for all the plumbing and electric work for the kitchen and bathroom is simple. If you are renovating with a professional renovation company then they will handle the entire consent process along with the build. They will have an architect on board who will draw up the plans, get the documents ready and submit it to the council for approval.

Verdict

The consent process for container homes in NZ is ever evolving which means that the process is more complicated as compared to building a regular minor dwelling on your property. The consent process for minor dwelling has been made easier with the recent Building Act in NZ which allows you an exception for consents for dwellings up to 30m2. If you do want to add a kitchen and bathroom (which will require consent), the process is still easier compared to container homes.

2. Ease of Construction and Time taken for Built

Shipping Container homes NZ

Container homes have become a popular choice recently due to its durability, architectural appeal, and ease of transport. ‘Ease of transport’ means that they can be bought from a shipping yard and delivered directly to your home or to the factory. Once built and renovated, they cannot however be transported to several sites through the year.

Melissa Burne from Architecture and Interiors says “There are plenty of myths out there about container homes. People think they are classed as portable. They’re not” (2019, February 1^st) (Stuff)

Renovating a container home

Once the consent process is completed, you can begin renovating your container home. Container homes do require a substantial amount of renovation to make them fit for habitation. The first thing is erecting a timber frame within the container for the electric wiring and plumbing to be installed. This is also where the insulation will be put into the frame before the walls are erected.

Once the walls are put in, you can start putting heating systems, ventilating systems, and flooring. Most containers have a weak roof which is understandable due to them being stacked on top of each other. Hence you will almost always have to construct a roof on top of your container home if you want it to last longer. Re-cladding the exterior is also recommended to further protect your container home from the natural elements.

Melissa Burne says that it took them 250 hours in labour and 180 hours in project management to renovate a 1 bedroom container home. (2019, February 1^st) (Stuff)

Container-home-1024x577 Container Homes Vs Regular Granny Flats in Auckland

Picture Courtesy of Stuff (2019, 13 Feb) https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/110555556/open-homes-for-tiny-container-house-with-auction-proceeds-going-to-charity

Regular minor dwellings like Granny Flats and Sleepouts

Standalone dwelling or detached

Standalone dwellings can be constructed on a property depending on whether the property is zoned for such a construction. The time taken to build and renovate a stand-alone granny flat from scratch can be anywhere between 3 to 5 months after consent has been approved. Listed below are the factors that determine the time taken to complete a project.

Excavation of site: When building a dwelling, the ground will have to be excavated to reach the pipes underneath the dwelling. If there is a lot of stones underneath your land, then they will also have to be removed via a more specialised machine.
Pipes and drainage below the land: The pipes underneath your land will have to be checked to see if they are in working order. If they are not, then they will have to be replaced.
The actual built: This will depend on your renovation company and the hours they are going to spend on your site building your dwelling.

Extending your house to make a Granny flat/Sleepout

Extending your house to make a granny flat or sleep out will take a longer time than building a standalone dwelling on the property. This is because there are many things that need to be considered before a house can be extended.

The extension must be done according to the structure of your existing house which can give rise to several complexities. An extension project of your home will take between 4 to 7 months after you have received your consent from the council.

Verdict

Taking all the factors into account, container homes take lesser time to build and renovate when compared to extending your current house.

However, the time taken to get a consent, build and renovate a container home would take around the same time as making a stand alone dwelling on your property. This is because the consent process of container homes would take longer than a stand alone dwelling.

If you do have a garage that you do not use then converting that into a granny flat is a relatively easier, shorter, and less complicated way of building another dwelling on your property.

Converting your garage into a granny flat

3. Cost

How much do container homes cost?

Contrary to popular belief container homes are not a cheap housing solution. Low priced container homes are only possible if you are not building in accordance to the code of compliance. We also do not recommend a DIY project as there are some technical complexities involved when renovating a container home which are better left to the professionals.

Melissa Burne a co-founder of Architecture and Interiors recently built and renovated a 1-bedroom container home in Hawkes Bay for the charity ‘Look good feel good’. “People think they can convert one for $60,000 – they won’t if they do it properly and with the necessary consents”. (2019, February 1^st) (Stuff.

They bought a container for $1000 and the final renovation costs came to $127,000 including consents, subcontractors, labour, material, and project management. The container home boasted 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a laundry.

Asked if she would recommend taking on a container house project, Burne said “There is some sense to them, but for the cost of doing it properly you would be much better spending a bit more and getting a modest timber-framed house. It would give you more flexibility with better proportions. The good thing about a container is that you could pick it up and remove it if you ever wanted to”. (2019, February 1^st) (Stuff)

Renovating a container house is just like renovating a normal home. You will require professionals like electricians, insulators, builders, plumbers, painters, and other skilled professionals.

Regular dwellings – semi-attached and detached

As discussed above, standalone dwellings or extensions to include a sleepout to require substantial amount of work. Even if you are merely building a 30m2 dwelling which would not require consent, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

If you are just building a 30m2 dwelling without a kitchen or a bathroom then it can be very cost effective as compared to container homes. You will not need consent to build the structure and will only have to employ skilled electricians to build in accordance to the code of compliance.

If you are however building a granny flat with a bathroom and kitchen then there will be consent work involved. The cost of building a standalone timber framed dwelling will be anywhere between 150K to 180K. This would include costs for consent, excavation, building materials, all skilled professionals, and a project manager to over see the project.

Verdict

One of the biggest myths about container homes in NZ is that they are cheap. They are only cheap if treated as a DIY project and built without consent. Roughly a 1-bedroom 40 feet container house will start from about 120K. Materials like the type of flooring, kitchen fixtures etc will determine how high the cost will go to.

A minor dwelling like a granny flat with kitchen and bathroom will cost you higher than a container home by about 15k to 20K. However, if you are just looking at making a sleepout of up to 30m2 without plumbing then it would be considerably lower than a container home. This is because you would not require any consent owing to the new Building Act released in August 2020.

4. Urban Auckland Lifestyle and your return on Investment

Container homes in Auckland

Container homes are a unique form of architecture which has a polarising effect on most people. A lot of people find the industrial look of container homes trendy and unique. Others find it an eye sore. The aesthetics of a container home can be a very personal choice for people.

So how do container homes fit into the Urban Auckland lifestyle? A standard container home has the size of 40ft by 7ft. Once the insulation and internal walls are put in, the interior of a container home can be quite narrow. This however can be rectified by adding other containers on the side and cutting one of the sides.

Auckland homes usually do not have that kind of land space to put a huge container home on their property. You can put the container and make it a sleepout to make it less bulky structure. Another disadvantage of putting a container home on your property in Auckland will mean that there will is no continuity in structure or the overall look of your home.

Return on investment for container homes

You can put a container home on your property to generate an extra source of income. You could rent a 1-bedroom container home for up $400 per week or more.

Having a container house in your property however will not add value to your property. You might have a harder time selling your current home in the future with a container home on your land. Buyers might not find a container home to their taste which means that you will have to remove it from the property. It also does not contribute to the over-all perceived value of your current home structure.

Regular dwellings – semi attached and detached

You can build Semi attached and detached dwellings exactly to your specification. They have that advantage over a container home sleepout in terms of aesthetics and continuity. You can build the dwelling with the same or similar materials as your home to ensure continuity.

The return on investment for regular granny flats and sleepouts

The return on investment on an additional dwelling on your property is huge. Even if you are just making a sleepout or granny flat without a kitchen and toilet, it will still add more value to your home than a container home.

If you take the plunge and decide to build one with a kitchen and bathroom then you can rent it anywhere between $400 to $600 a week. Future buyers will also be willing to pay a higher amount for an extra room or a unit on the property.

Verdict

The verdict for this one is simple. Container homes are just not suitable for Auckland homes as a means of additional income. A container home granny flat on your property will not add any value to your home. Container homes can be great if you have a land and just want to build an entire home out of it. That would still work in form of a container granny flat.

Selling a property with a container home on it is also going to be a problem. Container homes are great for more rural areas or towns. They would also be great as trendy cafes or stores in Auckland.

Regular dwellings suit the urban lifestyle of Auckland a whole lot more. They are great as an investment to add value to your home or to yield an additional source of income.

References

The real (compliant) cost of a shipping container home: an architectural designer’s experiment (2019, 1Feb), Stuff https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/110306517/the-real-compliant-cost-of-a-shipping-container-home-an-architects-experiment
Open homes for tiny container house, with auction proceeds going to charity (2019, 13Feb), Stuff https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/latest/110555556/open-homes-for-tiny-container-house-with-auction-proceeds-going-to-charity
Cover image, credit to: containersforsale.co.uk

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

What are container home prices NZ wide?

Container homes are not a cheap option as most people believe. A 1 bedroom container home would cost you $120,000 at the minimum. This is if you are building it with proper consent and in accordance to the code of compliance.

Are there many container homes to rent in NZ?

Container homes can be a great source of additional income in NZ if you put it up for rent. You will however not find many container homes to rent in Auckland.

Is container home better or granny flat?

This will depend on where in NZ you live. If you are in Auckland then making a detached or a semi detached granny flat will be better than a container home. This is because a container home will not add any real value for your property and might be an eye sore on your property for future buyers. The lack of abundant space in Auckland homes also makes it a bulky structure for Auckland homes.

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

finance-badge1000x1000 Container Homes Vs Regular Granny Flats in Auckland

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.

House Renovation

Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

September 1, 20200

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

DSC06659-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

DSC06663-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

DSC06664-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

DSC06665-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

DSC06588-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

DSC06656-1000 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

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

Ambury-2 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

Ambury-Rd Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

Ambury-5 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland

3. Entertainer’s dream Kitchen and Lounge Renovation

Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey

4. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

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

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 Importance of Space Planning in Home Renovation/ Interior Design

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.

Kitchen Renovation

MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

August 29, 20200

Solid wood is clearly the winner here, right? This is what most people think when it comes to choosing between MDF and Solid Wood

The perception is that wood is seen as this strong and sturdy material while MDF Board is often viewed as a weak and cheap alternative. We’re going to dive deep into the pros and cons particularly for kitchen renovations, and we’ll also share our take on it. Despite popular belief, wood is not always the superior choice; in some situations MDF Board might be the better material.

While buying kitchen cabinets (or any cabinet for that matter) or renovating the kitchen, homeowners often find it perplexing to choose between MDF vs Wood – but we’re here to break it down.

Photo credit: https://builders-surplus.com/

MDF vs Solid Wood

In simple terms, solid wood is essentially the natural lumber while the MDF is categorized as “engineered wood”. Engineered wood is a mixture of redwood, fibers, veneers, resin, and adhesives.

It’s common in older homes that solid wood is primarily used for the construction of cabinets while MDF is used for specific components such as the door center panels. But there is a good reason why the newer homes, and kitchen manufacturers nowadays are choosing MDF now for cabinetry. Let’s break down on why solid woods is an option.

MDF Kitchen Cabinets

Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets

Why renovators choose solid wood for Kitchen Cabinets

There are many reasons why solid wood is chosen as the primary choice for kitchen cabinets. Here are some of the reasons.

Pros of Solid Wood

Strength and Durability

Solid wood is strong and sturdy, that’s why most clients lean towards choosing this when it comes to renovating. It will last a very long time without any issues however keeping in mind that there are many different types of solid wood (some a lot stronger such as Oak)

Aesthetics

The look and feel of solid wood definitely stands out, the appeal of solid wood is the colors/textures and patterns it comes in. It also comes in many different variations that will give your kitchen an unique look.

Customization

There is ample options for customising wood, there is endless choice of shapes, patterns, and colors you can choose from, and it is custom made to your liking.

Value

If you’re a homeowner looking for better pricing for your property, consider adding elements of solid wood to improve the perceived value.

Photo credit to: jessebridgewater

Cons of Solid Wood

Despite having all these advantages over MDF, solid wood is not always the best option, In order words, MDF is often the better choice than solid wood. Here are a few things about solid wood that make it a bad choice.

Moisture Damage

Most solid woods are prone to water and moisture damage, especially in an unfinished state and it is not waterproof, also some high-quality wood and endue moisture for longer. To protect the wood, a waterproof finishing usually has to be applied.

Warping and Cracking

Solid wood will expand and contract with the change in temperature and humidity (particularly with New Zealand’s ever changing climate) which makes them a poor choice for cabinet door panels. Most solid woods are highly prone to warping and cracking in hostile temperature. The cracks remain visible even if the cabinets are painted. With time, wood makers have developed crafting methods and technologies that minimize warping and cracking.

Bug Infestation

Unless you look after it very well, solid woods are highly prone to bug infestation and pest attack. On the other hand, it requires regular maintenance and the right finishing to keep the wood well protected.

Why renovators choose MDF for kitchen cabinets

MDF is short for Medium-Density Fiberboard and it is a type of engineered wood, consisting of thin panels constructed from wood fiber, wax, and resin.

kitchen-ideas-by-superior-renovations-89 MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

Superior-Renovations-Kitchen-99 MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

For our kitchen renovations, It is definitely the most popular (by far) alternative to solid wood with its own share of pros and cons (also more cost effective). It is normally considered a better option to plywood for being denser, stronger and more durable. For these reasons, it has almost as many applications as solid wood.

Many of our clients initially tend to look down on MDF Wood with the perception that it is a “cheaper looking” option to solid wood but as we mentioned in the beginning both solid wood and MDF Wood have their advantages and disadvantages.

Before we talk about the pros and cons of MDF Wood, just so you understand, there are varying types of this engineered wood. MDF boards can also vary in terms of size, density glue type, and moisture content. As a thumb rule, thicker and denser MDF boards tend to be costlier.

MDF Cabinet Doors Pros and Cons

For those renovating their kitchen, looking for a cheaper alternative to solid wood (once they know the price difference in material) always comes up, but without compromising on sturdiness and resistance, It always leads them to MDF as a compelling option. Let’s take a look at the benefits of choosing MDF over other types of engineered woods.

MDF Cabinet Doors: Pros

Warping and Cracking

MDF, like wood, expands and contracts when there are fluctuations in temperature and humidity. But unlike Wood, MDF does not warp. This is because the board, thanks to its structure, moves as a unit. Even with extreme changes in humidity and temperature, you do not have to worry about any damage to the cabinet doors.

Smooth Finish

MDF doesn’t have any noticeable grains that are usually found in solid woods, or small imperfections. As a result, they have a smoother finish after the paint is applied.

Easy to Customize

There are shaker-style cabinet doors, flat paneled doors, inset doors, raised doors and many more. The ease of customization of MDF boards is to thank for this variety. Because of its structure, MDF Board can be cut and drilled in many different ways without any damage. Available in larger sizes than solid wood. If you have a project that demands a large piece of wood with no joints, MDF is the recommended choice.

High Water Resistance

When it comes to water resistance, MDF outperforms wood. In fact, some MDF boards are specifically crafted for bath cabinets and they are made water-resistant.

Cost-effective Alternative

The obvious clear winner is MDF is a lot more cost effective and worthwhile (value for money) and with proper maintenance, MDF boards can last as long as some of the solid woods.

MDF Cabinet Doors: Cons

Despite all the pros, MDF cabinet doors aren’t perfect for certain situations. From being susceptible to water to scratches to heat, so MDF cabinets does require extra care – here are some of the cons to pay attention to.

MDF cabinet doors aren’t ideal for high temperatures
MDF Board does not do very well when exposed to extreme heat as the core materials can get damaged. This is why MDF Board is not a good material for outdoor furniture where it is exposed to the sun continually.
Compared to wood or plywood, MDF is considered less strong but not by much – but it is still a consideration. For example, Once the MDF get scratches, it’s usually difficult to repair it.
Since MDF consists of fine particles, it may not be great for holding screws in some circumstances.
If not sealed properly, MDF can fall prey to water absorption – so the manufacturing process of the MDF (or the brand of it) is important.

Surprising Design Solutions

It’s clear that MDF is the more cost-effective & durable option, there are some surprising and inspiring projects out there in recent years that feature the use of MDF due to it’s flexibility in design, color, and feel. If you want to get creative with your kitchen renovation (as opposed to the wood look), MDF will give you the opportunity to play with all kinds of colors. MDF can even take veneers like leather and vinyl, if you’re looking to play around with texture.

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a favorite with Superior Renovations clients because it gives them solutions for big design details rather then choosing what looks standard – this gives them endless possibilities/options to play with.

What is MDF Board commonly used for?

For most of our renovations, you’ll commonly find MDF being used for kitchen cabinets. Most kitchen cabinets comprise of both solid wood and MDF elements. MDF Board is usually found on the doors and interior panelling for the following reasons:

Easier to paint
Easier to clean
Does not warp
Water-resistant

But it is not just the kitchen where you’ll find MDF being used, but we also use it in bathrooms and laundry spaces due to the resistance to moisture/humidity.

Another consideration when you’re deciding materials particularly with MDF is when it is compared to plywood. This is not necessarily a comparison you would do for kitchen cabinets, but in other construction instances choosing a plywood vs MDF may be a choice you need to consider to bring down costs.

Another area where MDF was used in a renovation is used shelving, whether it’s for a bookshelf, kitchen shelving, lounge tv unit, or open wall shelving – it’s popular choice because of the change of colors/styles you can choose. But be careful if you’re using it to place heavy objects as it will sag so normally it is reinforced with solid wood if that is the case.

Examples of kitchen renovations by Superior Renvations with MDF Cabinets

Our Verdict: Is MDF good for kitchen cabinets?

Our opinion is MDF performs better than solid wood in many areas as mentioned above – although the are benefits to choosing solid wood, the advantages of MDF outweigh it … The main concern surrounding solid wood for cabinets, doors and panelling is it requires consistent care and maintenance.

But when it comes to cabinet doors, we highly recommend MDF, It provides far more benefits than solid wood. If you are in the process of giving your kitchen an upgrade, consider choosing cabinets with MDF doors.

Choosing MDF for your cabinets means they are going to be sturdy and durable – it also makes it a lot easier for you to make decisions during the design process because of the larger range of options. MDF (especially doors and shelves) offer smoother finisher and tougher resistance to humid temperatures which we think is particularly important for Auckland homes.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about our kitchens, check out our case studies page or feel free to reach out to us, we’ll be happy to help.

Kitchen Renovation Projects by Superior Renovations

1. Cottage Style Kitchen Renovation using MDF boards

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 MDF cabinets that were wrapped in Dezignatek Thermoform with a ‘Ronda’ pattern to give them cabinets a vintage look. See Full Case Study Here.

Ambury-2 MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

Ambury-Rd MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

Ambury-5 MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

Full kitchen renovation in Mangere Bridge, Auckland

2. 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 used MDF boards to make black cabinets with a matte finish to give it a luxury feel See Full Case Study Here

Kitchen, Lounge and Dining room renovation in Massey

3. Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Mary Stuart’s renovation was especially enjoyable for us as it meant giving the kitchen a rustic look. Rustic kitchens usually incorporate real wood to make cabinets. However, using real wood would have exponentially increased costs and maintenance. So we decided to use MDF Melteca cabinets and gave them a look of Timber See Full Kitchen Case Study Here.

Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry renovation in Stanmore Bay

Already have all your own trades and you’re comfortable managing them for your kitchen renovation?

Try Little Giant Interiors cost calculator below to see what you can expect to pay for cabinetry.

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 MDF good for kitchen cabinets?

When it comes to cabinet doors, we highly recommend MDF, It provides far more benefits than solid wood. If you are in the process of giving your kitchen an upgrade, consider choosing cabinets with MDF doors. Choosing MDF for your cabinets means they are going to be sturdy and durable – it also makes it a lot easier for you to make decisions during the design process because of the larger range of options. MDF (especially doors and shelves) offer smoother finisher and tougher resistance to humid temperatures which we think is particularly important for Auckland homes.

What is MDF Board commonly used for?

For most of our renovations, you’ll commonly find MDF being used for kitchen cabinets. Most kitchen cabinets comprise of both solid wood and MDF elements.

Why renovators choose MDF for kitchen 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

finance-badge1000x1000 MDF vs Solid Wood: Why MDF is So Popular For Kitchen Cabinets

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.

Tag: superior renovations

Q Mastercard® (18 Months Interest Free)^ Option for renovations

Are you thinking about Renovating? or perhaps it’s been on your to-do list for while?

This article will cover the following topics:

An Average of what you can expect to spend on renovations in Auckland

3 Reasons why Aucklanders are looking to Finance VS Savings for renovations

Finance is less Risky than Using savings

A steady cashflow

Using Finance means you can start your renovation now

4 Most common types of Payment options for renovations in Auckland

1. Bank Loans

2. Finance Company loans

3. Home Loans

4. Interest Free^ options with Q Mastercard® – Our newest partnership

Q Mastercard® right for you?

Qualifying Process for Long term Q Mastercard® Finance

Who is eligible to apply?

Next steps after you are approved:

Step 1: Once approved

Step 2: Transactions and Payments

Step 3: Completion of project and your term with Q Mastercard® begins

Fees for Q Mastercard®

What does the payment plan look like?

6 Months

Total Paid: $18,605

18 Months (Most Popular)

Total Paid: $18,630

Budgeting for a renovation

Most commonly asked questions

What kind of payment options do you provide on Q Mastercard®?

How long does it take to do an application for Q Mastercard®?

How do I access Interest free offer with Superior Renovations?

How much Interest do I have to pay on repayments?

Is there any additional fees?

How do I set up repayments?

How much can I pay through Q Mastercard®?

Is there a minimum that I have to spend with you to use Q Mastercard® for an interest free option?

View Full Terms and Conditions Here

Further Resources for your house interior design

Want to see if you qualify?*

Fill in your details below to be taken to the application page – there’s no obligation to proceed or renovate.

Stellar Ways To Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, Drawers, & Pantry

Doing More With What You Have

Utensil Trays And Their Organization

Vertical Storage: A Chandelier Of Pots And Pans

Compartmentalizing The Pantry, Labeling sections

Installing New Or Better Cabinets That Fit Your Space

Downsizing: What Food Preparation Items Do You Never Use?

Adding A Repurposed Wardrobe As A Mobile Pantry

Getting The Most Use Out Of Your Kitchen

Featured Projects

Urban Luxury Kitchen renovation in Parnell

Entertainer’s Dream Kitchen and Bar

Cottage Style Kitchen in Mangere Bridge

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

Q & A with Holly (The Kitchen Hub) – Choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

This article will discuss the following:

We sat down with Holly from The Kitchen Hub to see how she helps clients with their tapware choice

Top 5 tips on choosing the right tapware for your bathroom design

Tip 1 – Design your bathroom which complements the rest of your home

Modern or minimalistic Bathroom designs

Traditional Villas and Bungalows

Rustic Style bathrooms

Contemporary bathrooms

Industrial style bathrooms

Tip 2 – Choose the right type of shape for your bathroom fixtures

Tip 3 – The type of finish you choose should depends on your family situation

Tip 4 – Size of your bathroom

Tip 5 – Choose tapware that is compatible with your water pressure

Our Featured renovation projects highlighting bathroom accessories

Rustic Bathroom Renovation in Westmere

Tracey’s Artisan Style Contemporary Bathroom renovation in Titirangi, Auckland

Spanish Style Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation

Further Resources for your house interior design

What kind of bathrooms are best for contemporary bathrooms?

Do I have to get my own designer?

Can I buy my own bathroom tapware?

Have you been putting off getting renovations done?

Olivia – Classic Upgrade to a Much Loved Villa

Olivia – Grafton, Auckland

4. Interest Free^ options with Q Mastercard^® – Our newest partnership

Q Mastercard^®right for you?

Qualifying Process for Long term Q Mastercard^®Finance

Step 3: Completion of project and your term with Q Mastercard^® begins

Fees for Q Mastercard^®