House Renovations on the Rise in New Zealand

New Zealanders love to renovate. The number of homes being renovated has jumped nearly 30 per cent in the past three years. There are plenty of good reasons for house renovations whether it's to stay or to sell and at the moment it is proving to be big business.

A growing number of house owners are choosing to renovate rather than sell, scared off by booming property prices. Whether it's a big new extension, a contemporary kitchen and bathroom, or just adding some French doors and a deck for that all important indoor outdoor flow, we are signing up to transform our homes. Other popular renovation choices include adding a garage and extra bedroom.

If you like the location you're in but need more space or just want to modernise your home and make it more comfortable, investing in your existing property makes sense. If there's nothing available in your area that meets your needs, or you just enjoy living there, the costs of a house renovation can be the best option.

Renovations are also a way to increase your profits when it comes to selling. In this situation,  your home renovations become more of a business decision and home owners need to do their research and be careful not to overcapitalise.

Many Kiwis have heard renovation horror stories of when everything takes longer than it should and the costs spiral out of control. That's why homeowners who use a professional builder like Nelson based You Build appreciate the value in a team who offer a complete service and keep everything to budget.

As much as we love our renovations in New Zealand, they're not always straight forward, so whether you're renovating to stay or with selling in mind, it's well worth finding a builder you trust who will support you through your renovation project from start to finish. 

Things to Consider When Choosing a House Builder

House building is a big investment. Carrying out building work also has health and safety consequences and can be stressful, disruptive and costly if amateurs make mistakes. So it is important to find a good builder, experienced in the work you require and offering clear, competitive rates.

You need a builder you can trust to produce a top standard of work. Take time to find the best house builder for you.

If possible, start by getting a referral from family or friends. Find out how long the builder has been trading and what skills and experience they have in the particular work you need doing.

References from previous clients are a great way to learn about the level of quality you can expect with their workmanship and products. It's also a great way to find out about the builder's overall conduct. Were they hardworking, reliable and communicate well throughout the process?

Don’t let builders blind you with the cheapest estimate. If possible, go and view some examples of their building work - remember not all homes are created equal so ensure when you're comparing quotes that you are making as direct a comparison as possible.

Check that your potential house builder is a Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) and check to see if they're members of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association (NZCB) or the Registered Master Builders Association (RMBA).These associations set requirements and rules for their members which should give you some confidence.

Check that the builder has the right insurance to protect you and your property and make sure they offer a guarantee. No homeowner wants to be caught in the midst of a failed building process so having a good building guarantee can give you financial peace of mind for your investment.