NZ Herald - House and Home Feature September 2022

Writer

WALKINGONSOLID GROUND

Overthe last decade,New Zealandhas experiencedmany technologicaladvances ranging fromRocket Lab’sfirstspace launch,the creation of for-good apps like chnnl andFoodprint, andthe riseofartificial intelligenceineverything from banking to online groceryshopping

Technologyisalsoadvancing much closerto home –and liesliterally underfoot.

Aftermanyyears of extensive research and development, homeowners nowhavemore choicewhen it comestochoosing ahard floor fortheirhome. In fact, accordingtoGodfrey Hirsthard flooringnational salesmanagerTania Hamilton,due to thesetechnologicaladvances in hardflooring,you can barely tell thedifference betweensolid timber floors, engineered flooring, andlaminate flooring– andthat’sagoodthing

“Twentyyears ago, if youwantedtoinstall hard flooringinyourhome, youcould choose betweensolid wood or sheetvinyl,” Taniasays. “These days,engineeredtimberand laminate give homeowners more options, greater performance, andmoreflexibilitywithin their budget.

Engineered timber flooring is alayered product 100% made of wood that looksand feels likesolid flooring.The difference?Itcan be easier to install andlessprone to seasonal movement, cracking,and warping than itssolid counterparts

Taniasaysthe evolutionofflooringhas made thesolid timber look much more achievable without thecomplexityorprice tag.

“When youbuy aproductfromthe Godfrey HirstTimbercollection, you’re buying atimber floor straight outofthe box,”she says.“The product is gorgeous.Ithas beautiful knotsand grainsinit, andithas alovely variationofcolours in each plank, just likeyou’d getwithsolid timber It is acompletely finishedproductdownto themanylayersofpolyurethane, anditcan be installedinaday comparedwithsolid timber whichcan take months. Butisittimber?Yes!

“Some peopleare surprisedtolearn that engineered timber really is timber,” says Tania. “The toplayer is real European oakwhichhas been sustainablyforestedand harvested Everyplankiscovered in Wearguard®,ahardy seven-coat polyurethanesystemthatprotects it from everyday wear andtear. Choosing engineered timber flooring oversolid timber isn’t acompromise; in fact, in manyways, it’s abetter option.”

GodfreyHirst also offer aLaminate floor collection which is theperfect option forthose wholikethe look of wood butneeda durableand economically-priced flooring.

“Laminate flooringcombines theauthentic look of timber withmanypracticaladvantages anda greatprice,”Taniasays. “The technology around photographic resolution andapplication of design hasimprovedtothe pointwhereit is difficult to tell thedifference between solid timber andlaminate flooring. Theembossing (stamping)processprovides real textureonthe surfaceand followsthe grain andknotstructure adding ultimate realismtolaminate floors.”

Thebiggest benefitoflaminate is its performance.Its protective toplayer makesit very robust whichhelps withfading,wearand tear,and scratching.

“Laminate is very difficult to dentordamage If youdropapan on it,ifyou have adog with claws, if it’s in ahigh-trafficarea, or if thespace gets alot of sun, laminate performs much better than timber.Ithas been designedtohandlealot so if youhaveanactivelifestyle,laminate could be abetteroptionthantimber.”

Laminate can nowbeinstalled in wetareas too.

“Advancementintechnologyhas evolved withranges that also contain waterproof surface treatments that allowfor useinyourkitchen bathroom andlaundry,” says Tania. “The advantageofthis approach is acleaner,more consistent look throughout theentirehouse, whichoften resultsinamorespaciouslooking home.”

Productdevelopments have improved the look andfeel of laminate, making it amore authenticoptiontohaveinthe home

“Peoplelove thetimber ‘look’because every plank is different, andits knots, patterns,and colour variations make it feel authentic. But it’s amazing howtechnology hasimproved thedesign andrealismoflaminate. As a result,laminate is nowamoreaccessible and affordablealternative to engineered timber flooring,withoutcompromising on look.”

Sustainabilityiscentraltothe production of GodfreyHirst laminate. In fact, all GodfreyHirst hardflooringproductsare manufacturedunder aqualityand environmental system certifiedas complying withISO 9001and ISO14001,aswell as theVOC emissionscriteria required forair quality.

“Godfrey Hirstdoesall we can to produce as smallafootprint as possible,” says Tania. “We’re continuallydeveloping andimproving ourproductand sustainable processing,and globally we’re onlygetting better.”

Withsomanyhard flooringoptionsonthe market,itcould be daunting choosing theright productfor theright space. Taniasaysthereisn’t awrong choice with GodfreyHirst

“Everyone wantstoinstallsolid timber,but not everyone hasthe budgetfor it.Thereare other beautifulproducts out therethatare just as fantasticand can even outperform timber

“All of GodfreyHirst’s hardflooring options aregreat options,soyou can’tgowrong Ultimately,itcomes down to thelook you’re going for.

Formoreinformation aboutGodfrey Hirst hard flooring,visitwww.godfreyhirst.com

SPONSORED BY

Theevolutionofflooring hasmadeasolid timber look much more achievable, withoutthe hassle or price tag.

Findingthe rightperson forthejob

Builderscrackisawebservicewhich matchesanyjobneededtobe undertakenonapropertywithlocal tradespeople.

Theserviceensuresthatonly tradespeoplewhowantyourjobwillshow interestinit.Thissavessomuchtimefor bothparties.

Ourwriter,RubyHarfield,talksto JeremyGrayfromBuilderscrackaboutthe importanceofgettingtherightpersonfor thejob.

Whatjobs/renovationsmustalwaysbe donebyaprofessional?

“Restrictedbuildingwork”isworkthat concernsthestructuralintegrityand weathertightnessofahome.Thelaw prohibitsnon-licensedpeoplefrom undertakingthistypeofwork,soitmust alwaysbeundertakenbyaLicensed BuildingPractitioner.Ifahomeowneris thinkingofdoingworkthemselvesandis notclearonwhetherthey’llbeundertaking restrictedbuildingworkornot-it’salways besttocheckthroughtheirlocalcouncil.

Thereisnodoubtthatasaculture, KiwischerishDIY.However,whatwe’re seeingisdefinitelyashifttowardsagreater culturalembraceofusingprofessionalsto workonourhomes.Usingaprofessional tradespersongivesyouconvenience,safety, timeandaqualityoutcome.Yougetan experiencedprofessionaltodiscussyour ideaswithandconsultonthebestway toachieveyourgoalsdependingonyour budgetanddesiredaesthetic.WhileDIYwill alwaysbethepreferredapproachforthose withthetime,skillandtools,therealityis thatourcultureismovingawayfromDIY

beingamust-do.Withthatchange,many areappreciatingtherealadvantagesof havingaprofessionalknockoffthejobswe needdoingaroundthehomequicklyand easily.

Whatadvicedoyouhaveforsomeone lookingtogetajobdone?

Havingassistedhomeownerswithover 600,000jobs,thereisonethingthatstands outasthekeydifferencebetweenthose thataresuccessfulandthosethatareless so-andthatiscommunication.Itdoesn’t matterifit’sasmallrepairjoboracomplex newbuild,whencommunicationisclear andfrequentbetweenparties,jobshavea muchhigherchanceofgoingsmoothly.

Onlyroughly1in10,000(0.01%)ofjobs weseeendsindisagreement-andthisis almostalwaysduetomiscommunication.

Creatingclarityaroundthedetailsofthe jobistheresponsibilityofbothparties,so taketheinitiativeifthereisanythingyou’re uncomfortableorunsureabout,orfeelit’s importantyourtradespersonknows.The otherpieceofadviceistounderstandwhat you’relookingforsofarasbudget,speed andquality.Thereisthesayingthatyou canonlyhavetwoofthesethings,andin ourexperiencethat’sabsolutelytrueinthe trades.

Whatisthemarketlikeatthemoment foroddjobstorefreshyourhome? We’reinachangingtimeatthemoment. Earlierintheyear,demandwas extraordinarilyhighandtradespeoplewere strugglingtokeepupwith.Propertyowners wereexperiencinginsomecasesmany weekswaitingjusttogetsomethingsimple done.Thisischangingnow,andweare

seeingahigherlevelofavailabilityacross alltrades.Weareseeingjobscomethrough nowthatpropertyownershadheldback onpreviously,withgoodresponsetimes. Inflationisresultinginanincreasingcost ofbuildingmaterials,andwedon’texpect thesepricestofallagain.Inshort,ifthere issomethingapropertyownerhasinmind thattheywanttodototheirhome-nowis agreattimetodoit. Whataresomeeasywaystorefreshyour home?

Kiwihomesalwaysbenefitfromindoor/ outdoorflow,andcreatingorimproving thisisn’talwaysexpensive.Creating porchesandpatios,smalldecksand improvingaccessibilitytoentrypoints aroundyourhomeisagreatwayofcreating sunnynookstoenjoy.Replacinglarge windowswithdoorsisanotherwaytoopen upnewlivingspaceandthiscanbreathe reallifeintoahomethatmayfeelenclosed. Greatsummerimprovementsarethosethat allowyoutogetmoreofwhatyouwant fromyourhome,whetherit’ssun,shade, extrausablelivingspaceorimprovedflow.

Eveninthebusiestofhouseholds, youcanrelyonWash&Wear®

dulux.co.nz Ourmostpopularinteriorpaintcanhelpyou transformyourhomeandensureyourwalls staylookingfreshlypaintedforlonger.We’ve performedrigoroustestingtooptimisestain resistance,hidingpowerandtoughness,to createaproductyoucanrelyoneveryday.

DIYisapopularsolutionforhome renovationneedsinNewZealandbut sometimesit’sbestlefttoaprofessional.

RubyHarfield

JeremyGrayfromBuilderscrack. Photo/Supplied

Renovatingin thecurrent propertymarket

NineYardsConsultingprojectand constructionmanagerJenJones, whospecialisesinhomerenovations, speakstowriterRubyHarfieldabout renovatinginthecurrenthousingmarket. Whatarethetopreasonstorenovatein thispropertymarket?

Inthiscurrentclimateitwouldbean issuewithsupplytothemarketso actuallyfindingareplacement houseonceyou’vesoldismore difficultwithlessproperties onthemarket;alsoproperty pricesareonthelowside sodependingonwhena homeownerpurchased theymightendupselling atalosssomaybebetter offholdingontothe propertyasthey’remore likelytogettheirinvestment back. Whatarethebestplacesin urhometorenovate?

Thekitchenandbathroomareusually

theeasiestplacestoaddvalue,whetherit’sa straightrenovationoranextension/opening upofspace,butalsodon’tunderestimatethe benefitofabeautifullylandscapedfrontand backyardtoo.

Whataresometipswhenyoudecideto renovate?

Behonestwithyourself(andcontractors) aboutbudgetupfrontandmakesureyou plan,plan,plan.Understandtherisksareas forbudgetblowoutsandmakesurethe invisiblestuffisinvestedintoo.Thingslike insulation,wiring,plumbing,ventilationthey’realljustasimportantasthecosmetic renovation.Alwayshaveacontingency. Whatisworthsplurgingon? Thatreallydependsonhowlongyou’re goingtobeintheproperty.Inaforever home,it’sworthinvestingingoodquality tapware.Alsothinkaboutuseandsplurge onfixturesandfittingsthatarehightrafficor touchanddownspecinotherbackofhouse orlesserusedplacestomakeyourbudget stretchfurther.

RubyHarfield

NineYardsConsultingprojectandconstruction managerJenJones. Photo/Supplied

Don’tforget insurance while renovating

Renovatinghasbecomeapopularchoice forpeopleneedingtochangetheirliving situationbutmanypeopleareunaware oftheimportanceofgettingtherightinsurance cover.

TowerheadofproductsDavidMeaclemsaida lotofinsurerswillnotcoverrenovationsintheir standardhousepolicybecauseit’stoorisky.

Forexample,someonereplacingtheirroof makestheirhousevulnerabletoweatherevents andsomeonewhosebackwallismissingfora renovationisvulnerabletotheftoftools.

“Youhavetoletyourinsurerknowifyouare goingtoberenovating.

“Itputsyourhouseatgreaterrisk.

“Towerwillincludeminorrenovationsonlyin thestandardpolicy,suchascosmeticchanges andregibbinganareabutanythingmorethan thatwillneeditsownpolicy.”

TowerhasrecentlylaunchedContractworks –Renovationcoverasthetrendforhome renovationscontinuestospike.

Mostinsurerswillonlyprovidethissort ofrenovationcovertocustomerswhohave existinghouseinsurancewiththem,hesaid.

“Theinsurerwillprobablyaskanumberof questionsaboutthetypeofrenovation,how riskyitisanditscomplexity.”

Renovationinsuranceshouldbeinplace beforeworkstartsorassoonasgoodsarrive.

Thepercentageofpeoplewhogetthissort ofinsuranceislowerthanexpectedwith35% ofhomeownersthinkingtheircurrenthome insurancecoversthem,hesaid.

“Manypeopledon’tknowaboutitandare reliantoncontractorstoletthemknow,which doesn’talwayshappen.”

ResearchbyPureprofile,commissionedby Tower,showsthatmorethanhalf(58%)ofKiwis believeitisbettertorenovatethanmovehouse inthecurrentmarket,ifthey’reneedingor wantingtoupgradetheirlivingsituation.

TowerchiefexecutiveBlairTurnbullsays

Tower’sContractworks-Renovationcoverhas beendesignedtogiveKiwispeaceofmindwhen theyundertakehomerenovations.

“It’sconcerningthatonethird(35%)of homeownersthinktheirhouseinsurancecovers themshouldsomethingunexpectedhappen, andonethird(36%)don’tknowwhatthey’re coveredfor.

“Asconstructioncostssoaramidrecord inflation,it’snowmoreimportantthanever tohavetherightlevelofinsuranceprotection ifyou’reabouttogetunderwaywitha renovation.”

It’salsoessentialNewZealandersunderstand whatthecontracttheyhaveinplacewiththeir builderorrenovationcompanycoversinterms ofinsurance,Turnbullsaid.

Differentbuildersusedifferentinsurance products,andtherightliabilityinsuranceforthe projectmaynotbeinplace.

AMIexecutivegeneralmanager,distribution, PaulaterBrakesaidinadditiontoContract WorksInsurance,it’simportanttoseekout qualified,licensedtradespeoplewhoyoucan trusttocompletethejobtoahighstandard.

“ContractWorksInsurancedoesn’tprovide coverforfaultyworkmanship,soinvestingin skilledandreputabletradespeopleiswell worthit.

“ContractWorksInsuranceistheretocover damagecausedwhileyourhomeisstructurally moreexposedtorisks.

“UnderAMI’sContractWorksInsurance, you’llalsobecoveredfortheftofbuilding materialsfromsiteandthecostofconsulting aprofessional,likeanengineerorarchitect, followingsignificantlossordamagetothe property.”

ArecentAMI-IPSOSsurveyrevealedthatmore thanhalfofthosewhohadrecentlymademajor orstructuralrenovationstotheirhome(54 percent)didnotupdatetheirhomeinsurance policyaspartofrenovationsbeingcompleted.

TowerheadofproductsDavidMeaclem. Photo/Supplied

RubyHarfield

Trending colours for2023

Addingabitofcolourtoyourhousecanmake itfeellikeahomeandcanbeassimpleas paintingaskirtingboard.

TheDuluxColourForecastfor 2023comprisesthreeemotive colourpalettesinspiredby ourneedtoreconnectwithnature, desireforbalanceandcalm,aswellas revitalisingourspiritwithjoyandplay.

Thenewpalettesarecalled Connect,Balance,andRevive.

DuluxColourSpecialistDavina Harpersaidpaletteswecanexpect toseeinourhomesin2023are predominantlywarmandnurturing, withnaturecontinuingtobeakey driveroftrends.

“Brighterhuescontinue;however, theyaredeeperthanlastyear.”

TheannualDuluxColourForecastis basedonyear-roundresearchintothe latestglobalandlocaltrendsthatare predictedtoinfluenceNewZealand designandhowwelive.

TheDuluxColourForecast2023 hasbeeninformedbyseminars, includingFutureLaboratoryLondon andColourHive,MilanDesign Week,trendreportsandeditorials, fashioncatwalks,productanddesign launches,engagementwithglobal andinternationalbrands.

“Colourforecastingforinteriors isanevolution-whilefashionis animportantinfluencer,theshifts ininteriorsaremoresubtleand nuanced.”

Therearenorulestohowyoucan introducethesetrendingcoloursinto yourhome,shesaid.

“Justpickupapaintbrushandget creative.

“Ifyou’renewtocolourthe inspirationalimagesintheDulux ColourForecastareagreatplaceto getideasandbuildyourconfidence.”

Thecuratedpalettesaredesigned tobeusedasschemesforpaint,as wellassoftfurnishings,artworkand décor,Harpersaid.

“Myadviceistoseewhichpalette

you’renaturallydrawntoandthen lookaroundyourhometoworkout whichareascouldbenefitfroma colourlift”.

Somekeycoloursfor2023include DuluxGlinksGully(awarmneutral), playfulpinkDuluxRangioraand greensandbluessuchasDulux RuahineandKimberleySea.

“Ilovetheideaofpickingasmaller room,likealaundryorstudyand startingthere.”

Simplewaystointroducecolour arepaintingtheskirtingboards orarchitravesinyourlivingroom, theedgeofadoor,thebackofa bookshelf,abedheadinyourchild’s room,orbreathenewlifeintoanold lampbase,chairorfrontdoorwitha coatofpaint.

“Oneofthetrendswe’vebeen seeinglatelyispaintingtheceilingin acolour–itcanreallyaddcharacter toaspacewithoutover-whelmingthe room.

“Featurewallsarealsobackandare aquickandeasywaytoaddcolour.

Beforeyoustartpainting,it’scrucial whenselectingcoloursforwallsor softfurnishingsthatyouconsider otherfixturesandfittingsinyour spacethatyoucan’tchangeeasily–it mightbecarpet,tiles,laminateor stone,and/orcurtainsandblindsthat youwillneedtoensureworkwiththe newcolourschosen.

Forcoloursurety,simplyorderA4 colourswatchesorsamplepotsfrom dulux.co.nzinyourchosencolours foryourspace-viewthesecoloursin yourhome’snaturallightconditions.

Interiorimagesstyled by Bree Leech,photos by LisaCohen. Portraitimage:HelenBankers.

CONNECT

Get your deck readyfor summer

Choosingtherightproducttocoatyour deckisnoweasierthanever.

Cabot’sAquadeckcannowbe usedoveranydeck’sexisting coating,makingitevensimpler tobringlifebacktoyourdeckthis spring.

Cabot’sbrandmanagerShirelle Schubertsaidupuntilnowknowing whatwaspreviouslyusedtocoatyour deckwasessentialtoselectingthe rightdeckingoil.

“Aquadeckalreadybelongstoour fastestdeckingsystemyet,allowing youtofinishyourdeckinaday,but nowitdoesn’tmatterwhatprevious coatingwasonthere(oilorwater based)orifitwasbareorcoated timber–Aquadeckcanbeapplied.

“Weoftenfindthatconsumersgo intoretailersandtheymightnotknow whattheirdeckwaspreviouslycoated with.

“Allthosequestionsarenow answered,asextensivetesting hasshownthatCabot’sAquadeck formulationcanbeusedoverany existingcoating*.”

Twoyearsago,beforeSchubert workedforCabot’s,shewentintoa storetopurchaseaproducttodoup herdeckbutnowwishedshehad chosenCabot’sAquadeck.

“Thestaffmemberaskedmewhat mydeckwaspreviouslycoatedwith andIliterallyhadnoidea.

“Iassumemanyshoppershave similarexperiencesandIendedup choosingallthewrongproducts.

“IthinktheCabot’sAquadeck updateisarealgamechangerasit makesthechoicesomuchsimpler especiallyintheDIYenvironment.”

Cabot’sAquadeckisalsotheperfect solutionbecauseitlaststwiceas longastraditionaloilbaseddecking oils,providingyourexteriortimber withprotectionwhilesimultaneously enhancingitsnaturallook.

“YoucanuseCabot’sAquadeckover anyexistingcoatingandnosanding required*.

“Italsohasafastrecoattimeofone hour#.

“SotogetherwithCabot’sNew TimberPrepandCabot’sDeckClean, youcanprepandcoatyourdeckina dayspendinglesstimeworkingand moretimeenjoyingyourdeck.”

There’salsoaweatherdecking forecastsoyoucanworkoutthe besttimetore-coatyourdeckdeckingforecast.cabots.co.nz.

BeingabletoapplyCabot’s Aquadeckoveranyexistingcoating*

Mainpictureleft:Cabot’sAquadecklaststwiceaslongastraditionaloil-baseddeckingoilsprotectingyour deckagainstUV,water,dirt,mouldandgeneralwear. Above:Cabot’sAquadeckcanbeappliedoverany deck’sexistingcoating* Belowleft:Cabot’sbrandmanagerShirelleSchubert.

Photos/Supplied

Springtime in the garden

Springishereandit’stimetoheadintothe veggiegarden.

Organicgardenerandauthor,Kath Irvine,whoisbasedinHorowhenua,shares sometips.

Springisallaboutgreens–broccolishoots forAfrica(souseful,aren’tthey?),cabbages, leeks,celeryandleafygreensgalore.

Leafygreensarethebest.Notasglamourous asatomatoortrendyasakohlrabi,butthey’re theeasiestveggietogrowandjammingwith nourishment.

Lettheonesyoulovetoeatflowerandgo toseed.They’llresowthemselveseverywhere -freeseedlings.There’snothingcoolerthan aforestofusefulleafygreensturningup rightwhenyouneedthem,withoutliftinga finger.Nomatterwhathappenstoyourhealth orenergyoroutintheworld–you’llhave nourishinggreensavailableforeverymeal.

Stirfries,sammiesandsaladsaremuchmore flavoursomeandexcitingwithabunchof12or sodifferentgreens.

•Spunkyoneslikecavalonero,fennelor russianredkale.

•Spicyoneslikelandcress,mizunaorrocket.

•Creamyoneslikeminerslettucebokchoyor komatsuna.

•Crisponeslikelittlegemlettuceorgailan.

•Bitterendive,dandelionorchicoryforinner mojoandliversupport.

•Prettyoneslikechard,corianderorItalian parsley.

•Nourishingchickweed,lovelylemonysorrell, refreshingmintandfragrantdill.

Growthemincontainersoralongthe outside,pickingedgeforeaseofharvest. They’llhappilygrowwithherbs,flowers,roses orunderfruittrees,aswellintheveggiepatch.

Keepthebiggest,outsideleavespickedoffto keepthemgrowingstrongly.Usetheniceones fordinnerandtherattyoldonesforchopand dropmulchorforcompost.

Springbringssuchanupbeatenergy, it’shardnottorushheadlongintoplanting tomatoesandpumpkinsandothersummery crops.Butslowdown–justenoughtoallow timetofeelwhereyoursoilisatfirst.Slideyour handinuptoyourknuckles(orfurtherifyou can).Soilthat’stoocoldforsummercrops, feels…well,cold,abitclammyandheavytoo. Onceit’ssittingat18–20degrees,meaningit’s readytoreceivepumpkins,tomatoes,beans etc-itfeelswarm,andlightandlikeyouwant tolayyourcheekonit.Soilthermometersare acheaptool.

Alignyourcropchoiceswithtemperature (bothsoilandair)andyourplantswillrace awaywithstronggrowth.Sosatisfying.

Ifunsure,doublechecktheidealtemps online.

Here’swhatIcanplantinmyLevingarden.

Adaptittosuityourconditions.

Directsowcarrots,radish,parsnip,rocket, mizuna,dill.

Traysowceleriac,salads,silverbeet, perpetualbeet,parsley,kale,broccoli, cabbage,peas,snowpeas,chives,spring onions,redonions,brownonions,shallots.

DirectortraysowBeetroot,spinach, saladings,bokchoy,broadbeansand coriander.Ifit’scoldandwetatyours–tray sowthese.Ifit’swarmingupalready,direct sow.

Plantoutcelery,broccoli,cabbage,bok choy,kale,silverbeet,parsley,onions,spring onions,potatoes,peas.

Companionflowers:direct,ortraysow,or plantasmanyasyoucancramin.Calendula, cornflower,poppy,nasturtium,borage,sweet pea,snapdragon,aquilegia,viola,wallflower, larkspur,hollyhock.

IntheGreenhouse(orundercover): Traysowtomato,chilli,pepper,aubergine, zucchini,cucumber,melon,squash,pumpkin, dwarfbeans,climbingbeans.Setupaheatpad orwhateveryouhave,tocreate18-20degree soil.

Plantoutsalads,zucchini,cucumber,dwarf beans,climbingbeans,soyabeans,basil, marigold,tomatoes,chillies,auberginesand peppers.

Beginyourkumarashoots.

OrganicgardenerandauthorKathIrvine.

Photo/Supplied

Makingthe mostofyour outdoorarea

RubyHarfield

Thedaysaregettinglighterandthere’s moresunshinesonowisthebesttimeto giveyouroutdoorareaamakeover.

Youdon’thavetospendafortunetoturn yourgardenintoagreatsummerareaandyou candomanyofthethingsyourselfwiththe helpofplaceslikeMitre10andBunnings.

Mitre10buildingconsultantandEasyas presenter,StanScott,saiditsbesttoworkwith whatyouhavegotsuchasadeckorpatioarea aslongasitisstructurallysound.

“Firstly,giveitagoodclean–this isareallyeasythingtodo andyouwillseeresults immediately.

“There’slotsof gooddeckand timberwash aroundaswellas stainsandoilsto rejuvenatethe area.

“It’sareally goodwayto smartenthatarea up.”

Anotherthingis cleaningyouroutdoor furniture.

Onceyou’vedonethat thenyoucanpaintorstainyour fenceforabitofcolour.

Thenit’sagoodideatocreateafeaturesuch asaplantorsculpture.

“Youdon’tneedtospendalotofmoneyto dothis.”

Outdoorlightingisanothereasywayto bringyourgardentolife.

“It’sareallygoodwaytohighlightplants andcreateacozyatmosphere.”

Shadesalesanddeckscreenscanalsohelp createaprivatespacetositin.

BunningsNewZealandcoordinatorDel Bethamsaidanyonewantingtodosome DIYintheirgardenshouldalwaysdosome researchbeforestartingaproject.

There’splentyofresourcesonlineandDIY retailersarealwayshappytoprovideadvice.

“Springisagreattimetogiveyourhomea refreshwithsimpleDIYprojectsyoucantackle overaweekend.”

Bunnings’easyDIYprojectsforyourgarden: Clearoutthegutters

Asimplejobthatcanhelppreventtricky problemslikeblockeddownpipes,rainwater leakingintoyourceilinganddriedoutleaf litterbecomingafirehazard.Cleaningyour guttersisaneasyDIYjobthatrequiresonly basicequipmentincludingaladder,brush, bucketandgloves.Onceyou’vesetupyour laddersafely,pullthedebrisoutandput intoyourbucket,givingthegutterafinal sweepwithabrush.

Oilyourdeck

Oilingyourdeckisa greatjobtodoover theweekendtoget youroutdoorarea readyforsummer entertaining. Makingsure youoilitatleast onceayearwill prolongthe lifeandkeepit lookingit’sbest. Givetheoutdoorsa deepclean Cleanandclearyour decking,drivewaysand pathways,tilesandpaversby clearingtheareaofdebristhathas builtupoverthewintermonths.Duringwinter, manyoutdoorareas,duetocoolertempsand excessiveamountsofrain,canbuildupmould, algaeandbacteria.

Spruceupthefurniture Withoutdoorfurniturehavingbravedthe elementsallwinterlong,springistheperfect timetogiveitalittleTLC.Timberrequiresabit ofelbowgreaseandoil-basedsoap,followed bysomegoodqualityoiltohelpprevent moisturegettingin.

Formetalfurniture,usesomemildsoapy waterforgeneralgrime,orasolutionofwater andwhitevinegarfortougherstainsand mildew.

Cane,wickerandrattanfurnitureisbest cleanedwithamildsoapsolutionandsoft scrubbingbrushfollowedbyagoodrinsewith water.

ABOVE:Cleaningandre-stainingyourdeckisaneasyproject. INSET:Mitre10building consultantandEasyAspresenter,StanScott. RIGHTTOP:It’smucheasiertoenjoyyour outdoorareawhenit’sclean. RIGHTMIDDLE:Cleanandclearyourdecking,drivewaysand pathways,tilesandpaversbyclearingtheareaofdebristhathasbuiltupoverthewinter months. RIGHTBOTTOM:StanScottputtinglifebackintoanoldtable. Photos/Supplied

Renovatingyourhomecanbeastressful timebutSmith&Sonsisheretohelp

Asrenovationexperts,Smith& Sonshasadedicatedprocesstoensureall renovationsrunsmoothly,whetherthatbe addinganadditionalstorey,doingupyour kitchenorputtinginagrannyflat.

Theirthree-steprenovationprocess, Design-Plan-Construct,ensuresthatthefinal outcomeiseverythingyouwantedandthe journeytogettherewasaseasyaspossible.

Smith&Sonsmasterfranchiseeand builder,ReonPaterson,saidwhatsetsthe companyapartisthefactthatitoffersan entirepackageaswellashavingtheright peopleonthejob

“Weareallownedandoperatedby builders;wearepassionateandcanbringour draftsmenandarchitectstothetable.

“Thetraditionalwaytotacklealarge renovationistoheadtothearchitector draftspersondirectly.”

Smith& Sons is the whole package

However,havingbuildersaspartofthe processfromthebeginningstopsanyhidden costscreepinginbecausebuildershavethe knowledgetoputanaccurateinitialbudget andpriceinplace.

Anyonewantingtorenovateshouldgetin touchwithaSmith&Sonsofficebuteven

ifyoudecidenottousethem,youshould alwaysconsultabuilderinitiallyasthey knowtheindustryandcurrentcostsbest,he said.

Smiths&Sonskeepscustomersinvolved inthewholeprocesswhichisacollaborative approach.

“Itmeanstheresultandexperienceis muchmoreenjoyableandtobudget

“Renovatingisn’teasybutourprocess makesiteasierbecausetherearefewer surprises.

“Ourpointofdifferenceisthatwe coordinatetheentirerenovationeliminating thepossibilityofcostsbuildingup.”

Asbuilderswhocreaterenovationsand extensions,theSmith&Sonsteamshave experiencewithallcomplexitiesinvolved inrenovatingaswellasanyunanticipated issues.

“Weknowourjob,andwedoitwell.”

Smith&Sonshaslocationsallaroundthe countryreadytocatertoyourrenovation needs.

Ruby Harfield

Smith&SonshasrenovatedthousandsofhomesacrossNewZealand. INSET:Smith&SonsmasterfranchiseeandbuilderReonPaterson.

Photo/Supplied

Superiorprotectionthatlasts

*TheIntergrainUltrarangelaststhreetimes longerthantraditionaloil-baseddeckingoils. Theadvanced,long-lastingformulaprotects againstUVandabrasionandisfastdrying.Get thejobdonerightwithIntergrainUltraDeck