NZH Spaces - November 2017 by NZME.

A New Zealand Herald Commercial Publication

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

build, renovate & decorate

FINISHING TOUCHES

Bring out your inner home-stager

HOME RENO

101 MANAGING THE BUDGET

STREET APPEAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT

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Inside Spaces

p4 The finishing touch

Managing your budget

p7-8 In the zone: Making

your outdoor space special

p11 Make your home’s first impression count

p13

Is DIY for you?

Editor Greg Fleming Advertising enquiries Ben Trethewey ben.trethewey@nzme.co.nz Designer Courtney Whitaker Spaces is a NZME Commercial Publication

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The finishing touch

products — but not too many: an attractive body lotion, hand-cream and soap should be plenty. ● Living areas are easy because cushions and throws can make all the difference to any room and these can be found for very reasonable prices — starting at around $10 at chain stores. ● Use a few large, striking ornaments rather than lots of little ones. When displaying them on a shelf or sideboard, resist the urge to line them up in rows, instead, using a triangle shaped arrangement — large items at the back and smaller ones in front.

Create the look of a professionally styled home with these tips

Louise Richardson

f you’ve been to an open home in the past few years you’ll no doubt have noticed that the decor is almost always perfect — and in many cases, this is the result of input by home stagers, working in an industry that’s recently become big business. From artfully placed cushions and throws, to that Annabel Langbein cookbook casually left open on the benchtop, their influence is easily recognisable and many agents firmly believe that this extra attention to detail draws buyers in and helps homeowners sell their properties. So, can you achieve this effect yourself at home — to sell — or just for your own pleasure and comfort? And does it need to be expensive? The answers are yes and no respectively. Many home stagers buy their props at stores such as Kmart and Farmers, where homeware offerings are regularly updated and reasonably priced. They’re often themed, taking in current trends in colour and texture and fashions — such as the present popularity of botanical style, where vases, pots and hanging baskets bursting with very tasteful, realistic artificial foliage add a garden- room flavour throughout the house. Tips to bring out your own inner home-stager ● Look at real estate adverts online and when you find a home with decor you like, get ready to adapt it for yourself. Start by taking everything out of the room you’re working on, then gradually add things back to achieve the effect you’re looking for. As an added bonus, you can use this operation to get rid of things that are old or out-of-date.

Start by taking everything out of the room you’re working on, then gradually add things back to achieve the effect you’re looking for. Don’t wait until it’s time to sell to perfect your home decor. Pictures / Getty Images

● Make a good first impression with a large mirror, console and not much else in your entranceway. ● In kitchens, ensuring a lack of clutter is the key to getting that sleek, streamlined glossy-magazine-look.

Put as much as you possibly can out of sight in cupboards, keeping items on the benchtop to an absolute minimum. ● Home-staged bathrooms almost always look like something from a

luxury hotel and you never, ever, see toothbrushes on show. Get the same result by decluttering first then add neatly-rolled quality towels — perhaps in a small basket, a scented candle, and your favourite skincare

● Another good idea is to add a couple of table lamps to help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. ● Make something such as a plant, or vaseful of flowers, the focal point on your coffee table, along with interesting bowls and some art, design or travel books. ● Don’t push all your furniture up against a wall. Letting some pieces ‘float’ can give a sense of more space. ● Bedrooms can also benefit from cushions and throws but keep furniture to a minimum — especially if the room actually is quite small. Of course, this tip applies throughout the house. Choose soft, neutral colours and stand pillows up rather than lying them flat in order to get that showroom look. ● Some home-staging jobs even include artwork and with low-priced canvas offers abounding online, it’s easy to create your own using photographs or scanned artwork. Big and bold is best and less is always more.

nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Wednesday, November 15, 2017

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Managing the budget

Picture / Getty Images

Organisational skills are required so as not to break the bank when renovating, writes Diana Clement

here is a lot to keeping on budget with a renovation. It looks simple on TV shows such as The Block, says investor, interior decorator and home stager, Anthea Baker of Homebase. Managing the budget without the price doubling on you requires super organisational skills. Would-be renovators need a spreadsheet and plenty of research. Google the words “renovation spreadsheet” or “renovation software” and many options abound. There are also renovation budget planners such as the one at renovate.asb.co.nz or try KiwiBank’s RenoMate, which also keeps track of estimates, photos and even paint shades. The next step is to scope out your work properly to see what is economically feasible, says Andrew Bruce, president of the Auckland Property Investors Association. This needs to be done long before the first nail is hammered in. If you’ve scoped the project properly, you will be aware of necessity versus want, and what you can afford against what should be left until later. Scoping the work also allows you to understand the consequences of your choices. Wanting a European kitchen and the reality of paying for it could be two different things. If your scope doesn’t meet the budget, revise before starting works, says Bruce. In order to manage the budget renovators need all house plans, diagrams, engineering documents and council consent before work begins. Bruce says has seen gross underestimates, in particular of the cost of obtaining consent for a project. The next step is getting quotes. But beware. “A lot of people say ‘I have got a

Be aware of necessity versus want, and what you can afford against what should be left until later.

quote’, when actually it’s an estimate,” says Bruce. Estimates provide little certainty and should only be used to get a ballpark figure for the work. “It might even be a guestimate based on the fact you said ‘I want a double garage, can you build it?’ Is it a Skyline garage? Is it lined, does it have electricity? What level of fittings to you want?” Says Bruce. You need a quote or tender for the work, which can be enforced in court if necessary. Not just an estimate. “It all goes back to scope,” Bruce, a former project manager, says. The quotes need to be fully itemised so that you’re not hit with unexpected costs along the way. Even then, the quote might have tags, he says. That’s provisional prices. An example might be for the cost of foundations, where if rock is found you will need to pay more.

Sometimes the best person to be the project manager can be you, because it’s your money. Make sure you have a building schedule so that the builders are ready for the plumbers or sparkies, all the materials are on site when needed, and so on. The more detailed this schedule is, the less the chance of scope and/or budget blowout. One of the best ways to manage a renovation budget is to have a project manager. Sometimes the best person to be the project manager can be you, because it’s your money.

On the other hand, homeowners may be the worst project managers, because they’re not organised enough,emotional, and can’t be trusted to change the spec part way through the renovation. If the latter is the case, it might be a good idea to outsource the project management to a professional company. If you’re project managing it yourself, you need to be completely professional, says Bruce. He travelled to Hamilton every week during his most recent renovation. He arranged meetings with the tradespeople at the multi-unit property and had an agenda to cover each time he visited. “I would work out decisions to be made on each visit, set action items and I minuted everything.” If the project was three weeks from needing lighting, Bruce would get himself to the lighting shops and

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make decisions so that the electrician wasn’t held up. Budgets need to be reviewed after these weekly visits and actual costs entered to keep up-to-date. It’s important to keep expectations under check. All too often, part way through the project homeowners discover ‘to die for’ fixtures, fittings, furnishings and so on and the budget goes out the door or a rework by the builder adds costs. Baker says a lot of renovators forget the budget in this situation and go to designer stores when Kmart would do. Even the most perfectly managed budget needs a sum for contingencies, he adds. If you want to renovate, says Baker, start shopping around in advance for items such as toilets and anything else you can stockpile whilst the items are on sale.

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nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Lighting and focal points are some of the ways designers are making outdoor areas special, says Dani Wright

K In the

Create zones of activity in large outdoor areas. Pic courtesy Lou Brown Design.

ZONE

iwis love outdoor entertaining, but how do you create the ‘wow factor’ for your outdoor spaces so they become places you love to entertain and relax in all year round? According to Hayley-Anne Brown, director and lead designer at Lou Brown Design, a good place to start is to create zones of activity, especially when you’re faced with a big, empty deck to fill. “Think of open-plan living/dining/ kitchens and the way groupings of furniture can section out the areas from each other,” says Brown. “Outdoor rugs also anchor spaces. Think of having a more formal dining area and a casual space with a lower coffee table for a different mood suitable for different types of entertaining.” Instead of following trends, she suggests using mid-toned outdoor fabric, or two-toned fabric where a lighter thread is interwoven with a darker one, then livening up with colours in the cushions that can be continued on E8

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nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Wednesday, November 15, 2017

In the

ZONE continued from E7

changed easily without spending a fortune. “The dark-tones show up every dog hair and crumb, but the light colours show stains, so mid-tones are best to work with for outdoor areas that may be less protected than indoors,” says Brown. “I’ve also learnt from experience not to use black fabrics in our hot climate as it heats up so much. Twotoned fabrics offer good camouflage for any stains.” LIGHTING Lighting can also add to the mood of entertainment zones. Consider solar lighting, as well as candles, urns, lanterns, LED fairy lights and braziers, as well as up-lighting landscaping features, such as trees around the perimeter, which can all offer light, warmth and ambience. “It’s also important to link your interior style to the outdoors,” Brown says. “If you have a rustic country lodge style indoors, you’ll want to use something similar outdoors, or if you like a mix of old and new inside, do that outside as well. The price of outdoor furniture is often more than expected (fabric is sometimes twice the cost of indoorpurposed fabric), so think about multi-tasking items, such as large ottomans to create lie-down loungers one minute, then moved to the side with a tray on top and used as a coffee table at another time, suggests Brown. In terms of shade, a simple, slatted timber pergola offers shade, with climbers such as grapevines offering shade in summer and letting the sun back in during winter, or for a more expensive option try tiltable louvre roofing. Deck materials are moving towards composite decking made from recycled materials, which is lowmaintenance, mould-resistant and won’t stain. And if you’re cooking outdoors, think about having a pizza oven or barbecue that retains a connection to the kitchen for flow. “Also consider the prevailing wind direction and place protective barriers there, such as a row of tall potted bamboo plants for shelter,” Brown says. “Don’t forget to cosy up with accessories outside, too. Adding a basket of woollen throws is good to pop outside to make it a more enticing space in the colder months or throw a sheepskin on one of the couches.” Kiwis love to create big decks, so remember to think on the bigger scale

Hayley-Anne Brown.

Pictures / Supplied

Create your outdoor space

● Add colour with soft furnishings, such as cushions, but keep furniture in the mid-tones.

● Create entertaining zones that are anchored with groupings of furniture or rugs.

● Use lighting to create ambience and warmth, such as the uplighting of nearby trees.

● Think of heating options — even a basket filled with beautiful woollen throws on the deck can help create a more enticing place to sit a while.

● Think of scale — a big deck affords a large statement piece or focal point.

● Take the time to prepare the soil

and plan your garden and landscaping elements — a lack of space is no longer an excuse.

for the outdoors — such as statement pots, or if you have smaller pot plants, group them together in different heights. “And remember to create a focal point,” she says. “Every backyard needs one — whether it’s a sculpture, a large potted plant or a fireplace.” URBAN OASIS When it comes to greenery, gardening writer and blogger Sarah O’Neil says the shrinking of the quarter-acre dream is no excuse for not creating an urban oasis at home. “My mission is to get people back

A big deck affords a large statement piece or focal point. Pic Getty

into the garden who have lost their connection with the seasons and where their food is coming from,” says O’Neil. “There’s so much cool innovation for smaller spaces, such as vertical gardens and small, high-yield plants, such as small apple trees for an apartment balcony that still has a lovely harvest, or a compact tomato plant densely loaded with produce.” She says that with the high cost of vegetables and supply issues, growing your own fruit and vegetables is becoming more than a hobby; it’s now an important way to put healthy food on the table. Even if you pay for your

water, there are ways to cut costs down. “Water the garden at the right time, use mulch so moisture is retained in the soil and even pop in a rain barrel for water collection,” says O’Neil. “Gardening doesn't need to be hard — put a seed in the soil in the right season in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist.” Whatever plants you choose, remember planning is the key and plant what you like to eat for edible gardens. Things to do when planning include reading the labels of the plants you want to buy beforehand and

googling what they will look like when fully grown. “A weed is a plant in the wrong place, so even an apple tree can become a weed if you haven’t understood how tall it will grow,” says O’Neil. “Just because you like something, doesn’t mean you can have it in the garden.” If you plan well, you can have a beautiful garden all year round, matched with special places outdoors to sit and admire it thanks to entertaining zones and a cosy ambience. All that will be left is to invite friends and family around to enjoy it with you.

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Hottest kitchen trends

The key point in planning and choosing a new kitchen lies in finding a design and materials that won’t date, finds Louise Richardson

Pictures / Getty

when they first appeared. “Today black kitchens are a lot more common and they always look really great.” Other trends that have emerged recently include the use of grey, which coordinates beautifully with

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marble, and Dryland says that she recently designed her first- ever blue kitchen. One of the most exciting new developments Dryland has noticed is the arrival of tiles with pressed-tin patterns. “In the past I’ve had clients

nstalling or building a kitchen — even a very simple one — is never exactly a cheap undertaking so it’s important to look to the future — and that’s where professional kitchen designers come into their own. They’re experts at helping create the most functional zone possible and will offer well-researched advice on work-flow and ideal placement of appliances. They know what’s in vogue, what looks good and works best, and they can locate products and materials on your behalf. Right now, the buzzwords on the kitchen scene are ‘organic’ and ‘texture’ wherein sustainable, earthy materials are used to smart effect, and ‘functionality’, which basically means that in this reality-TVcooking-show era, we’re demanding more of our kitchens in terms of what we can do there. Hayley Dryland from August and Co. Design has noticed recently that homeowners are preparing to stay in their homes long-term rather than moving as they wait for the property market to find its new level. “Once they’ve made that decision, they tend to ask themselves what they can do to enhance the property and often that means a new kitchen,” she says. “They’re looking for classic style with longevity and want the very best-quality materials, even if that means sourcing them from overseas and waiting a while.” Dryland says the marble look is very popular right now and that the new generation of composites is stronger and more versatile than ever before. “Porcelain benchtops are another hot look and black sinks and tapware are still requested by many of our clients but other metallic finishes such as brass, antique bronze and brushed gold are trending too.” One of the most timeless materials are horizontal bricks, first seen in art deco decor in New York in the 1930s. “They still look just as striking today,” she says. When it comes to colour, Dryland says that she does a lot of black kitchens, which were revolutionary

Today black kitchens are a lot more common and they always look really great.

who wanted pressed tin as a splashback and we would paint it but after a few years the paint wears off so having the option of tiles now is a great step forward. She also notes that it’s becoming increasingly common for homebuilders or renovators to go one step further and add an adjoining butler’s kitchen or scullery to further stretch their kitchen’s capabilities. Meanwhile, new and exciting appliances are appearing on the scene and retailers are scrambling to keep up with the new technology, in order to inform and advise their customers. Fridges are getting far more sophisticated. Some have almost as many features as a small car — and are priced similarly too! Samsung’s new Family Hub refrigerator ($9999) is nothing short of amazing in terms of its capabilities,

not least of all its remarkable connectivity. A touchscreen display syncs family members’ calendars, displays favourite photographs and a camera inside allows the owner to check what’s needed via phone from the supermarket. Temperatures throughout the fridge can be customised and this feature, combined with precise humidity control, helps keep food fresher. Induction hobs are increasingly popular as cooks discover how easy and effective this style of cooking can be. Self-cleaning ovens and automatic range hoods that turn on and off when required are also a feature in many new kitchens. In the past few years, steam ovens have become a feature of many new kitchens; some of these ovens come in a combination model that dry roasts as well as steams.

E10

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nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Stay simple and stylish for kids

Louise Richardson

orget pink for girls and blue for boys; today’s children’s bedrooms are a stereotypefree-zone where practically anything goes in terms of colours and furnishings. Better still, you don’t need to spend a fortune creating a special genderneutral space for a newborn. There are many economical ways to add personality — and often all you need is some imagination and a paint brush. If you’re living in what is set to be your long-term family home, it’s worth considering what changes may need to be made in a child’s bedroom as they get older, and plan for those changes from the start. A simple white scheme is very popular with decorators right now and it’s a look that can easily be refreshed or re-imagined. Babies enjoy stimulation but not too much or they’ll never go to sleep. Consider adding simple but stylish touches in crisp, cool, black — and also introducing natural, relaxing, earthy colours. Use low-odour, solvent-free paint products if possible, to protect your little one’s health. Ikea make particularly good nursery furniture and a number of resellers are bringing these pieces into New Zealand now at surprisingly competitive prices, while chain stores such as Kmart and The Warehouse have great ranges of baskets and bins for storage, cheerful rugs,

canvases for the nursery wall and lovely cushions and throws. Remember to always keep safety in mind, fastening chests of drawers securely to the wall so that they can’t tip over and avoiding items such as blinds with long cords that could accidentally become tied around a baby’s neck. Once your offspring is ready to graduate to a bed, you’ll know him or her a little better and bearing in mind the child’s favourite colours, stories or nursery rhymes, a new theme can be introduced. By this stage, storage can be a challenge — especially if he or she is regularly indulged at Christmas and on birthdays. Shelves with plastic boxes can work well and by labelling each one, you can begin teaching good habits in terms of tidying. Children at this age tend to be very creative, producing dozens of paintings and drawings, so why not let them turn their personal space into an art gallery. Hang strings across the walls and peg the paintings to that, or frame them using inexpensive frames, maybe painting those too — for an extra pop of colour. There are many paint products available at decorating stores, which used can be used creatively to add extra fun elements to a child’s bedroom. Blackboard paint is especially popular — Use it on a wardrobe door to provide an opportunity for budding graffiti artists to express them-

Pictures / Getty Images

Wallpaper is back in style and although it can be expensive, as much of it is imported, you may not need to paper the whole bedroom. selves, without resorting to drawing on walls with felt pen or crayons. Wallpaper is back in style and, although it can be expensive as much of it is imported, you may not

need to paper the whole bedroom. Try using it just for a feature wall, for example. For a truly personal touch, Resene Wallprint turns your own favourite artwork or photograph into a bespoke, easy-to-apply wallcovering. When it comes to the teenage years, the world is your oyster. No longer do most teens want messy rooms with loads of posters on the walls, instead, they’re favouring smart, stylish surroundings — and once more, it needn’t be expensive. Bear in mind that because this agegroup spend a lot of time in their bedrooms, it needs to be a space that will work hard — with areas for sleep, study and socialising. Set a budget, say $500, and let

your child put his or her own scheme together, maybe pitching in to help with painting. If space is short, a loft bed with a desk underneath may work well and don’t forget to add a couple of beanbags, for visiting friends. Encourage your teen to check out garage sales, charity shops and Trade Me for furniture that can be revived and rejuvenated, using paint. If they’ve opted for edgy, modern decor, garage shelving can be bought for a song from big hardware stores and looks great when hung with fairy lights. Don’t forget to factor in space for shoes and clothing, otherwise it will inevitably end up in what kids refer to as the ‘floordrobe’!

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E11

First impressions

COUNT

Louise Richardson

t might be an over-used cliche but, when it comes to our homes, first impressions really do count and if you’ve recently renovated inside, it seems a shame not to pay attention to the streetappeal aspects of your property. Sometimes, simply reducing clutter can make your house and its surroundings look a whole lot better. If you have a family, chances are there are toys lying around, and most of us have a few random pots with half-dead plants. Take these out of the equation for a start and the rest will begin falling into place. Often, the first thing guests or passers-by will see is your letterbox, and with many modern options on the market it could be time to ditch an shabby old one or renew it with a fresh stain or paint. Ensure that it has big, clear numbering, as this will also assist emergency services, should they need to access the property. Karen Warman from Resene suggests paying attention to the gate and front door too — perhaps taking the opportunity to paint them in a bright new colour so that they stand out, using a high-gloss finish for extra drama. Fixing problems such as peeling paint and blocked gutters is the logical next step, and having a house professionally chem-washed can make it look near-new again.

FENCING Fencing is another area that is sometimes side-lined while property owners concentrate on projects elsewhere, but, like your letterbox, it’s a first-glance thing — as well as a necessary security precaution. Stone fences are currently enjoying a huge surge in popularity and while they’re expensive, they require little upkeep and will last forever. Stained timber fencing always looks good, while new anti-graffiti paints such as Resene Uracryl

Professional landscaping and lighting can make a huge difference to the appearance of your property.

GraffitiShield are effective at beating taggers. Another recent arrival on the market is PVC and composite fencing, which is good-looking, longlasting, weatherproof and maintenance free. If budget is an issue, bamboo brushwood fencing materials are available at big hardware stores. They have a limited lifespan but can look very effective — especially with a native themed garden. Of course, professional landscaping can make a huge difference to the appearance of your property and if you can possibly afford it, getting an expertly designed scheme is a worthwhile investment — even if it’s just the planning and initial implementation — for you to manage it by yourself in future. Landscape designers can often see potential that you might have missed. Subtropical plantings are very well-suited to Auckland’s climate and many plants, such as banana palms, for example, grow quickly — especially in summer when the garden looks lush and exotic. If you want a structured sort of layout, ask the designer about using Moorish-influenced patterned tiles for paving front yards and patios. They are eye-catching and exotic when surrounded by huge pots of colourful foliage. If you’re on a budget, painting terracotta pots is easy and effective. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of keeping paths and driveways free from potentially dangerous slippery moss and other nasties. Products targeting this problem include Resene Deep Clean, which is simply sprayed on — then left to do its work. NIGHT GARDEN Installation of outdoor lighting is another way to make your house stand out, and look welcoming at night. Garden lighting, highlighting trees and plants, can be a very effective way of enhancing the appearance of your property and

Pictures / Getty Images

Stained timber fencing always looks good, while new anti-graffiti paints . . . are effective at beating taggers. fairy lights aren’t just for Christmas, adding a magical element all-yearround. If you have a front veranda, turn-

ing it into an outdoor room is easy with the addition of appropriate furniture and accessories. Very soon the shops will be full of

colourful hard-wearing outdoor chairs, couches, cushions and rugs so keep an eye on those letterbox mailers and get in early if you can.

E12

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Is DIY right for you? D

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E13

Louise Richardson

oing it yourself is a popular Kiwi approach to tackling renovation projects but how do you know when it’s time to engage a professional? It’s almost a rite of passage as homeowners to pick up some tools and attempt a DIY project. While it may seem straightforward to take this route throughout your home, there can be hidden costs, not least the value of your time — and your personal safety — so think hard before deciding how to proceed. Good planning is essential, so sit down and type up the pros and cons of each approach before you do anything else. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Practically anybody can paint a house. It’s hard work preparing and repairing surfaces, sanding and priming until you apply the top coat. However, it is very time intensive and if you can’t work at it full-time, you could find yourself in the situation of completing one side of the house each summer, by which time the work you did earlier may need fixing up already. So, the options are to hire a professional painter who will do the job quickly and efficiently or roping in family members to help you. Around this time of year, students are looking for work so Student Job Search may be your best port of call. HIT THE DECK The rules around deck-building have changed quite significantly over the past few years. A deck standing below 1.5 metres tall no longer requires council approval — although it’s unwise to assume anything and still pays to check things thoroughly with the local authorities. If you’ve never built a deck before, find some relevant YouTube videos or sign up for classes at your local hardware store. It’s not hard to build a good-looking, safe and secure deck but if you hire a tradesperson, you may be pleasantly surprised by the low cost and high standard. You’ll also save lots of time and trouble — plus the effort and expense of buying or hiring tools. BATHTIME BLISS A lay person can’t undertake plumbing work, which requires certification but you can certainly do the demolition; getting the area ready and the basics in place for your tradies to work with. Doing the tiling yourself is possible, but not as easy as you might imagine, and expensive mistakes can take the gloss off the experience. If you’ve never done it before be very careful, take your time and remember there are loads of

Doing the tiling yourself is possible, but it’s not as easy as you might imagine.

online tips and tutorials available. Accuracy and careful measuring are crucial to your success. When it comes to finishing touches such as painting, most of us are able to manage a spot of DIY. Just be sure to discuss the surfaces involved with paint shop staff to ensure that you are choosing appropriate hardworking, long-lasting products that will repel mould and other nasties. KITCHEN CAPERS Once again you’ll need the big guns for plumbing and electrical work but if you’re doing a relatively simple project, such as installing store-

bought joinery and benchtops you may well be able to tackle this project. Bear in mind it will inevitably take a reasonable length of time, especially if you only have weekends to work with, so figure out if you can handle the mess and disruption before starting. Accuracy and keen attention to detail is vital here because you can’t afford to have anything that’s crooked or uneven. If you’re a first timer, actually working with the tradesperson as their apprentice will equip you for further projects and hopefully save on labour costs. Simple flooring materials such as lino tiles and boards can conceivably

It’s not hard to build a good-looking, safe and secure deck if you have the time and energy but if you go down the professional tradespeople route, you may be pleasantly surprised by the low cost. be installed by a savvy novice, but do seek professional advice first. WINDOWS AND WALLPAPER Keeping windows in good order is vital for the ongoing maintenance of your home. Cleaning the glass and the frames is essential and if the glass needs replaced for any reason, it is possible to do it yourself. Be very careful, especially if broken glass is involved and always wear gloves. Removing the putty can be onerous but it’s important to start from scratch with a clean surface. Some people are able to hang wallpaper like a pro, but if you’re not

one of them you’re in danger of wasting a great deal of money with many modern papers costing hundreds of dollars a roll. Hanging it straight, matching a pattern and ensuring that you have no air bubbles is surprisingly tricky so don’t rush in, and if you don’t feel confident, calling in a professional may be money well spent. Ask if you can observe the process and in doing so, you’ll pick up useful tips and tricks. SAFETY FIRST Every year, ACC receives around 35,000 claims relating to DIY projects in the home. That’s a lot of people with bad backs, eye injuries or sore digits thanks to an out-of-control hammer. If you have any reason to believe that a job you’re planning has the potential to hurt or even kill you, then just don’t do it. Find somebody who has the skills and experience instead. Now that the renovation is over, you can take pride in the things you achieved yourself, having learnt new skills in the process and you can also feel pleased that the work you’ve had done by professional tradespeople is up-to-scratch and will last for many years.

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nzherald.co.nz | The New Zealand Herald | Wednesday, November 15, 2017