House to Home | May 2013

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Your complete guide to subdivisions, sections, home building and decorating solutions

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Splash some colour where you cook

Page 20 Top trends for a glorious garden

Page 26 - 27 How to tune-up home heat

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Desme Daniels Advertising Manager

Ashleigh Fraser

Eden Kirk-Williams

Sue Durry

Charlotte Dove

Emma Jaillet-Godin

Suzanna Macilquham

Advertising Consultant

Advertising Sales Co-ordinator

Advertising Administrator

Advertising Consultant

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shburton economy continues to grow and the after effects of the Christchurch quakes are still strikingly evident within our community.

Whilst we sit and watch the CBD undergo an exciting face lift and watch with anticipation the new buildings springing up around us we continue to invest in the houses we live in.

Whether you are looking at a small scale make over for your beloved property, large scale building project to improve the size of your homestead or the dream of a lifetime new build project, we have the major players within the local industry nestled within the following pages.

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From selecting your section and obtaining your consent, through to choosing a builder and knowing what interior trends to display, building involves hundreds of decisions.

Our team has gathered hot tips, trends and important information to bring you this valuable building tool, full of gems of advice for when you are ready to build or renovate your home in Mid Canterbury.

From finding your architect to building contractual advice, making sure your home is equipped for today’s technology and luscious landscaping ideas, we aim to inspire a thought or two towards your next home improvement project.

LAYING R COMPLETE GUIDE

A SOLID FINANCIAL FOUNDATION

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TOP TRENDS FOR A GLORIOUS GARDEN

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We hope that this resource will aid many of you now, and in the future to create the home of your dreams.

A special thank you to our advertisers who have seen the value of this specialised publication, and have chosen to support its production. On the following pages, you will see the extensive range of specialist and quality products and services these advertisers have to offer, further showcasing the talented builders and suppliers we have in Mid Canterbury.

Simon Fox and Yendis Albert

So sit back in your favourite chair, relax and enjoy your read.

LIVE WHERE YOU PLAY

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Designed by

THE SHED ISN’T DEAD...

IT’S JUST MUCH COOLER

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Desme Daniels

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SPLASH SOME COLOUR WHERE YOU COOK

HOW TO TUNE-UP HOME HEAT

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Hitting the nail on the head Building your own home can be the most rewarding decision of your life. It can also be the most costly and most frustrating decision you will ever make.

The outcome depends significantly on your choice of builder, yet many people make that important choice on a whim, on estimate or on a recommendation.

There’s no right answer when choosing a builder, but there is a right and wrong way to make the choice. With thorough research and investigations, you can follow the path to the right builder, the one who really hits the nail on the head when it comes to bringing your vision to life.

are addressed quickly and efficiently?

Take the time to look at the range of homes they have built. If they all look the same, it may be that the builder is more comfortable working off a simple set of plans. This isn’t necessarily a negative if this is the sort of house you are interested in, it may mean a significant cost saving if the completion date is fast.

If the houses are all unique and intricate it means that your builder is likely to be happy to think outside of the box to create a truly unique masterpiece to set your home apart from any other.

Be sure to follow up with your list of references and ask the following specific questions;

you feel will best suit your needs, ask for a written estimate. If you already have floor plans from an architect, take these with you as you will receive a more accurate estimate. Look carefully at what is covered in the estimate. Some builders may omit small details such as a garage door, or steps to the front door to make the overall price look smaller, so make sure every detail is covered. Also look at amounts quoted for small items such as lighting fixtures or cabinetry. They may be quoting for budget level fixtures, but if you know that these features are important to your design and it is likely you will choose more expensive options, be sure to ask the builder to adjust these figures accordingly to give you a more realistic expectation.

ON TIME. ON BUDGET.

Your builder’s experience and expertise can affect the decisions you make while building your home. The difference can be the creation of the home of your dreams or just another home.

Don’t be shy about asking. If they are a reputable builder, they will want you to know their credentials. If you receive resistance or comments such as “Geez can’t you just take me on my word” then back up the horse because you have found yourself a cowboy.

From the builders’ experience, you Eliot, 166m² will come away with a list of references Eliot, 166m² and a portfolio of previously completed projects. Are you looking for a one man artisan who pays attention to every detail in your home? Or is it important to you that your home be built on a tight schedule and problems and challenges

Did the builder stick within the budget and were there any additional expenses at the end that weren’t included within the contract?

Was the build completed on time, and if not what were the specific reasons behind any delays?

Was the builder easy to deal with throughout the process, did they return phone calls and how open were they to adjustments during the build?

Warwick, 250m² After you have spoken to a few Warwick, 250m² references you will soon get a feel for which builder is going to suit your specific needs the best, depending on which area is of most importance to you, budget, time or flexibility.

Get estimates from more than one builder if you are unsure.

Ask your builder about liability insurance and ask for a written summary of what they are covered for, including the cover of sub-contractors that they have employed on-site.

Once you receive your contract in writing, make sure you ask your lawyer to look over the details. They will have a better eye for spotting dodgy Dorset, 240m² Dorset, 240m² clauses or for picking up on crucial elements that may have been missed.

It’s your livelihood, so don’t take a casual approach to the details, otherwise it may just become your nightmare instead of your happy every after.

ON TIME. ON BUDGET.

Eliot, 166m²225m² Whitman, Whitman, 225m²

When you approach the builder that

ON ON TIME. ON BUDGET. TIME. ON BUDGET. Warwick, 250m² Amrita

Express, 146m² Amrita Express, 146m²

Dorset, 240m²

Salinger, 199m² Salinger, 199m²

At G.J. Gardner Homes we have an extensive range of plans to choose from or we can design one especially for you.

At G.J. Gardner Homes we have an extensive range of plans to choose from or we can design one especially for you.

We build homes for all budgets and lifestyles from modest town houses through to expansive country estates.

We build homes for all budgets and lifestyles from modest town houses through to expansive country estates.

When you build with G.J. Gardner Homes you get a fixed price contract, a pre-agreed completion date and When you build with G.J. Gardner Homes you get a fixed price contract, a pre-agreed completion date and no surprises. To find out more call in and have a chat with us today! no surprises. To find out more call in and have a chat with us today!

*Images are artists impression only Eliot, 166m² Whitman, 225m² *Images are artists impression only

Warwick, 250m² 146m² Amrita Express,

Dorset, 240m² Salinger, 199m²

*Images are artists impression only At G.J. Gardner Homes we have an extensive range of plans to choose from or we can design one especially for you.

Atbuild G.J. Gardner Homes we have and an extensive plans to choose fromthrough or we&can design one especially for you.

MID SOUTH CANTERBURY We homes for all budgets lifestylesrange fromof modest town houses to expansive country estates.

SOUTH CANTERBURY When you build G.J. Gardner Homes youfrom get modest a300 fixed price contract, a MID pre-agreed date and to noFriday surprises.

To find out more 10.00am–1.00pm call in and have a chat with us today!

We build homeswith for all budgets and lifestyles town houses through to&expansive estates.

Timaru The Ken Wills Complex, Hilton Highway, Washdyke.

Phone: (03)completion 688country 2043 OPEN Monday 9.00am–5.00pm, Saturday Timaru The Ken Wills Complex, 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke. Phone: (03) 688 2043 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am–1.00pm Ashburton Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street. Phone: (03) 308 7052 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.30am–4.30pm

Ashburton House,contract, 161 Burnett Street. Phone: (03) 308 7052 OPEN When you build with G.J. Gardner Homes you getSomerset a fixed price a pre-agreed completion date andMonday to Friday 9.30am–4.30pm

Ashburton Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street. Phone: (03) 308 7052 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.30am–4.30pm no surprises. To find out more call in and have a chat with us today! *Images are artists impression only

Build withBuild confidence – choose New Zealand’s favourite home builders with confidence – chooseNew New Zealand’s favourite home builders Build with confidence – choose Zealand’s favourite home builders

GJ-BRoH-HPH-MC0812

MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY

Whitman, 0800225m² 42 45

Salinger, 199m² Amrita Washdyke.

Express,Phone: 146m² (03) 688 2043 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am–1.00pm 46 Timaru The Ken Wills Complex, 300 Hilton Highway, 0800 42 45 46 Ashburton Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street. Phone: (03) 308 7052 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.30am–4.30pm www.gjgardner.co.nz www.gjgardner.co.nz At G.J. Gardner Homes we have an extensive range of plans to choose from or we can design one especially for you.

Build with confidence choose New Zealand’s favourite homeestates. builders We build homes for all budgets and lifestyles from modest –town houses through to expansive country GJ-BRoH-HPH-MC0812

When you build with G.J. Gardner Homes you get a fixed price contract, a pre-agreed completion date and 0800 42 45 46 no surprises. To find out more call in and have a chat with us today! www.gjgardner.co.nz

Images are artists impression only

MID & SOUTH CANTERBURY Timaru The Ken Wills Complex, 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke. Phone: (03) 688 2043 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.00am–5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am–1.00pm Ashburton Somerset House, 161 Burnett Street. Phone: (03) 308 7052 OPEN Monday to Friday 9.30am–4.30pm

Build with confidence – choose New Zealand’s favourite home builders

0800 42 45 46 www.gjgardner.co.nz

Win a

$100

Twelve Voucher Visit www.guardianonline.co.nz Tell us the correct answer to question 5 of the Fowler Homes Quiz on Saturday 18th May, then answer on the Guardian Facebook page, and be in to win!

Fowler Homes Ashburton Ltd. Allenton Mall - Entrance off Allison Street, Ashburton | Phone 03 308 8429 or 021 343 210 | www.fowlerhomes.co.nz

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Lay a solid financial foundation

T

he importance of steel fibres and reinforcement in your physical home foundation is of paramount importance to the structural integrity of your building project, but long before you have prepared the site for the concrete to be poured, your financial foundation should be robust.

buyers might not need all of these, it’s worth knowing the details for when you come across them during your research.

An accountant can take an objective point of view when it comes to looking at what is best for your financial future. While an insurance broker or mortgage provider are looking at what is in the best financial interest of their own commission or business, an accountant can look at what is best for you, according to your entire financial picture. They can recommend the best advice to take for your long-term financial health, which in the long run is the most important consideration.

The number of different types of mortgages available, when combined with the ‘industry speak’ used to describe them, can confuse even the most astute home loan rookie, so if you find yourself overwhelmed with different promises from different lenders, call time out and consult with your other team mates, your accountant or your lawyer, on the best option for your personal circumstances.

Think of your new home build as a game of netball, and you’re at centre position, running amongst all of the other positions.

In your defence section you have your lawyer and your insurance broker, putting up blocks and intercepting bad moves to ensure your dream home doesn’t become your nightmare.

Wing Defence – Architect

Getting your finances sorted prior to investigating land and build costs is important, because you will have an exact approved dollar value in mind, giving you the power of negotiation when it comes to buying your land.

In your attack half you have your accountant and bank manager, putting the aggressive moves in place to ensure you score your goal.

The stunning homes you see in glossy magazines are almost always customdesigned by licensed architects. They are the unique visions of men and women with the skill and knowledge to explore exciting and unexpected possibilities.

However if your new home plans are purely driven by budget and value for money, you may prefer to rely on the simple plans of a turn-key style home provider, where everything is predesigned and ready for you to simply walk through the front door.

When building a new home, you will not need the entire amount of the loan drawn down all at once. If you did this, you would be making interest repayments on the entire amount right from the start and not just on the amount needed at the time.

If you need to borrow more funds later for improvements such as landscaping, you may be able to get your property revalued by your lender once the building is complete.

Winging around you are your builder and architect, setting up the plays and adjusting strategy as you progress so that your game plan results in victory.

With this team of experts behind you, you have the power and knowledge to overcome any obstruction that may stand between you and building the home you desire.

An accountant is important while building a new home because they can be the calm voice of reason during a storm of salespeople trying to sell you into their insurance or mortgage policies.

Fixed and variable rates might be the greatest differentiation between mortgage types, but there are a whole host of specialised products designed for different circumstances. While first-time

Your architect can look ahead and anticipate things you and the builder may not see coming. It’s critical to have someone on your side who has a plenty of experience with the design and construction issues that inevitably come up, as an architect bring a new world of experience additional to that of your builder’s.

Architects think about how buildings feel to the people who live in them.

Beyond the practical issues of size of rooms, quality and cost of construction, an architect considers the intangible aspects of feel, appropriateness, and aesthetics.

You should never have to adapt your life to suit your house. Your house should be designed to suit your life.

Wing Attack – Builder Your home is likely to be your biggest asset, so finding a quality builder for renovation or new build projects is important. Good builders possess several qualities: they are communicative and listen to both your needs and wants for your home. They have a targeted plan for completing the project on time and provide an estimate upfront. They have a good reputation within the building community and have a proven track record of good-quality construction, and can provide references to back it up. Most

However if you are in the position to splash a little extra finance toward building a unique and visually breathtaking home, then the services of an architect more than pay for themselves in the long-run, and in many circumstances can save you money and improve your long-term financial wealth.

Goal Attack – Accountant

Goal Shoot – Mortgage Broker

understands the process, listens to exactly what you want, and can and will look out for your interests. They are your advocate throughout the building process.

Most importantly, hiring an architect gives you someone on your team who

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Strength in Timber importantly, they are licensed and insured, with guarantees and back-ups should the worst eventuate. Finding a good builder with all of these qualities can be timeconsuming, but it is well worth the effort.

For more information on finding the builder to best suit your needs, see page 3.

Goal Keep – Lawyer Hiring a lawyer can indeed add a substantial cost to your building process, but the costs associated with not hiring a lawyer can be far far greater, especially when things go wrong.

There’s a range of legal procedures to be completed when you buy a house. Your lawyer will check contracts, make sure the property’s title is in order, transfer the property to your name, arrange valuations and reports, and register your mortgage on the property title.

Your lawyer will make sure you understand your rights and liabilities every step of the way, and can be a second set of eyes over plans, insurance details and contract paperwork to make sure everything is covered.

They can also help you to make a will and power of attorney, and with arrangements for your loan and insurance. Your mortgage provider may require you to have these things sorted as a condition of your mortgage; if they do, they’ll let you know.

Having legal counsel makes good business sense because of the complexities that come with real estate. An experienced,

Pitt

competent real estate attorney can help to protect your interests and ensure that your real estate transaction is completed within the law and with sound judgement.

Goal Defence – Insurance Insurance is critical in every phase of life, from protecting your assets to ensuring your family is covered should tragedy strike. Building a home is no different, and thorough investigation of your insurance responsibilities is imperative to ensuring a smooth transition.

While your lawyer should be able to provide you with information on your liability during your building process, it does also pay to do your homework and investigate every outcome thoroughly.

What does your builder’s liability cover?

Will it cover sub-contractors hired by them? What about sub-contractors not hired by them? Should your land be insured as soon as you purchase the title?

What will happen if you find yourself unemployed or injured during this process? What about health and safety on the site?

N

iagara, located on Alford Forest Road, produces a timber weatherboard system that is precision made and provides a touch of class to every project.

If you’re after the modern, yet comforting appeal of weatherboards while using a product that shields from the Mid-Canterbury weather elements, provides superior insulation and strength then the Envira weatherboard system is the cladding for you!

Timber is an attractive, natural product that has been a popular choice of cladding in New Zealand for over 100 years. Timber offers flexibility in design as well as long term durability. Being a renewable and sustainable building material means you can relax knowing you have done your bit to reduce your homes carbon footprint. You can also reap the immediate benefits of having a warm and energy efficient home for you and

your family.

Here at Niagara we care about our community and are participating in the Jennian Homes house build which will raise money for the EA Networks Centre complex once sold. (www.niagara.net.nz/ pages/community for details) The Envira weatherboard system was the chosen cladding for this project and the response from Jennian Homes builder, Danny Naish, has been very positive. This is the first time he has worked with Envira cladding. He has found the system easy and quick to install due to the lightness of the product and the easy to follow installation guide using basic carpenters tools.

So if you are in the process of considering cladding options for your new home or renovations, think about Niagara’s Envira Timber Cladding first for environmentally friendly, good looking weatherboards.

Discuss every possibility with your insurance broker and receive a number of different quotes for comparison. Before you sign any documentation, make sure your lawyer has examined the paperwork and cross-referenced it with the builders written liability disclosure.

When it comes to protecting your biggest financial asset, it pays to be well prepared.

Jennian house prior to painting.

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Danny Naish installing Envira timber cladding.

Timber Cladding

weatherboard system

You’ll be wrapped with timber Proud to be part of the Mid-Canterbury community.

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Got any banking questions? Pop in for a chat.

“It’s why more people are choosing us”

WE ARE OPEN: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm Free appraisals: Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm www.mcgregorrealestate.co.nz/property-appraisal/ Rental help: www.mcgregorrealestate.co.nz/property-management/ BNZ Ashburton, 304 East Street 03 308 0635 bnz_ashburton@bnz.co.nz

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With full technical information and drawings available online, your architect will find Envira easy to specify and your builder will find Envira easy to install.

This complete component system includes all that’s needed to make the job fast and ensure a weather-tight finish is achieved.

Use the pre-cut scribers as a simple spacing guide and finish your corners with either aluminium corner soakers (illustrated above) or timber box corners.

www.niagara.net.nz Ask for Envira Timber Cladding at your local timber merchant

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Growing family community in the heart of South Island playground C

amrose Estates, a property development near Methven, is experiencing significant growth as new families move to the region to make the most of one of the South Island’s best natural environments.

Close to the Mount Hutt skifield, with access to everything the local area offers, including jet boating, river rafting, fishing, hot air ballooning and even skydiving, Camrose Estate director Andrew Mason says the growth of the development reflects the demand from families who want the ideal lifestyle balance.

“Camrose Estates has become established as one of the region’s premier developments because it offers so much to residents,” says Andrew Mason.

“There’s an incredible amount to do year-round in the region, with all the attractions of this amazing location right on your doorstep. But this is also balanced by a really family-friendly community – offering great schools, a welcoming environment, and a wealth of business

opportunities. It really is the ideal place to raise a family.”

Andrew Mason says Camrose Estates is also well positioned for families wanting to make more of their property investment – with competitive prices and sizeable sections.

Starting from just $130,000, sections range in size from 644m2 to 1102m2.

Sections in Stage One have sold quickly, with a number of new homes already built in Camrose Estates. The first stage will see 44 homes built in the new community, with buyers being able to choose from a wide range of styles and home sizes, perfect for any lifestyle.

The development will eventually cover 23 hectares and feature large open spaces perfect for walking or for children to play in. Andrew Mason says building for the long-term future of the community is important, as the developers intend to be involved in the region for many years.

“Camrose Estates has an established

reputation as a company that delivers on our promises. We care deeply about providing a good product because we will be part of the community for many years to come.”

“We’ll be judged in the future by the quality of what we’ve achieved and the best way for us to maintain value – for everyone who invests in Camrose Estates – is to ensure we always deliver a great property at the right price.”

Camrose Estates’ investment in the community extends beyond the quality of the development, with the company helping support the Te Puawaitanga Charitable Trust, which funds Methven’s full-time youth development liaison.

“Our focus is really on helping support the fantastic community environment in Methven. And that means focusing on the next generation of young people who will grow up in the region.”

Mr Mason says the area is continuing to grow in popularity, not only with

residents but also visitors from across the country and around the world.

“There’s so much on offer here, with the whole mid-Canterbury region constantly developing and providing new opportunities for entertainment, relaxation, work and education. It’s such a contrast to life in an ordinary subdivision, and the only thing you are really giving up is the traffic!”

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A lifestyle enthusiasts dream W

ith a choice of lakefront, canal side or parkland properties, those seeking the ultimate resort lifestyle have plenty of choice at Lake Hood, Canterbury’s thriving lakeside community.

Just minutes from the centre of Ashburton and less than an hour from Christchurch International Airport, Lake Hood provides the perfect combination of recreational and residential living.

The unique European-inspired community’s waterfront properties have been extremely popular, with a recent release of 22 sections in Stage 8 experiencing strong demand. Offering residents a dedicated boat ramp area, as

well as the luxury of building a private jetty at the end of each property, the latest peninsula development at Lake Hood is every water enthusiast’s dream neighbourhood.

Rob Harnett and his wife Jane, along with their three children, have recently purchased a waterfront property and are excited about building their dream home.

Rob says one of the biggest drawcards to Lake Hood was the lake itself.

“As a family we’ve always holidayed by the water and the kids really love that lifestyle. We also own a boat, which works out perfectly.

“There are just so many things to do

without having to drive anywhere. The kids are really looking forward to coming home to the water. They’re real water fans — they love kayaking, fishing and surprisingly they’re also really into sailing.

All of which they can now do in their own backyard,” says Rob. Lake Hood also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities on land. The community has a tennis and basketball court, as well as picnic areas and extensive reserves traversed by mountain biking and horse trekking trails.

“We’ve visited Lake Hood on numerous occasions as we have friends already living there – Jane and I found it to be very restful. We’re looking forward to the quiet,

relaxing community-orientated lifestyle.

“While our kids will probably spend most of their time in the water, we’re also looking forward to the great biking tracks throughout Lake Hood. One of my favourites is the bike track that leads right into Ashburton CBD, it’s great.”

Created by the community as a recreational resource for the whole region, the affordably priced Lake Hood spans 173 hectares. The lake itself is two and a half kilometres in length and over 1000 metres wide. Proposed additional development will see the lake expand to a size that will rival Christchurch’s Hagley Park with the inclusion of beaches, islands and more canals.

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The lake itself has an eight-lane international rowing course, dedicated skiing and jet skiing areas, as well as space for sailing and kayaking — allowing the attraction to be enjoyed year round.

Popular with school groups and sports teams, the lake is a hive of colourful activity, with plenty of entertainment for water-sports enthusiasts.

“The infrastructure and plans for the community in the future was also another reason we chose to move to Lake Hood,” says Rob. “The infrastructure is improving all the time — the extension of the lake, more cycle ways and additional roads

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are an exciting part of the developing community.”

Located only a short walk from every property, Lake hood is also home to Lake House — one of Canterbury’s best kept secrets offering outdoor and indoor waterfront dining. Rob says the restaurant is “great for an afternoon tea or meal with the family, or drinks with friends”.

In addition to the recently released peninsula waterfront properties, Lake Hood also offers a limited number of lifestyle properties in Stage 7 which offer a semi-rural lifestyle, with all the community’s attractions close by.

SEE OVERLEAF FOR LAKE HOOD STAGE 8 PLAN

planning

surveying

engineering

urban design

land development

Fox & Associates have been privileged to team up with the developers of Lake Hood who share our passion for design and value the importance of creating exciting and unique places for people to live.

If you have any land matters you need to deal with or are thinking about subdividing your property, please give us a call:

0800 FOXSURVEY (369 787) www.foxsurvey.co.nz

Providing you with f irst class legal services Whether you are buying “off the plans” or if the subdivision is near completion, you will need expert legal advice regarding the terms of your contract and any restrictions regarding development and use of your new section.

We always ensure that our clients receive the very best support and legal advice throughout the whole transaction.

160 Havelock Street, Ashburton | Ph: 03 3088228 Fax: 033088656 | Email: email@awlegal.co.nz

creative solutions for people, property and places Fox & Associates are proud to be the development consultants for the Lake Hood Development

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LOT 9 LOT 8 LOT 7

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Selling fast

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22 unique peninsula lots

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Sections from 843m2 to 1606m2

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Create the waterfront lifestyle your family has dreamed of – for far less than you’d expect

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LAKESIDE SECTIONS | Individual waterfront access Protected views Dedicated boat ramp and community areas Recreational reserves and aquatic park Unique lifestyle resort

D L I U B

EAMT R D R N YOU ERFRO WATHOME

For details contact: 0508 LAKEHOOD www.lakehood.co.nz Kim Miller

Debbie Boon

Karen McRae

Mike Preston

M 027 236 8627 B 03 307 8317 kim.miller@raywhite.com

M 027 448 4006 B 03 308 6497 debbie.boon@harcourts.co.nz

M 027 436 4146 B 03 308 8209 karenm@propertybrokers.co.nz

M 027 430 7041 B 03 307 7377 mike.preston@bayleys.co.nz

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Live where you play We live in an exciting district, where one day we can be skiing, the next fishing or playing a round of golf. With the glory of nature and endless opportunity on our doorstep, isn’t it time that your living reflects your desire to continue to play?

W

hy not invest in a piece of land, large enough to build a home of grandeur, with room to spare for a tennis court, a shed to look after the boat and other toys out the back, a pool

and outdoor entertainment area for social summer evenings with room to spare for the kids to play some backyard cricket.

to the boundary, making the building process easier and more cost effective than traditional country dwellings.

Such opportunities exist in the new development of Kelburn Estate. Located off Tarbotton’s Road in Tinwald, Kelburn Estate appeals to those looking for a lifestyle block, but with sections averaging approx 4000 square metres, it provides the best of both worlds, space and a rural feel, yet manageable. Each section is serviced with the town water supply and sewer connection, as well as fibre optic cable

Land owner Malcolm Tarbotton had the vision to create parcels of land that are still very much easy care, but have the feel of a rural lifestyle block.

The subdivision has been developed by Malcolm’s son Stuart of Stuart Tarbotton Contractors Ltd. Stuart Tarbotton Contractors began with putting in a large pump station and

holding tank under the ground with a storage capacity of 30m . The tank is approx six metres deep which took a lot of dewatering and backfilling to achieve, a large job that required concrete above and below.

2

Sewer lines and manholes were constructed, and all pipe work from one end to the other was checked by camera to make sure there was no ponding, and tests for water leaks passed with flying colours.

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HOME After sewer, power and fibre optic were laid, Stuart Tarbotton completed the roading, channel and kerbing in preparation for the final hot mix.

Grass swales with pipework and structures were constructed to handle stormwater requirements in line with Ecan requirements. Stuart Tarbotton Contractors back their workmanship one hundred percent.

The land is very much family inspired, as the new lane in Kelburn Estate which comes off Tarbottons Road has been named after Malcolm’s great grandfather’s farm he left in Yorkshire in 1880 to immigrate to New Zealand.

The farm was called Syke Gate Farm, hence the Rapid Lane number 122 named Syke Gate Lane.

Kelburn Estate is an exclusive community featuring fully serviced sections with plenty of green space giving residents the room to enjoy a great indoor/ outdoor lifestyle. All of the ground work and

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planning has been done and is ready for your dream home and lifestyle to begin.

With all the Tinwald and Ashburton amenities close by, convenience and necessity are close at hand.

There are now two houses built, two well under construction and another section sold which only leaves four great sections to buy in Stage 1 of Kelburn Estate.

The Tinwald Golf Course is a gentle meander down the road, framed by the impressive Southern Alps, providing a lifestyle second to none. This is truely a place of beauty and solitude.

With its amazing mountain views, green country outlook and serenity, this development is becoming a popular haven for those people wishing to live as they would holiday, in a peaceful environment.

Kelburn Estate welcomes you home, where you can play where you live, live where you play.

For further information about Kelburn Estate, contact Jarrod Ross at Ray White.

Smitheram & Frew - Take the stress out of building by taking your project from inception to completion

SMITHERAM & FREW GEOFF FREW 0274 311 115 JOHN SMITHERAM 027 431 1114 4A Watson Street, Ashburton www.smitheramandfrew.co.nz

Specialising in new homes, additions & renovations

WE DO THE LOT Total Project Management

READY AND WAITING Tarbottons Road, Tinwald

Providing you with f irst class legal services Whether you are buying “off the plans” or if the subdivision is near completion, you will need expert legal advice regarding the terms of your contract and any restrictions regarding development and use of your new section.

We always ensure that our clients receive the very best support and legal advice throughout the whole transaction.

160 Havelock Street, Ashburton | Ph: 03 3088228 Fax: 033088656 | Email: email@awlegal.co.nz

Only 4 sections left in Stage One of this superb subdivision.

Mailboxes are ready for your name to go on them and power, water and fibre optic cable For Sale is to the boundary.

Jarrod Ross Now is the time to build your dream home.

021 249 4644 jarrod.ross@raywhite.com rwashburton.co.nz/AHB20073

Mid Canterbury Real Estate Limited

Licensed Agent (REAA 2008)

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carters | estate

Exclusive Parkland Setting

Our design philosophy for Carters Estate is to create a premium subdivision where residents have exclusive access to private parkland and associated facilities.

Lots are arranged in small clusters accessed off private lanes. Each lot fringes common parkland with the aim of giving residents the opportunity of living within a large parkland environment.

It is our aim to have the individual lots blend with the parkland rather than creating fenced or closed off lots, whilst maintaining the privacy and views of residents.

Landscaping

The private lanes have gardens down each side and are planted with magnolia and tulip trees over a bed of rhododendrons. These gardens are defined with the same macrocarpa post and rail fencing as the road boundaries.

The private lanes are formed in aggregate concrete with the entrance to each individual lot defined with a rumble strip of basalt cobbles.

The defining feature of Carters Estate is the common parkland, which runs through the centre of the subdivision and weaves in between the cluster of sections. Mounding has been incorporated in the parkland to add privacy to some lots and in turn, creates a picturesque rolling golf course like park environment.

Planting within the parkland is mainly exotic tree species including oaks, elms and birch.

To the south-eastern end of the parkland is a large pond, which collects stormwater from the residential lots via a system of swales. The fringe of the pond has been planted with native grasses and kowhai trees.

Parkland and Facilities

Carters Estates parkland includes a number of facilities for the private use of residents.

These include a competition sized Plexi-pave tennis court. The court is also lit for summer evening play. To the north-western end of the parkland are a couple pitch + putt golf holes, with the longest approach approximately 130m.

The attractive stormwater retention pond is framed with a macrocarpa boardwalk and jetty that meander through the grasses and kowhai trees.

At the centre of the parkland, between the tennis court and stormwater pond, is a tennis pavilion. The pavilion is designed as a focal point to the parkland, a place for residents to meet, gather and maybe catch up for a drink after a tennis match. The building has basic kitchen and bathroom facilities, and opens up with terraces facing the tennis court and overlooking the water.

A caretaker employed by the Carters Estate Residents Society maintains the facilities and common parkland.

Development Design

Carters Estate consists of 25 residential lots arranged primarily in clusters of four, these clusters are accessed off Racecourse and Carters Roads via private access lanes.

Each lot is approximately 2000m2 and within has a building platform where the Registered Proprietor may develop a single residential dwelling.

In creating the parkland environment we have established a series of landscaped buffer zones. These zones form breaks between clusters of lots, and to the road frontages, allowing for a lower built footprint over the entire subdivision.

Carters and Racecourse Road frontages are defined with macrocarpa post and rail fences, behind that is a large planting strip populated with three varieties of oaks, which will mature to create a strong boundary to the subdivision.

Entranceways to the private lanes are articulated with solid architectural concrete walls with expressed timber shuttering and heavy, dark aggregates reflecting the Canterbury tradition of exceptional concrete work.

Enjoy an exclusive parkland setting complete with a tennis court plus pavilion, board walk around a lovely landscaped water feature when you build your dream home in this prestigious subdivision on Carters Road.

Featuring sections of approx 2000m2, build your home of grandeur with a feeling of space and serenity, with the added convenience of the development features within an exclusive community.

Contact Barry Redmond 021 344 862, or your local Real Estate agent.

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The compleTe package – from concepTion To compleTion

S

pecialising in domestic houses, McIntosh Builders place an emphasis on creating stunning homes that are surprisingly affordable. The business builds with an edge, creating houses that look unique. Owner, Alastair McIntosh, can provide the entire package, starting with design.

Alastair can work with his client’s right from the initial conception stage, and draw unique plans to ensure that the home is functional, unique and futureproofed.

McIntosh Builders create a variety of domestic structures, from basic farm worker quarters and town houses, to multi-storied architecturally designed masterpieces. They also enjoy the challenge of renovations and this has created many opportunities over the years.

McIntosh Builders pride themselves on a fully inclusive design and build experience. You have the option of having as much or as little involvement with the construction of your new home as you desire.

The ability to draw and create a plan with Alastair during the conception stage gives the client a feeling that the home is truly theirs, the satisfaction that this special and unique home has been designed just for them. The advantage to having a builder as part of the creation process is that Alastair can apply his building knowledge and experience in knowing what can be

done, what is structurally sound and what will look fantastic as a finished entity.

McIntosh Builders, through this strong established background, have a reputation for excellent structures backed up by a service that’s second to none.

Their success comes from a powerful work ethic, with a team of hardworking, conscientious builders, which strive for no less than the best. By offering the complete package, McIntosh Builders design, manage and construct the project, bringing great cost savings to the client.

Their design and build ensures that you work with the builder to achieve a completed project, designed to your requirements, built within your timeframe and budget.

management services professionally.

The design process is available should you require, but if you already have a set of plans, Alastair is happy to build from what you already have prepared. Or vice versa, Alastair is happy to sit down and design your dream home with you, there is no obligation for McIntosh Builders to complete the construction.

Their project management also includes:

Effective project management is one of the foundations underlying every successful building project. This is why McIntosh Builders Ltd aim to use the best project management strategy possible in the Ashburton building industry to take care of their builds, their clients and their sub-trades. As a Master Builder, Licensed Building Practitioner and main contractor, they take pride in offering project

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An elemental timeline so you can see how long your project will take

•

A critical path programme for all projects

•

Weekly project meetings with the design consultant and client

•

A dedicated site foreman, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the project

•

Project finances overseen and managed by our companies estimators

Since March 2013, their new division McIntosh Precast Ltd has starting operating at the Ashburton Business

Estate. This move has allowed the company to expand its operation to include pre-cast concrete. The company make all its own pre cast panels on site, which cuts a great deal of cost from building projects, and Alastair can also design and build for all your commercial requirements. McIntosh Builders offers a range of services from industrial laboratories, pre-cast agricultural storage, pre-cast retail outlets to architecturally designed pre cast homes.

McIntosh Builders encourage people to look at this great option.

McIntosh Builders will work hard to build a valuable relationship with you, to ensure you are up-to-date on every step of the building process, to produce an end result befitting the excellence you had envisioned.

B U I L D E R S

Offering building excellence

Concrete panel house

Mono pitch house

Oamaru stone house

Two storey home built

Contact McIntosh Builders Ltd, 49 Glassworks Road, Ashburton.

For more details and photos visit our website at

www.mcintoshbuildersltd.co.nz

Alastair McIntosh RESIDENTIAL DIVISION

Cell phone: 027 274 3469 Home phone: 03 307 0367 Fax: 03 307 0367 Email: alastair@mcintoshbuildersltd.co.nz

John McIntosh COMMERCIAL AND PRECAST

Cell phone: 027 258 0668 Home phone: 03 307 2667 Fax: 03 307 0367 Email: john@mcintoshbuildersltd.co.nz

By keeping up with new ideas within the ever-changing industry, McIntosh Builders will offer a service and product that's second to none.

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Where your family will call home

I

magine the serenity of living on the site of an ancient apple orchard, where a few of the original trees still stand to tell the story of our local heritage. Where reshaped waterways gently babble, and as the sun sets and you close your eyes, the gentle cascade of the water is all you hear. It’s freedom, it’s relaxation and it’s home at Braebrook.

Only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Ashburton, Braebrook really is the affordable option when it comes to giving your family the best of both worlds. All available lots in Braebrook are freehold titled, generously sized, and practically shaped, giving you a wide option when it comes to the design and construction of your new home, with plenty of room for the kids to play cricket on the back yard.

Braebrook’s design includes expansive spaces and landscaped reserves, which combine to deliver a relaxing and inviting environment. Peace and quiet for mum and dad with a touch of rural charm amongst the town setting. It feels like a country subdivision, yet it is one of the closest new developments to the centre of town.

your neighbours. This will ensure that Braebrook will remain a special place for your family to grow, and place that you will all be proud to call home.

Curving, tree-lined streets are specially designed to provide easy access and traffic flow, while the street furniture and cobbling used along paths and roadways add aesthetic appeal with touch of class to the community.

Due to unprecedented demand with stages one and two now fully sold, stage three sections are now available for purchase, with titles expected for these stage three sections in late August. High speed internet is already installed with a choice of providers available to ensure the very best in technological facilities for your family.

Come home to serenity and class. Come home to Braebrook.

Braebrook has a land title covenant in place guiding such matters as house design and landscaping that is designed to protect the special character of the subdivision and allow you to enjoy your own home and area and appreciate

Do you need a driveway, a patio or paths for your new home?

Contact Tony Worsfold today on 307 6466 or 0274 508 191 for a free quote.

We specialise in:

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• Driveway construction • Concrete placing • Patios and paths

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*Fully constructed homes only. Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.versatile.co.nz for full details.

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Give your home a touch of premier style

F

or over 20 years, Skip-2-It Flooring Xtra has been helping Mid Cantabrians choose the best carpet, vinyl, tile and curtain combinations for their homes, rental properties, and commercial premises.

Skip and his team have the experience and the knowledge to help you create a stylish home with the latest floor coverings and window furnishings.

In store you’ll discover an extensive range of carpets in a wide range of colours from hugely popular neutrals to striking contemporary shades of aubergine, charcoal, and chocolate.

You will be spoilt for choice as they stock some of New Zealand’s leading carpet brands, like Norman Ellison, Godfrey Hirst and Knightsbridge. Skip2-It Flooring Xtra is also proud to now stock the Cavalier Bremworth range of carpets. They stock all the latest carpet

fibres and styles and will give you great advice on how to choose the best carpet for your needs.

Solution dyed nylon (SDN) is now a popular choice of carpet in New Zealand, mainly due to its fade resistance and its ability to wear better in high sun areas. But one thing to note with SDNs is that nearly all of them, right from the lower end cheaper SDNs to the high end thick and luxurious ones, carry a 15 year warranty. However this warranty usually relates to loss of fibre as SDNs do not shed fibre as traditional wool carpets often do. A cheaper lower weight SDN will still have a shorter intended appearance life span than a more expensive higher weight one, the same as wool carpet.

Skip-2-It Flooring Xtra also supplies vinyl, cork, ceramic tiles and vinyl

From left to right: Phil, Steven, Steve, Skip, Sean and Len.

planks. Modern vinyl is quiet and soft to walk on, and comes in a wide variety of patterns and textures. With timber and ceramic looks they can offer the prestige without the price – some so good that they look like the ‘real thing’.

Laminate is another great flooring solution for people wanting the look of natural timber at an affordable price.

It is hard wearing and offers a high resistance to scratching which makes it ideal for high traffic areas.

And finally, long lasting and low maintenance, ceramic tiles are certainly another alternative to consider in any renovation project.

When it comes to installation there are no shortcuts there either. All their highly skilled and experienced carpet layers take great pride in their workmanship. They guarantee their flooring installation and their lifetime

Skip-2-It Flooring Xtra also has a gorgeous array of curtain fabrics.

Thermal, Polyester Cotton or Blackout coated linings is not only a highly efficient and very cost effective means of protecting your flooring and furnishings from fading and mildew, it also adds another valuable layer of insulation. This extra lining creates a pocket of air which helps to keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.

Skip-2-It Flooring Xtra has a free in home consultation service, and a superb showroom with loads of samples. Contact us today and create a look for your house that you will be proud of.

With Skip-2-It Flooring Xtra, it’s about locals looking after locals.

From left to right: Whitney, Cath, Jocelyn, Paula and Paige.

FLOORINGXTRA.CO.NZ

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installation warranty is a watertight guarantee for customers.

EXCLUSIVE NEW STYLISH WINDOWARE ROLLER BLIND FABRICS NOW AVAILABLE AT SKIP-2-IT FLOORING XTRA.

WIDE RANGE OF DESIGNS AND COLOURS ON PURCHASES $1000 & OVER. AVAILABLE...

THE PERFECT ON PURCHASES $1000 & OVER. FINISH FOR YOUR WINDOWS. ON PURCHASES ON PURCHASES $1000 $1000 & OVER. & OVER.

PAULA AND WHITNEY CAN HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST BLINDS FOR YOUR HOME. CONTACT THEM TODAY FOR A FREE IN HOME ^Q CARD LENDING CRITERIA, FEES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. *CAVALIER BREMWORTH IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES. Terms conditions applySTORES. EXPIRES 30 JUNE 2013. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY. OFFERand AVAILABLE AT PARTICIPATING CONSULTATION AND QUOTE. ^Q CARD LENDING ^Q CARD CRITERIA, LENDINGFEES, CRITERIA, TERMS FEES, ANDTERMS CONDITIONS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. *CAVALIER APPLY. BREMWORTH *CAVALIER BREMWORTH IS NOT AVAILABLE IS NOT IN AVAILABLE ALL STORES. IN ALL STORES. OFFER AVAILABLE OFFER AT AVAILABLE PARTICIPATING AT PARTICIPATING STORES. EXPIRES STORES. 30EXPIRES JUNE 2013.

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240 Burnett Street, Ashburton Phone 308 0266 www.flooringxtra.co.nz

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Splash some colour where you cook

W

hile white kitchens can’t miss in both classic and contemporary interiors, we dare you to diverge and add a touch of colour to liven your palette.

reference to early Maori structures that were dug into the land. A pop of color in the kitchen cabinets refers to the native greenery outside, and adds to the earthy, fresh feel.

Home-owners tend to shy away from high-impact colors when designing or renovating kitchens, since it’s best to have a timeless design and not intimidate potential buyers when selling. The results are kitchens that have neutral colors and materials that are quite forgettable.

A bright, attractive kitchen can make cooking a delight, and colours can encourage conversation over breakfast.

If attacking your cabinets with paint is too scary for you to face, try simply adding a splash of colour straight from Mother Nature herself. For the price of a few dollars for apples, oranges, limes, or lemons, you can surround yourself with vivid and fragrant color. Keep other surrounding tones clean and clear, accentuated by frosted glass to make the bold fruity colours really pop.

Green and copper have been two of the trend colours this season, featuring in Milan and New York in both the home and on the catwalk. The kitchen is a perfect area to experiment with these tones as the green and copper can create an earthy feel, reflecting clean, healthy eating. With some hand-crafted rustic Italian tiles, a copper light pendant, a rustic wooden table and a collection of vintage chairs, your kitchen will be transformed into a foodie haven, absorbed in a feel of the fresh yet historic Mediterranean.

In an all-white kitchen, painting the interior of glass-front or open cabinetry makes a dramatic background for kitchenware and collectibles. A bold shade of blue would create the perfect backdrop for red and white dishware, or go dramatic with passionate red to make your black and white accessories really stand out.

If wooden, rustic isn’t your style, then steal some inspiration from Amanda Yates’ seaside glory in Maramaratotara, in all its concrete chic. Inspired by her family life, the concrete wall at the end of her kitchen mimics the slope of the hill outside as a

If your bench-tops and cabinetry are out of bounds when playing with colour, why not look to appliances, both large and small, to infuse your kitchen with colour?

Manufacturers continually add new tints to their appliance palettes. If you’re not in the market for new but want an update, numerous companies offer both pretinted and custom kits that can transform your boring or beat-up fridge with a blast of saturated color.

Make a bold statement of

modern

style and luxury

with Ashburton Painters & Decorators

If you want quality work…... use a master painter!

For all your painting, wallpapering and decorating needs from residential to commercial We’ll professionally manage your; interior and exterior painting, water blasting, airless spraying and wallpapering.

Phil Nicolson M 027 282 8908 AH 03 307 1070 E phil@ashpainters.co.nz

Quentin Vessy M 027 282 8909 AH 03 308 2740 E quentin@ashpainters.co.nz

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harrisonscarpet.co.nz *Offer available May/June 2013 on purchases $1,000 and over with no deposit, no interest or repayments for 20/19 months. Credit and lending criteria, $45-$48 establishment fee and $45-$48 annual account fee apply. Prevailing interest rate will apply to any outstanding balance on the expiry of the 20/19 months interest free promotional period.

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Top trends for a glorious garden A

backyard full of beautiful blooms and contrasting colours can transform any landscaping project from boring to bold, so what can you do to set your garden apart from every other plot of dirt on the street?

Fragrant flowers It's a natural reaction to smell a flower, but unfortunately, not every bloom is blessed with a blissful scent. A fragrant garden is going from niceto-have to must-have. Plants that offer pleasantscented leaves and blooms are sky-rocketing in popularity.

No fragrant garden should be without heavenly honeysuckle, climbing a fence or trained over an arbor. They require little attention, other than pruning to keep them within bounds after flowering.

Daphnes are renowned for their beautiful scent, which often carries for several metres. Evergreen and deciduous, they vary from low-growing to

medium-sized shrubs and appreciate a good dose of manure in well-drained soil.

Variegated beauties While beautiful blooms come and go, variegated foliage lasts all season long and can be just as much of a glorious show-stopper. Even the most avid gardener has places in his or her yard that don’t allow for blooming buds, and even the most manicured of spaces just won’t have blooms all of the time. A variegated plant like a hosta can provide a focal point in a sea of all green plants. It has a dreamy creamy colored outline all around its edges.

Your eye cannot fail to see its striking contrasts as you wander through the garden.

Beautiful bulbs Planting bulbs is the easiest way to add that colourful spring bloom to add delight in any garden.

From the frilly petals of the Black Parrot tulip to the old-fashioned smell of hyacinth; nestled amongst some lush green ferns or popping through some

Got plans?

Old-fashioned flowers We often look back and take comfort in the nostalgic. That's why plants such as hydrangeas, lavender, Russian sage, moonflower, impatiens, and celosia are blooming in popularity. For a charming English country cottage feel, dedicate a part of your garden to yesteryear and take a trip down memory lane every time you step outside. The flowers lend themselves to being arranged informally in the garden and many will self-seed leading to those overflowing and generous quantities of blooms we associate with the traditional cottage garden style.

Got a job needing done but not the equipment?

Well that’s where we come in!

For a full quote on all your house requirements...

• Truss • Pre-nail • All building materials 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton.

Phone 307 0412

shiny flax will create an eye-catching display.

Beautiful and unexpected things will happen in your garden when you plant spring-flowering bulbs. April and May is peak planting time for all the old favourites including tulips, daffodils, Dutch iris, crocus, grape hyacinths, bluebells, plus highly fragrant freesias and hyacinths. Bulbs generally require a sunny spot with friable, fertile, welldrained soil.

If you are building a home and need the right equipment, then we are the place to come to.

• Diggers and tractors • Construction gear / nail guns, ramset guns, trench compactors • Concrete gear, concrete mixers, concrete saws, concrete vibrators-electric and petrol • Gardening and landscaping / post rammer, posthole borers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, • Household items / carpet shampooers, carpet stretcher, industrial vacuum – wet and dry • Painting and plastering Airless sprayers, gib lifter, gib sanders with vacuum, gib screw guns, heat guns, and wallpaper steamers.

435 West St, Ashburton Phone: 03 308 1335

Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pm Sat 8.30am - 12.30pm

Landscape Architecture. Landscape Construction.

For Seamless Action, from initial concept through to project build and on-going maintenance, we deliver peace of mind for your piece of land.

Landscape Architecture 340 Halswell Junction Road Christchurch 8025 Ph: 03 977 5332

Landscape Construction 308 Trents Road RD6 Prebbleton Ph: 03 349 8228

w w w.morgan-pollard.co.nz

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Low-cost alternatives for low-maintenance landscaping

S

ome people enjoy maintaining a big, beautiful garden. For them, the time they spend weeding and turning soil is therapeutic. For many others however, time spent in the garden is time wasted that could be spent with the family, with low-maintenance gardening plans becoming a more popular option for new home builds.

With both mum and dad both working, time left to spend with the children is precious, and with every penny going towards the mortgage and the children, many families don’t want to break the bank when it comes to planning a low-maintenance garden option to transform their property into a hassle-free haven.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a nomaintenance landscape. Even if you replaced your entire yard with rock, weeds would still manage to grow and dead leaves would still accumulate.

The more time you take planning to install your landscape, the less time you'll need for maintenance down the line.

When it's raining, go outside and note where the water drains or collects. Find out what parts of the yard are getting the most or the least amount of water.

Try to spend at least one day during the weekend studying the patterns of sunlight a cross your yard to find which areas receive morning sun, afternoon sun or stay shady all day long.

Talk to experts at your local nursery or garden centre to discuss which areas receive what sort of moisture and sun light, and they can recommend plants that suit. Specifically request low maintenance plants and explain you are on a budget, and the plants you receive should require very little maintenance.

Your lawn requires more maintenance than any other aspect of your landscape, due to how quickly it grows

and the space it takes up, so here’s a radical idea, look at getting rid of most of it! A stamped concrete slab is just as attractive as tiles yet far less expensive, and the practicalities for outdoor entertaining options are plentiful.

Build a large sand pit! Sand from a bulk supplier isn’t expensive, and the children will find hours of entertainment creating their own imaginative masterpieces. Be sure to spray or concrete around the edges so you don’t have to push the mower right up to the boxing. When the kids get older, you can always fill the space with dirt and create a feature garden with a water feature for an interesting focal point of the yard.

Turning a large chunk of your lawn into a native garden can reduce maintenance time. Talk to your local gardening experts on the plants that best suit your area, which will thrive year-long requiring very little maintenance. It can attract beautiful wildlife to your property such as new birds and butterflies for your children to marvel at, and if planned correctly, the garden bed should take care of itself, requiring little to no weeding.

To save money on building up your native haven, learn how to take cuttings of plants and then ask your family and neighbours for parts of their established plants. It will cost you nothing to have developed your own low-maintenance wilderness in no time.

To build up the low-maintenance garden beds, talk to your local bulk landscaping supply on the most cost-effective options. It may be that a large grade wood chip is half the price of shredded bark, or a fine aggregate may be even cheaper still, adding glorious contrast and colour to your yard.

Advice is always free, so talk to your local landscaping and plant experts on how you can transform your hard-work yard into a low-maintenance relaxing oasis.

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Commercial roller doors for all sizes of farm buildings.

Expert repair and servicing of all Garage Doors.

Contact us today for a free measure and quote: Phone: 03 376 5039 or Mobile: 0272 593 706 Email: chris@ashtondoors.co.nz

Website: www.ashtondoors.co.nz

G. & D. Russell Builders Ltd P/F: 03 308 5325 • M: 0274 367 986 g-drussellbuilders@xtra.co.nz

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it’s time to get that garden you’ve always wanted...

Rocks for garden placement and stepping stones

Bark for effect and easy maintenance

Quality topsoil

Different grades of stones for your pathways

Our Dobson Street site stocks a huge variety of products at wholesale prices.

We deliver all orders - from shovel load to truckload.

• Bark • Soil • Oamaru Stone • 100% Organic Compost • Rocks & Boulders • Sand & Shingle • Concrete • Stones

Ashburton Contracting Limited

A solid foundation

ACL’s specially designed structural and decorative concrete mixes will ensure your project stands the test of time and look great as well.

“ACL: Cementing your future in our community”

Dobson Street West 03 307 8303 hamishwright@ashcon.co.nz

P 03 307 8302 A Dobson Street West, Ashburton W www.ashcon.co.nz

Landscaping supplies

Driveways

Wholesale prices, direct to the public.

For a finish you will enjoy for years to come.

• Bark, screened soil, Oamaru stone • 100% Organic compost • Rocks and boulders • Sand and shingle • Stones and concrete • FREE loan trailer

• Driveways • Tennis courts • Carparks

Dobson Street West 03 307 8302

Ashburton Contracting Limited

For advice on you next asphalt or chip seal project, phone Rodney on: 027 226 3091

P 03 307 8302 A Dobson Street West, Ashburton W www.ashcon.co.nz

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The shed isn’t dead, it’s just much cooler

G

one are the days of a dilapidated rickety old shed out the back with a few pieces of broken garden equipment and some old car pieces cluttering up the space.

Men all over the country are seeking solitude away from the fancy and often feminine interior of the home to create a testosterone fueled ‘man cave’, where a bar is essential, the large screen television is king and a weights bench in the middle of the room isn’t frowned upon.

You’ve got to admit, it’s pretty hard to come by an extra room in your house dedicated to chilling. Chilling is an art that takes much practice and can only truly be mastered over time. Therefore it gets lost pretty quick in hustle and bustle of family life.

The trickiest part about building a man cave is convincing the other half that it’s a good idea, however as soon as a bunch of sporting memorabilia, a dart board and hunting trophies surface, the notion of creating a blokes only area outside all of a sudden

becomes more appealing. It’s like a modern-day gentleman’s club, minus the decorum, and the wife is happy because she knows where you are and who you’re with. Sounds like an investment into the relationship, and what partner wouldn’t appreciate that?

Now that you’ve got the allimportant nod to get cracking on creating your haven away from the house, it’s time to get planning. Will your current garage be sufficient for all the entertaining possibilities you would like to explore, or should you consider a brand new build to cater for some added luxuries, like a pizza oven, massive barbeque and possibly a large spa pool? Don’t forget the space for your television to get in some un-interrupted rugby viewing time, a weights bench to blast out a few reps to relieve some stress after a hard day at work, and a pool table to keep the lads entertained when there’s nothing decent on telly, reminiscent of the cigar smoking Sinatra-style times, sipping single malt scotch between shots. And the ultimate in man-cave

supremacy, your own bar, where a cold beer is always at arm’s length.

Take some time to walk through the space and visualise what you want your man-cave to look like. Be realistic in your assessment of the space and function. Pick a centralised theme of your personal space, be it sports, hunting, music etc, and plan your furniture around making the most of the primary function. This should give you a good indication of if you can renovate your existing space, or if it will suit your needs to build from brand new. Consider plumbing and electrical costs and consult with a professional before tackling any of these areas yourself. Ask your mates to give you a hand, you never know, they might just have some bright ideas that you hadn’t thought of on how to maximise the space, and if they have building experience, then even better.

Once you find yourself immersed in your own backyard ‘ode to being a bloke’, you’ll wonder how you ever lived before it.

T

he Smarter Small Home is built on asupplies modular system (not to beShed Tradesmen and Handymen - Get your at the Tool confused with kitset or prefabricated – all homes are built on site in the traditional manner). Being modular means that we are able to maximize efficiencies and reduce waste by 80% of a standard build. Those savings are passed directly onto the home owner. The other great concept of this is that you can design your own home using the modular system. We have these modules available and are happy to show these to you, enabling us to truly understand what it is you are looking for in your new home. Everyone is different and we have a large number of inn ovative ideas to change or add to existing designs (as seen on our website: www.cdcc.co.nz).

Great range of tools and brand options

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o o c c p he Smarter Small Home is built on a modular system (not to be confused with p o kitset or prefabricated - all homes are built on site in the traditional manner). Being oB modular means that we are being able to maximize efficiencies and reduce waste by Ba a 80% of a standard build. Those savings are passed directly onto the home owner. rer b b d The other great concept of this is that you can design your own home using the d

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modular system. We have these modules available and are happy to show these to T you, enabling us to truly understand what it is you are looking for in your new home. tht

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How to tune-up home heat

W

ith winter around the corner, many will be bracing for another season of high power bills and damp, cold homes - forcing some to reassess their heating systems.

Brendan Manning assesses the costs, benefits and pitfalls of installing a heat pump in your home

Not all heat pumps are created equal Heat pumps have increased in popularity in recent years as an energyefficient and convenient way to heat, and cool, the home. Compared with electric heaters, heat pumps can produce two and a half to five times as much heat for each unit of electricity, says Energywise, making it easier, cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Although heat pumps are the most efficient way of using electricity to heat your home, some are much more efficient than others.

Choosing a heat pump with a high energy efficiency rating can make a big difference to your power bill.

The simplest way to choose is to look for the Energy Star mark, Energywise, a division of the Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) says. The mark is awarded only to the most efficient heat pumps on the market and could save you $150 a year on running costs compared with a model with no star.

All pumps have an energy-rating label

which helps you compare the efficiency of similarly sized models. The more stars the more energy efficient the unit.

The red stars are for heating efficiency and the blue stars for cooling efficiency.

The cost The systems don’t come cheap. Heat pump experts Energy Efficient Solutions say the cheapest model designed to heat a small room might cost $1800 installed, while a unit designed to heat the main living quarters in a house can range from $2800 to $4000 installed.A high-end ducted system which operates from a central hub and offers climate control to every room can cost from $5500 to $12,500.

Government funding Government funding for insulation and clean heating is available for homeowners, including landlords, whose houses were built before 2000.

Those who live in areas with high levels of air-particle pollution can receive funding to help subsidise the costs of replacing inefficient wood-burning fires with efficient heating systems such as approved wood and pellet burners, heat pumps and gas heaters with flues.

Householders who have a community services card can receive $2000 of funding and those without can receive $1000 off the new system’s cost.

Before installing a heat pump

Today’s construction is tomorrow’s

legacy

If a home of excellent design and exceptional quality of workmanship is important to you, then look no further than Des Millar Construction. The quality home builders.

4 Housing 4 Commercial 4 Farm With more than 30 years of building quality homes for the Mid Canterbury community, Des has a strong reputation for “old school” workmanship, backed by results.

For housing, Commercial and farm buildings, contact Des anytime for a free no obligation quote on 03 308 9936 or 027 432 3258

s

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Choosing a quality brand from a reputable supplier which offers at least a five-year warranty on parts and labour will be worthwhile in the long term.Heat pumps should also be bought to suit the room size - if it’s too small it will have to work harder and cost extra to run.

What to ask your installer Using a professional heat pump installer can save you hundreds of dollars long-term and avoid any warranty headaches, Energywise advises.

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27

provide a warranty for the heat pump and its installation.

Precautions in colder climates Energywise says that people who live in colder climates should check whether the pump is going to perform efficiently between 0C and 5C because some are more prone to icing up.

For newer pumps to be awarded an Energy Star mark they must meet a requirement designed to ensure a correctly sized pump will perform efficiently in this low temperature range.

Tips for using a heat pump efficiently

Good design and installation are fundamental to a heat pump’s effectiveness and efficiency. So installing it yourself is not recommended and may also void the manufacturer’s warranty.

An experienced installer can size the unit correctly, give you advice about environmental considerations such as sea spray or sulphur from geothermal activity, and will also be able to select the best locations for the unit.

When looking for an installer, ask them about their qualifications and experience, whether they hold the appropriate licence to carry out the required electrical work, and whether they follow EECA’s good practice guide.A reputable installer should

Heat only the space you’re actually using and remember to shut doors and curtains to keep the heat in.

Set the thermostat to a healthy temperature. Aim for a minimum of 18C while using a space (or 20C if you have children, elderly, or people who are unwell in the home) and 16C in bedrooms overnight.

Don’t set the thermostat higher than you need it. Setting the thermostat to the maximum won’t heat up your room any faster but it can make your heat pump run less efficiently.

Learn to use the timer. Don’t leave your heat pump on all day if you’re not there. Clean the filter inside and outside regularly.

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When you heat an uninsulated home most of it disappears through the ceiling. To keep your home at a comfortable temperature you have to keep on heating it, while the heat, and the cost, continues to go through the roof.

With an ENERGYWISE grant you can get 33% up to $1300 (incl GST) off the installed cost of Pink Batts underfloor and ceiling insulation.

DELIVERING ON BEHALF OF TASMAN INSULATION

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton.

Phone 307 0412 Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pm Sat 8.30am - 12.30pm

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Dress your home in style

W

hen you are building, renovating or just improving your living space, you may find yourself inundated with questions.

You may be wondering which type of carpet would be best to suit the kids and pets, which drapes offer the best thermal properties, what style of lounge suite is in vogue at the moment, would tiles or vinyl be best in my bathroom, how do I dress my bed to match my wallpaper?

Redmond’s, your locally owned furnishing store has the knowledge and expertise to assist with all of these questions and more, to transform your home into the modern mecca you desire. They understand everyone has different taste and requirements when it comes to purchasing new home furnishings, and will cater to anyone’s needs.

Redmonds furnishing store is an invitation to decorate your home with style. Take a walk through the impressive showroom from East to Burnett Streets, to be inspired by the latest trends in furniture, flooring and soft furnishings from New Zealand and overseas.

The selection on show is exciting and forever changing with the seasons. Redmonds offer some of the most elegant and unique furnishings that you will find. Chris Redmond travels extensively to overseas trade fares and style expos, to give the store unique and cutting edge items not seen in other stores.

“This years travel included a merchandising tour of Condon & Paris’s retail and department stores, we looked and found great marketing and display ideas plus gained inspirations from some of our leading design houses of Designers

Guild, Andrew Martin, Osborne & Little and Liberty ” Chris said. Mid century (1950/60’s) furniture and furnishings are a massive trend in both the UK and Europe causing a dramatic drop in the sales of traditional fabrics and antique furniture. Anything retro was used in displays from type writers to dentist chairs.

Redmonds have established firm relationships and alliances with many top buying groups, such as BedsRus , Tile Warehouse and The Flooring Foundation. This allows its clients to choose from a wide range of the best products available, taking advantage of great prices through the alliance’s buying power. It also means that Redmonds are able to offer nationwide promotions associated with those suppliers.

The Team at Redmonds pride themselves on their product knowledge and customer service.

With backgrounds including degrees in interior design or years of experience in retail and design, you can shop with confidence knowing that you are receiving the advice from the best.

Take advantage of their extensive knowledge with an in home consultation, where one of their friendly team can offer you the best advice on how to enhance your homes individual style.

From a small splash of colour to a dramatic transformation, it’s amazing how spectacular your interior could look with passionate and dedicated advice from our interior professionals.

Redmonds professional installation team is fully qualified to ensure a precision job.

Come and see the friendly team at Redmonds, where inspiration and a smile are always free.

Andrew Martin showroom, London. From Chris’ recent trip.

Building or renovating? We are here to help In home consultation Redmonds offer a full decorating service for

25% off Huge range of Carpet

15% off All Luxaflex duette insulating shades.

East to Burnett Street Ashburton Phone 308 5269 www.redmonds.co.nz

Furnishings, Flooring, Curtains and Blinds.

Our qualified interior consultants will help you decorate your home beautifully.

Call today for an appointment.

Gabrielle Thomas and Hayley Johnson Interior Consultants