Special Publications: August 22, 2024

Build
Buy
Renovate

Putting in the
Groundwork
Whether you’re renovating your home
or building one, a new driveway, patio
or pathway can seriously improve the
overall appearance and functionality of
your outdoor spaces.
But when it comes to kickstarting your
project, you want to know you’re in
safe hands – and that’s where concrete
specialists Groundwork come in.
Canterbury-based Groundwork
Driveway Specialists have more
than 20 years’ experience across
driveways, pathways, patios, spa pads,
subdivisions, pool surrounds, vehicle
crossings, courtyards and more.
Groundwork can remove, replace or
rejuvenate your existing outdoors
areas; or start completely from scratch
to leave you with something that not
only looks great but is a functional and
useful addition to your home.
The knowledgeable team can take care
of every aspect of your project, from
excavation through to decorative finish,
and can take the stress away from the
process of choosing, purchasing and
installing concrete at your home.
With four specialist crews looking after
different aspects of each job covering
excavation, placing, cutting and
sealing; a fleet of full-service vehicles;
and all the specialist equipment
required, Groundwork is able to offer
more than a general contractor.
The team will even clean up after
themselves, leaving you to enjoy the
finished project, stress free.
Groundwork also takes on commercial
spaces and can handle all aspects of
urban landscaping, including car parks
and vehicle access, and has worked on
projects throughout the entire region.
You can find out more, or request
a quote, by heading to www.
groundwork.net.nz. Alternatively,
you can give the friendly team a call
on 0800 URDRIVE (87 37483) or call
Rick on 0272784039.
Transform your
outdoor spaces
With summer just around the corner
now is the perfect time to turn your
attention to your outdoor spaces.
From a low-key wooden deck
with some comfy seating to an
outdoor room with its own sound
system – when it comes to creating
the perfect spot for outdoor
entertaining there are options to
suit all budgets and tastes.
Consider your garden as an
extension of your home and how
you’d like to make the most of the
space.
Maybe you’d love to have an
outdoor kitchen when you can cook
up a storm, have always dreamed
of a quiet spot where you can relax
with a nice glass of wine after a long
day, or something in between – the
first step is to come up with a plan.
Work out whether your goal is
achievable by yourself or whether
you’ll need to call in the experts.
For example, going to your garden
centre and picking out some
plants and funky furniture to
brighten the area up is probably
something you can do alone, but
if you’re after a more adventurous
project – such as installing an
outdoor kitchen with a built-in
pizza oven - then it may be worth
reaching out to the professionals.
Outdoor furniture plays an
important role - invest in some
comfortable garden sofas, a fire
pit, throws and cushions, and
sprinkle in some garden lights
or outside candles to create a
cosy vibe.
To ensure you can use the space
year-round, go for a canopy or
awning and make sure you set up
on a solid surface such as decking,
concrete or paving so you don’t
have to splash around in the mud
if it rains.

Give your windows the
wow factor
Back to nature
With technology becoming
more and more prevalent
in our work and home life,
many Kiwis are opting to
embrace nature when it
comes to their interiors by
incorporating natural touches
such as plants, stone, and
wood finishes.
One of the simplest ways
to keep your home – and
yourself – connected with
nature is to throw back the
curtains or open up the
blinds to allow natural light
to flood your home.
If your budget allows, you
could look at getting a
skylight, roof window, or
have some patio windows or
bifold doors installed to bring
your garden into your home.
Another cheap and simple
trick to bring the outdoors
indoors is to invest in some
plants, and there’s options
for pretty much every
budget.
For those of us who weren’t
blessed with green fingers,
cactuses and succulents are
an excellent low-maintenance
choice, while a deep green
leafy palm can bring a touch
of elegance to your interiors.
Wood finishes including
reclaimed timber, naturaluntreated
wood and
even bamboo can all be
incorporated into your living
spaces to make you feel
closer to nature.
You can go big on the theme
by fitting out your home with
wooden floors and natural
wood furniture, or you can
make a more subtle nod to
the trend by adding smaller
details such as wooden
photo frames, bamboo bowls
or natural-finished shelves.
Natural stone is a design
trend that’s here to stay and
it’s easy to bring into your
home: kit out your kitchen
with marble or granite
worktops, pop your new
plants into stone planters,
or add a touch of drama
with slate tiles in your
conservatory.
Naturally stunning.
If you want to get the most out of your
home it’s important to choose the correct
coverings for your windows.
But with so many different options and
products on offer it can become a little
overwhelming – and that’s where it really
pays to talk to the experts.
The friendly and knowledgeable team at
Venluree have been manufacturing blinds,
curtains, shutters and more since 1966 –
so you know you’re in good hands.
Whether you opt for blinds to minimise
light and noise pollution; curtains to
keep your home warm and cosy; or go
for interior shutters for an elegant and
sophisticated look Venluree have the
perfect product for you.
Venluree supply and fit all kinds of blinds
and stock and have their own range of
roller blind fabrics for you to choose
from – there’s even an exclusive range of
thermal roller blinds.
They also carry a huge range of their
own curtain fabrics, meaning the team
can measure, create and fit your dream
curtains in less time – and at a lower price.
And when it comes to shutters, they’ve
got decades of experience – just check
out their Google Reviews where they have
over a hundred five-star reviews.
The dedicated team are experts at
tackling tricky angled windows and
doors and offer a range of custom-made
products – so why not chat to one of the
team to talk about turning your dream
home into a reality.
You can call Venluree on 0800 836 587;
head to their website at venluree.co.nz or
pop into Unit 2/99 Sawyers Arms Road,
Papanui, Christchurch 8052.

Is your insulation
up to scratch?
As we (finally) creep closer
to summer, insulation may be
the furthest thing from your
mind – but a properly insulated
house stays cooler for longer in
summer and warmer for longer in
winter. It can also save you money
on your energy bills, and who
doesn’t want that?
When it comes to insulating your
home, the first priority should be
your ceiling, then underfloor and
lastly your walls.
For older homes, you may already
have insulation, but it’s a good
idea to check it hasn’t moved or
been damaged.
You may need to top up your
ceiling insulation if it is under
12cm thick; doesn’t cover your
whole ceiling; or has gaps or
bare spots.
If your existing insulation is wet,
damp or has been damaged by
pests then you should remove it
and start fresh.
Those living in older homes may
also be entitled to a governmentbacked
grant or other available
subsidy – so make sure you
check online before you call a
contractor.
For new builds, the Building Code
clause H1/AS1 sets the minimum
standards for insulation in homes.
It specifies the R-value, which
measures insulation materials’
thermal resistance.
For rentals, Tenancy Services
states that ceiling insulation over
habitable spaces installed before
2016 will require a retrofit if it is
below 70mm.
The requirements for insulation
installed after 1 July 2016 are
based on the R-values. It is R 2.9
in ceilings, and the underfloor is
R 1.3.
When it comes to finding
a suitable installer, look for
someone who is compliant with
the New Zealand insulation
installation standards NZS
4246:206 and has completed
insulation installer training with
the Insulation Association of
New Zealand.
Design Windows
If your old windows and doors are
looking tired and sad; you’ve had
enough of wasting energy – and dollars
– with draughty frames; or you’ve spent
the winter shivering as heat whistled
out through your single-glazing, then
now is the ideal time to invest in some
new windows and doors.
When it comes to replacing your
windows, the options can be
overwhelming and that’s where
Design Windows can help – offering
everything from awning and casement
windows, sliding windows and doors,
bi-folds and roof windows as well as
custom designs.
As with any renovation. It pays to
trust the experts and Design Windows
have been taking care of homes and
businesses across the South Island for
40 years, so you can be sure you’re in
good hands.
Design Windows is leading the industry
with innovative solutions and cuttingedge
technology. Combining decades
of experience and craftmanship with
cutting edge advances including
ThermalHeart+®, a new thermal
technology that almost doubles the
performance of standard aluminium
windows and doors.
Offered alongside the ThermalHeart+®
range is the highly advanced double
glazed APG System, made using
world-class components and industry
leading technology. When fitted with
Solux-E or Solux Ultra glass the system
significantly reduces winter heat loss
and summer overheating.
As an alternative to aluminium, Design
Windows also offer KLIMA uPVC
windows - designed for the unique
New Zealand weather conditions,
providing greater thermal efficiency
and helping to lower energy costs.
Pop into your local Design Windows
showroom at 61 Hickory Place,
Islington, Christchurch where you
can chat through your plans with a
knowledgeable and friendly member
of the team alternatively, you can
call 0800 332 259 or visit
www.designwindows.co.nz
for more information.

Tips for
first time buyers
Getting onto the property
ladder can feel super exciting
but it can also feel completely
overwhelming and stressful.
However, there are things you
can do to help avoid some of
that stress and make sure things
run smoothly.
Money matters
Firstly, sort out your finances.
Owning your home means
you’ll be responsible for all
maintenance, repairs, rates and
home insurance. If you move
into an apartment in a block,
you may also need to pay body
corporate fees.
When it comes to buying
properties, things can move
fast – so before you begin your
house hunting it’s a good idea to
have a conditional pre-approved
home loan offer before you start
looking.
Keep it real
Buying your first home is an
exciting time, but try not to get
too caught up in the fantasy.
Many first-time buyers will soon
notice there’s a bit of a gap
between what they can afford
and what they’d like to buy.
A good idea is to make a list of
absolute ‘musts; – for example
number of bedrooms, off-road
parking, near to good schools
– and then some ‘nice to haves’ –
such as a kitchen island, en-suite
bathroom or utility room.
Do your homework
House-hunting can be hard
work – particularly if you’ve been
looking for a long time without
success.
But, don’t let your desperation
at finding a home push you into
making any rash decisions.
Always make sure you do as
much research on a potential
home as possible. Get a lawyer
on board to help you go through
paperwork and flag any issues or
problems. It’s also a good idea to
get a qualified building inspector
to check over before you sign
any contracts.
Happy hunting!
Take the hassle out
of real estate with
Harcourts
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or
rent Harcourts Four Seasons Realty
are on hand for the full spectrum of
real estate services.
With handy offices in Rolleston and
Lincoln, Harcourts Four Seasons offers
great services across the Selwyn
District – taking care of all aspects of
real estate, including residential sales,
rural and lifestyle sales, commercial
sales and leases, and residential and
commercial property management.
Harcourts Four Seasons understand
that buying or selling can be a
stressful time, but the friendly
and knowledgeable team have an
excellent track record with decades
of combined experience and firstclass
understanding of the Selwyn
property market.
For those not quite sure if now is the
right time to sell up, let Harcourts
discuss your options. You can also get
a free appraisal to find out how much
your property could be worth if it
went on the market.
Renting out your property – or
multiple properties – can be
overwhelming, but with the
experience of Harcourts Four
Seasons property management
you can rest assured that you and
your property are in safe hands.
The team will take care of every
detail, from choosing the correct
tenants, collecting rents, handling
maintenance issues and anything that
could potentially cost you money and
cause you concern. Leaving you free to
enjoy your investment.
Due to the ever-growing nature of
real estate in the Selwyn District,
Harcourts is always on the look out
for hardworking experienced sales
consultants – you can find out more
by heading to www.harcourts.net/nz/
four-seasons/careers
For more information about buying,
selling or renting you can visit
www.harcourtsfourseasons.co.nz or
pop into Harcourts Lincoln, 6 Gerald
Street, or their dedicated Rental
Division in Rolleston Square.

Building and
renovation supplies for
purchase or hire
When it comes to building or renovating
in Christchurch, Totalsite Supplies is your
go-to destination for all your construction
needs.
The Trade Store & Hire Depot is
conveniently located near the motorway in
Wigram and they offer an extensive range
of tools, equipment, and consumables,
ensuring you have everything you need to
get the job done right.
Whether you’re looking to purchase or
hire, Totalsite Supplies has you covered
with high-quality products that cater
to both professional builders and DIY
enthusiasts.
For those tackling concrete foundations,
Totalsite Supplies is the New Zealand
distributor of MSB Form adjustable
formwork, a top-tier solution for efficient
and precise concrete work.
They also stock a comprehensive selection
of concrete finishing tools and equipment,
making them a one-stop shop for all your
concrete needs.
Builders will appreciate the innovative
‘Chippy Stick,’ a lightweight builder’s
prop designed specifically for residential
projects. This versatile tool provides
temporary support for timber formwork,
making it an essential addition to any
construction site.
Safety is a priority at Totalsite Supplies,
which is why they offer ladders, mobile
scaffold, roofers’ harnesses, and edge
protection for when your work takes you
off the ground.
For outdoor projects, such as waterblasting
concrete paths or sealing
driveways, they have all the necessary
equipment under one roof. Better still,
they also hire trailers so you can clear
away all the rubbish from your site.
In addition to their wide product range,
Totalsite Supplies provides free advice
and quotes, ensuring you get the best
solution for your project. Whether you’re
purchasing or hiring, their knowledgeable
team is ready to help you achieve
your construction goals efficiently and
cost-effectively.
For more information, head to
www.totalsitesupplies.co.nz or pop in
and speak to the friendly team at
40 Hammersmith Drive, Wigram.
Dream, plan, achieve
Building your own home is
one of the most exciting and
rewarding projects you’ll ever
undertake – but it’s can also
be incredibly stressful with
thousands of decisions to
make covering everything from
windows and doors, layout and
those all-important finishing
touches.
To try and take some of the
stress out of your build, start
by creating a ‘wish list’, which
can act as a bit of a guide.
As well as noting down what
you want in each room,
consider the practicalities –
so, if you know you can’t live
without a kitchen island, plan
electrical sockets and water
supply accordingly.
Likewise, once you have an
idea of what you’d like to go
where, can you fit in clever
storage solutions to make the
very most of your space?
Another important thing to
consider is electrical outlets
– you’re going to need plenty
and place them in areas that
make sense, such as a couple
beside the bed for your
bedside lamp and to charge
your phone.
When it comes to heating
your home, do you dream of
underfloor heating? Maybe
you’ve always wanted a log
burner or real fire? Whatever it
is, pop it on your list.
Lighting is a major part of your
home – so it’s important to get
it right. You’ll need to plan for
allowing in plenty of natural
light with windows, doors and
skylights, as well as lighting
options such as spotlights,
overhead lights and lamps.
And don’t forget your outdoor
spaces. Whether you want
a play area for the little
ones, an outdoor kitchen for
entertaining, or peaceful spot
to enjoy a nice glass of wine
after a long day - get it on your
list and get planning.

Make the most of
your outdoor spaces
with eZip
With summer creeping ever closer,
your thoughts may be turning
towards your outdoor spaces – and
if you want to make the most of your
garden, whatever the weather, then
now is the ideal time to invest in
some eZIP outdoor track blinds from
Venluree.
Offering the ultimate in comfort
and convenience, eZIP are specially
designed to withstand and thrive no
matter what the weather.
Whether you want to add a little
privacy to your pergola, weatherproof
your outdoor kitchen, or create a
tranquil and peaceful spot to enjoy
with your loved ones, eZip has the
solution with its range of outdoor
blinds – and are available exclusively
through Venluree in New Zealand.
The blinds offer year-round sun
and UV protection as well as glare
and insect blocking; the heavyduty
design also has the best
wind resistant rating and is coastal
approved.
For added convenience, eZip can
be changed from a manual system
and seamlessly integrated with your
existing tech, meaning you can easily
adjust your blinds using a Smartphone
app, remote control or even syncing it
with your Smart Home system.
Fitted by the expert team at
Venluree, the track blinds will be a
stunning addition to your garden
and when not in use, they neatly roll
up inside the modern fully enclosed
pelmet headbox.
And because Venluree have decades
of experience in the industry and
hundreds of five-star reviews on
Google, you know you – and your
home – are in safe hands.
If you’d like to find out more
you can call Venluree on 0800
836 587 to arrange a free booking
and quote; head to their website
at venluree.co.nz or pop into Unit
2/99 Sawyers Arms Road, Papanui,
Christchurch 8052 to chat to one of
the friendly team.
Tips for planning your renovations
Define your reasons why
Write a list of why you wanted to
take on this project. Is it simply
because you’ve outgrown your home
and need more room for a growing
family? Maybe things are just looking
dated or you’re considering renting
or selling and want to boost its value.
Whatever your reasons, write them
all down and be specific.
What do you want from the project?
Imagine money was no object, what
would you include? A bunch of
swish new kitchen appliances? An
extension to give you more room?
New windows and doors to help
keep your home warmer?
Sort your priorities
With all your ideas down on
paper, you can go through and
prioritise each of them. What do
you need right now and what
can you put off until later on?
Work out your budget
This is maybe the most
important one – set a budget.
Be realistic and if you’re planning
on doing up more than one
room, set a budget for each area
as well as an overall budget.
It’s a good idea to keep an
extra 10 to 20 percent as a
contingency fund.