HB Today - Your Home 2021

YOUR HOME 2021

PART OF THE NZ HERALD NETWORK

04 Home building booming | 08 Decadently different 14 How smart is your home? | 22 Gorgeous gardens

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Your Home 2021

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Colour your world

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his year heralded somewhat of a fresh start for most of us after the previous uncertainty of Covid and the lockdown. It’s also encouraging to see that sustainability is top of our agenda as the world moves to counter global warming.

This has an impact on home decor as manufacturers move back to using natural products and reducing our carbon footprint.

There’s an air of optimism, and positivity and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate with colour.

Whites, neutrals and beige are on the way out to be replaced with basically whatever takes your fancy. Last year we learned how much our homes means to us and many also pondered if they needed a makeover. Many have done just that and trades people report that business has never been better.

Colour can show off your personality be it exuberant, quiet or somewhere in between. Colour can scream elegance or it can bring about the feeling of tranquillity.

The position of your home or living space may dictate the need for bright or earthy tones. A room receiving very little light would be better off being decorated in warmer tones be it paint, wallpaper or furniture.

Warm colours include red, orange, and yellow. These evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. They too are coming back into fashion as we learn to love our own spaces.

Cool colours include blue, purple, and green. These are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference. Greens fit with the move towards sustainability plus they are tranquil too.

Take the time to consult paint charts and plan your total décor in one go so that everything looks as you intended it to and there are no surprises. Creating a mood board either online or physically is another way of seeing what goes well with your ideas. Test pots are a great way to see colours in situ and don’t forget to study them at different times of the day as colour changes as the light changes.

There is plenty of information about trends and products available from paint and wallpaper manufacturers. Online paint and wallpaper calculators are also very useful.

It needn’t cost a fortune to add a splash of colour be it painting old kitchen stools or cabinets, rejuvenating an old chest of drawers or adding funky wallpaper to the bathroom. How about a new coat of paint for your front door or adding an invigorating feature wall to a study? A new kitchen benchtop or vivid splashback might brighten up the place up nicely.

With spring just around the corner there isn’t a better time to start planning that refresh so you can have a totally new look by the time the weather is warm enough to enjoy the indoor/outdoor life that Hawke’s Bay offers.

Your Home 2021

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Home building business booming

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am Lamborn of Dundeal Building Ltd has never been so very, very busy. The family run business, based in Clive, was founded 12 years ago and they specialise in new builds and renovation.

There’s only one thing that will slow down work, as far as he’s concerned, and that’s when the supply of sections dries up.

With a full time staff of 10 and eight full time subcontractors they are kept busy mainly on new builds but also on a considerable number of renovation projects.

They are definitely busier than last year which Sam attributes to people spending more on their homes given they can’t travel overseas. He thinks it’s great that the money is being kept in New Zealand.

Working in conjunction with Premium Painting, a sister painting company, they offer a complete turnkey service.

That is homes delivered ready to move

into with lawns, fences and concrete all completed.

As an indication of how busy they are the suburb where most of their work, but not all, is being completed is Frimley where they have 12 brand new, single storey houses under construction. Business tends to be brisk in Maraekakaho too largely thanks to word of mouth.

Several years ago Sam built his own home and clad it in black and cedar. Now he finds so many people like it that it’s turned into something of “the in thing” locally, he says.

Renovating kitchens also keeps them busy and they build quite a few home extensions. As far as kitchens go central islands are still extremely popular, he says.

Dundeal sponsors a number of community groups and clubs including rugby, hockey, go carts and a long range shooting team.

Black cladding and cedar are the “in thing” at the moment

Your Home 2021

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CHB achieves record median house price

“H

awke’s Bay saw median house prices increase in all four districts across the region. The median price rose annually 25.1% reaching $701,000 in June 2021 compared to $560,190 in June 2020.

Additionally, the Central Hawke’s Bay District reached a new record median price at $595,000. The median price

increase is likely due to the increase in the number of properties sold in the $1 million-plus bracket, increasing from 4.5% in June 2020 to 15.5% in June 2021. More offers are conditional on finance, particularly for first home buyers.

Attendees at open homes have increased from last month, however, there are less offers being presented. It is expected that the market will continue to perform similarly as winter sets in.”

Hawke’s Bay region trends Compared to June 2020 Median price up 25.1% Sales count down 23.0% Days to sell decreased 3 days

Compared to May 2021

Jen Baird REINZ CEO

Median price down 4.0% Seasonally adjusted median price down 3.7% Sales count down 20.8%

Seasonally adjusted sales count down 8.5% Days to sell is the same days The current days to sell of 30 days is less than the 10-year average for June which is 38 days. There were six weeks of inventory in June 2021 which is 11 weeks less than the same time last year.

800,000

Hawke’s Bay Regional Median Price Past 5 Years

700,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 Source: REINZ

“We’re not the biggest and we’re not the oldest… ..and that’s why we try harder.”

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2.95%

*Our fees are 2.95% up to $!90,000 thereafter 1.95% + admin fee + gst.

AMBER PAYNE 027 235 5032 Mike Pero Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA (2008)

108 Market Street North Hastings

Hawke’s Bay Median Price

12 Months MA

Your Home 2021

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We spend a third of our life sleeping

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o it goes without saying that sleep is vitally important to our health and wellbeing.

Hi, my name is Michael Gillbanks, owner of Bay Beds Makers. I would love to share some tips and advice to help you and your partner select a new bed.

I believe it’s easier to buy a new car than find the bed that’s right for you. Walking into a showroom and relaxing on a mattress can feel a bit intimidating. Then there’s the problem of trying to ask your body what it is thinking. What are we supposed to feel or know? It’s very confusing.

Here are a few key points to follow: check your mattress over. Sit on the sides, are they supportive? Lie on the mattress and slowly roll across it side to side feeling for ridges and soft spots. You can place a straight edge across in to measure for dipping.

There are three main types of sleep positions: back, side and tummy. I recommend going online and reading the

article How to buy a bed by Consumer NZ, 25/8/2020.

Take your favourite pillow. Dress in comfy casuals. Go together as a couple with time to spare.

Talk to the sales people, let them know what your needs are, how you sleep, the size of your bed, how long you sleep, any change in your sleep or medical issues.

Avoid buying solely on budget.

Sometimes spending a little more can give you a whole lot more. We love sharing our experience and guiding our customers through the process and can customize mattress to each individual’s need. We only use the finest material like natural latex and NZ downs wool. We also provide a 100 day comfort guarantee with all our beds and a ten year warranty.

The safest and most cost effective way of buying a bed is to cut out the middleman and support local hand crafters. Michael and the staff at Bay Bed Makers are happy to discuss your options and have you see first-hand what makes a quality mattress.

Your Home 2021

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Sleep well on your adventures

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ay Bed Makers have been hand crafting beds in Hawke’s Bay for 34 years. Owner Michael Gillbanks believes in traditional old fashioned service and delivering a top quality

bed.

Their factory in Carlyle Street, Napier is where their quality mattresses are made and they also make mattresses for caravans, motor homes and boats for which there is great demand.

Because mattresses that come with RVs are often inferior, or uncomfortable, Bay Bed Makers craft mattresses to suit.

Mattresses for adventure, or RV, vehicles come in all different shapes and sizes and each one is custom built to fit specific shapes and sizes. They are also crafted to suit individual comfort levels.

On offer are two main options: a low profile bonnet sprung range and a three zone pocket spring Adventure range.

The low profile range is designed for

A custom made boat mattress.

tight spaces where height is an issue for example, the Lotan body motor home, where the sleeping space is above the cab. These low profile mattresses are also suitable if a firmer sprung mattress is preferred. The most popular three zone pocket sprung adventure range start at 180mm deep.

34 years’ experience with handcrafting beautiful caravan and motorhome mattresses.

We shape and customise mattresses to fit different requirements, both in size and varying comfort levels.

37 Carlyle Street, Napier

Also on offer is a squab making service in which high density elephant foams or latex are used. There’s also a great selection of upholstery fabrics to coordinate with your décor. The squabs can be made at various comfort levels and could be used as a squab in the day and mattress at night.

Your Home 2021

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Decadently different

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tep into the Interior Warehouse in Carlyle Street and prepare for your senses to be overloaded with colour, with the feel of sumptuous fabrics and oodles of unusual home décor items just begging for you to take them home.

Founded by Arden Macdonald the store is an Alladin’s cave bursting with original pieces that range from statement chairs, many in colours like pink and orange, to sofas, art work, mirrors and a host of carefully selected pieces that are amazingly affordable.

“People come in and say wow, look at all these colours. It’s fun, it’s bright and some pieces are a bit chintzy like the candelabras. We’ve got all the stuff you can accessorise. There’s nothing ordinary,”

Arden Macdonald owner and founder of Interior Warehouse Hawke’s Bay.

says Ardern.

Arden turned a bad situation into a good one when he was made redundant by an airline last year. He’d enjoyed his life travelling and exploring some beautiful hotels in Australia and further afield. It’s that appreciation of outstanding, luxury interiors he has brought to the business.

It was just before lockdown that he decided to move with his partner Armando into an Art Deco style holiday home he owned in Napier. They managed to beautifully furnish their whole home of 220sq metres for an extremely reasonable price as they bought “from the guys at Interior Warehouse Auckland.

And it wasn’t grey, beige or expensive,” he says. They decided to settle here and join them in the business. There are

two stores in Auckland, one in Gore, Christchurch and the Napier store.

Their business model does not involve middlemen as they buy centrally and direct from wholesalers. That is why the prices are so reasonable and you’ll never see a sale as they price goods correctly to begin with, he says.

Once stock is exhausted it is gone.

If they buy 40 bookcases they’ll buy 40 different book cases. “There’s no need to have multiples so when you buy you know your neighbours will not have it.”

Art works are very popular too but they only stock one of each print per store.

Ardern is assisted by Mika Castillo, Armando Herrera who advises clients in interior decoration, and also Micky the very friendly white pooch.

Your Home 2021

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Wonderful wallpaper

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allpaper is now firmly back on the design agenda with its new textures, modern colours and designs and its rediscovered practicality.

Wallpapers, and their counterparts wall murals, are not just about expressing personal style as they also add character to our homes. They give our four walls an individual look and allow a very personal expression of our own style. Whatever your style-fun, casual, formal or traditional you will be spoilt for choice.

There’s something for everyone regardless of taste but botanic prints, florals, nature (especially birds) and retro patterns are definitely on trend. Art Nouveau and Art Deco patterns lend a luxurious ambience to any room and make fantastic feature walls. Faux effects, think concrete, brick or wood, are very realistic these days thanks to digital printing techniques. Metallic finishes and surfaces with a shimmer are also popular but take

care with placement as some can catch the light and dazzle rather than impress.

Another old favourite is back again too-textured wallpaper which can hide less than perfect walls and can also be painted.

The search for a paper could begin online or at your local retailer. It’s difficult to visualise what the pattern might look like from a small sample and most retailers will be happy to order a sample before you make the final choice.

Factors to consider are whether you prefer washable paper, where it will be hung- a bathroom or kitchen will need a specially designed paper to withstand the conditions, and if you want to paste the wall or the paper.

Wallpaper is easy care and easy to hang. Many people think it’s difficult but it is surprisingly easy as long as you prepare the walls properly and check your measurements before cutting and pasting.

However, there will always be those who prefer to use a professional decorator.

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Bayleys Hawke’s Bay is better connected. Being better connected drives better results.

With over 40 staff across three offices, we are well stocked with knowledge and passion for all the Bay has to offer. Our strong local team is here to help whatever your property needs.

Your Home 2021

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Natural flooring in vogue

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hat a difference a few years makes when it comes to fashions in furnishing, decorating and flooring.

This year sees pure New Zealand wool making a comeback as a sustainable flooring solution along with a swing to more natural flooring such as sisal, seagrass, coir and jute.

Carpet manufacturer Cavalier Bremworth has committed 100% to wool carpet and Big Save Furniture are exploring different ways of using wool in their furniture. They have also invested in several local farms to support the wool industry.

Solution dyed nylon carpets are extremely popular although wool does have a number of benefits as it’s hard wearing, resilient, hypoallergenic, stain and fire resistant. It’s also 100% biodegradable and sustainable.

Synthetic carpets are also practical, hardwearing and easy to clean. In Hawke’s Bay we have fierce sun, pets,

kids and plenty of indoor/outdoor living so householders need floor coverings that will survive all that, and not stain or fade.

In hard flooring there’s still plenty of plank flooring on offer such as laminate and engineered timber. There are no issues with buckling or warping and they are very durable, plus timber being a natural insulator. Engineered timber includes flooring products that have two layers of backing to limit warping and splitting.

Bamboo is an option for those looking for a hard wood that is incredibly hard wearing and extremely robust. Cork floors, considered old-fashioned until recently, are also making a comeback.

Cork is a natural product – it’s the bark of a tree so it’s also sustainable. The advantages are that cork is hard wearing, warm and tough.

Purchasing floor covering is a big investment so take your time and chat to retailers to firm up on your ideas and clarify the expenditure.

All your flooring needs under one roof

1000 Omahu Rd, Hastings | Ph 06 879 4501 Email - sales@floormart.co.nz Open: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm Visit us on our website www.floormart.co.nz

Your Home 2021

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Show me the kitchen

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hite has reigned supreme as the most popular colour scheme in kitchens for several years but there are signs that times are changing with a swing back to more colour.

So white cupboards and subway tiles may have done their dash but what’s trending this year? Splashes of colour in deep greens, navy blue and black are making a comeback. Matt finishes or matt combined with gloss are being seen more often so are light wood finishes, such as ash, for walls, floors and cabinets.

Upgrading or installing new kitchens is a key goal for many householders and there’s a brisk market for new kitchens designed and installed by kitchen designers. There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to more cost effective solutions such as flat pack kitchens that involve some measuring and DIY. Appliances are becoming bolder in colour and there’s plenty of metallic finishes available for door handles and

tapware-think brass, bronze, copper and brushed iron. Gun metal finish sinks and drainers are trending while stainless steel is still very popular.

Kitchen islands are subtly changing to incorporate features such as curves, extra space and more options for seating such as multi-level bench tops. Pendant lights are still very much in vogue and are generally suspended over a centre island.

Concealing appliances and accessories and making use of all space helps attain a sleek, uncluttered look with drawers used to store appliances, pots and pans and crockery. Technology such as push to open and soft close drawers are commonplace.

To a certain extent the decision on storage solutions rests on how you use your kitchen and demands of the family.

Pantries and larders are definitely on the ‘must have’ list if space permits. New builds often include a separate butler’s pantry with storage space, workbench and sink.

Your Home 2021

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Blissful bathrooms

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or many people a bathroom is a place to retreat from the pressures of life, to relax in a warm bath, light a candle and soak the cares of the day away.

Bathrooms have evolved from ordinary to extraordinary. The events of 2020 have also given people the impetus to indulge in improving their home environment, especially the kitchen and bathroom.

When selling a house the appearance of bathroom, just like kitchens, is often a key factor in a buyer’s decision making process.

Baths and basins that are beautiful objects in their own right are on trend.

Modern baths, in particular, are designed to make a statement, are often freestanding and star of a new bathroom. The height of luxury for many would be a free standing roll top bath with ball and claw feet.

One change on the horizon is the move towards colour with bold statements making a comeback and earthy tones, along with greens trending.

While many cringe at the memory of 70s and 80s coloured sanitaryware they are also experiencing a revival, especially in Europe.

Metallic elements are also making a comeback as they hint at elegance and are warmer than traditional stainless steel fixtures and fittings.

Bath taps or spouts are sleek, often minimalist and the waterfall style for bath taps is still popular. Trending basin taps include brushed brass and black matched with square or rectangular basins.

Directors from left to right: Leah McHardy, Kevin Osborne, Roger Philip, Christine Symes and Edward Bostock

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ur team of property experts are on hand to answer all your queries when it comes to buying or selling a property.

Bramwell Bate is finding that clients are often involved in a multi-buyer situation where

they are needing to put their best foot forward in order to have a chance of their offer being accepted.

It is now more important than ever, that you do your homework first, whether you are a first home buyer or are

Showers are available in corner fits and rounded. Then there are double showers and plenty of oversize shower heads to select from. Choose from rain heads, to body jets and overhead jets in a choice of chrome, brass or black.

Smart technology has reached the bathroom with de-misting mirrors, LED temperature displays and automatic hand wipe sensors.

The ultimate in luxury would be to add a hydrotherapy bath, a steam room or a sauna!

purchasing a property as an investment.

When you put forward an offer, you can make the offer subject to conditions that need to be satisfied before your purchase proceeds. A common condition is finance.

Even with pre-approval from a bank, most banks will need to see the signed Agreement for Sale and Purchase and approve the property before giving final approval. This makes the finance condition crucial and it is vital to ensure that the Agreement has first been reviewed by a legal property expert.

If it is your first home, you should also consider your eligibility for a HomeStart Grant, or whether you want to withdraw funds from KiwiSaver. Our team can advise you on the timeframe for a finance

condition and make sure you have sufficient time to get approval and withdrawal of funds, particularly if you need those funds to pay a deposit.

For property investors, our team will guide you through recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and the Brightline Test.

It’s important to understand which Brightline period applies to you. The ‘main home’ exclusion test is a key factor of consideration.

If you have any property matters you would like to discuss, including commercial, please give our office a call and we will connect you with a member of our friendly and approachable team who will be able to assist with advice and support throughout the entire conveyancing process.

205 Hastings Street South, Hastings | www.bramwellbate.co.nz | P: 06 872 8210 | E: admin@bramwellbate.co.nz

Your Home 2021

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How smart is your home?

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o you ever wish that the world would stand still and enable you to catch up with the latest in technology? Every day it seems that there are more innovations and apps to help us including around the home and garden. Think robotic lawnmowers or smart bathroom scales. Chances are that within a short space of time smart devices will become part and parcel of everyday life.

In simple terms home automation is the ability to control items around the house with either a push of a button or a voice command. A few years ago this would have been considered science fiction but now the technology is here to monitor and control lights, doorbells, speakers, operate surveillance systems, home appliances and a host more common household appliances.

Smart homes have a network of appliances and systems that communicate via WiFi or Bluetooth. This is also called the Internet of things (IoT),

as they don’t necessarily require people to control them. What is needed is a device such as a smartphone, computer or tablet and a wi-fi connection.

There are smart home devices and smart home systems available. Home security systems are an example and there’s plenty to choose from ranging from fairly basic video doorbells to indoor security cameras with two way audio and video streaming so you can watch your dog while away from home and even toss them treats! Special moments can be saved like them chewing your slippers.

Fitness and wellness apps abound such as smart bathroom scales that are compatible with fitness trackers. Weight can be logged, BMI can be calculated along with bone density and heart rate measurement.

The smart kitchen has also arrived offering a range of whiteware and appliances using modern technology.

Using your phone you can communicate with your fridge which is connected to

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Your Home 2021 the cloud. They’re still relatively new but include features so you can look inside your fridge to see what’s inside, leave notes, look up recipes and they can let you know if you’re running out of ice and so on. They are reasonably expensive but should suit those who love all things tech.

Other devices available are smart TVs and audio which are fairly commonplace.

For outdoors there are sprinkler controllers, weather monitors and even Wi-fi enabled BBQs. Smart home system lets you connect a number of products: most popular examples are the cloud based systems Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant which are voice assistants. Use voice commands to ask what the time is, adjust the lighting or temperature or play a particular song, ask how many calories there are in a tomato and so on. For example you might say “Alexa, play news from RNZ,” Or “Alexa, remind me to take out the rubbish.”

If it all sounds a bit bewildering there is plenty of help out there whether you’re wanting a smart TV or a sophisticated home network system. Locally there are various tech solutions assistants in retail stores and at broadband suppliers.

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Your Home 2021

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Cushions, curtains and colour

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oft furnishings can easily beautify a room. Cushions, rugs, throws, chair covers, bedding, pillows and curtains can be practical, comfortable and decorative.

With the ongoing trend for neutral interiors still continuing using soft furnishings to dress up a room is almost a necessity. Brighten up a room by experimenting with colour and texture and all without breaking the bank.

It needn’t cost a fortune to give your lounge or bedrooms a makeover every once in a while. Scatter cushions are available as squares, circles and rectangles and the choice of fabric, pattern and texture is almost overwhelming.

Trending right now are natural and organic fibres such as wool and hessian.

Throws are still in vogue and can be draped over a chair, sofa or bed and they can also be used as blankets.

Bedrooms are receiving much more attention these days and there’s plenty to enhance the décor be it masculine,

feminine or for the children. Bedding, duvets and duvet covers, pillows, and cushions can transform a functional room into a comfortable haven.

Changing window coverings can alter the whole tone and ambience of a room. Your selection might depend on warmth and privacy required, comfort or perhaps you might simply wish to make a statement.

Choose from curtains, blinds or shutters and that’s just the start of the decisions. What fabric, what colour, what sort of blinds, will your shutters be made of PVC, aluminium or timber?

Will you buy ready-made curtains or have them made especially? If opting for the off the peg approach be sure to measure your room correctly and double check. Don’t forget to choose tracks or rods before you select the curtains.

If you’re having curtains or blinds custom made your supplier will provide plenty of advice and do the measuring and fitting for you.

Insulating, energy-efficient and functional, Whisper® Honeycomb Shades make a perfect choice for those looking to get a little more out of their window coverings.

Call today for a free in home consultation, measure and quote.

Napier: (06) 843 9123 Hastings: (06) 873 3370 www.hbblindsawnings.com

Blinds I Awnings I Shutters I Umbrellas

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Your Home 2021

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Upcycle and save the planet

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nce upon a time, and not so long ago, shopping for second-hand goods was frowned upon. Now it’s become rather trendy to buy and recycle, or upcycle. This is due, in part, to the world wide concern with global warming and the perceived urgent need to save the planet.

Sustainability is a buzz word we’re all used to hearing and we can all do our bit to conserve natural resources and save plenty of goods from being dumped at landfill. Giving things a second chance at life also saves energy and reduces demand for raw materials.

There are plenty of household items that can be upcycled such as chairs, mirrors, garden furniture, crockery and cutlery. Some of the skills grannie knew come in useful like mending, knitting and associated crafts also come in useful.

There’s been a renaissance in people rejuvenating a heap of old products and

having them look like a whole new piece.

There are plenty of websites with ideas on upcycling so there’s no lack of visual inspiration.

Op shops and auction houses are a good source of goodies ranging from furniture to home appliances, musical instruments, ornaments and so on. Goods up for auction are normally displayed on websites and bidders can bid beforehand so they don’t have to be present for the whole auction.

For those into house renovation there are several outlets selling reclaimed furniture bathrooms, kitchens and objects like doors, old mirrors and so on. They can be good places to find materials to suit older homes like old ceiling tiles or fire surrounds.

They say there’s nothing much new in the world but what we are finding is that old hobbies and pastimes are coming back into vogue as we learn to take responsibility for planet earth.

PANACHE SOFT FURNISHINGS 906 KARAMU ROAD, HASTINGS PH 06 878 946 DESIGN, MANUFACTURE SUPPLIERS OF ALL YOUR WINDOW DRESSING AND SOFT FURNISHING

Your Home 2021

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Choose a professional for peace of mind

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hether you’re making a few small improvements, undertaking major renovations or building a new home, you want to be sure things go to plan given the time and cost that is often involved.

So how do you choose the right professional?

People often rely on word-of-mouth, but it’s also important to make sure you take into account training, skills and experience. Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. Social media and web sites are also a good way of finding people and reading comments about their work.

If there’s a trade body such as Master Painters or Master Joiners, ask them for a recommendation. Follow up references and ask to look at their work if you feel

it necessary. Check any guarantees on offer, the terms and if there is any additional cost involved.

Be very clear about what you want and seek the advice and guidance of your tradesperson who often can suggest alternatives. Firm up on your ideas and be specific because the more specific you are the greater chance of getting an accurate quote and minimising the chance for misunderstandings.

There is quite a lot of work that is restricted to those authorised to carry out work like electrical work, plumbing and gas fitting.

Where work isn’t necessarily restricted there will be codes of conduct and regulations, along with warranties offered on products like roofing and cladding.

Manufacturers of long run roofing products, flashing & spouting

Get a number of quotes and make sure you are comparing like with like.

Agree to the job in writing-what is to be done, how long it will take, labour and materials to be used for the job and the final cost including GST. A small deposit may be required, or you may be able to pay in stages if it’s a larger job. If you have any issues with quality don’t pay until the work is finished to your satisfaction.

Specialist Building Inspections Healthy Homes Methamphetamine Testing Asbestos Surveying/Testing Independent Trained Inspectors

Manufacturers & installers of roofing, flashing & spouting

FORD ROAD ONEKAWA PH 843 6968 admin@brroofing.co.nz

www.betterinspectit.co.nz 0800 422 388

Your Home 2021

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The perfect pool

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n a cold winters evening there can be nothing more pleasurable than soaking in a spa, sipping on a glass of bubbly and letting the cares of the day soak away. And in summer there’s not much that can beat the pleasure of being able to enjoy, along with family and friends, a dip in your own pool.

Swimming pools may be considered a luxury by some but priorities have changes substantially since last year and people are investing more in making their homes more comfortable.

There are a good number of suppliers and pool builders in Hawke’s Bay and it would pay to seek advice from the experts before making any firm decisions.

Options range from budget buys such as above ground pools to more expensive structures that could be constructed of fibreglass or concrete. Inexpensive structures can often be self-erected whereas larger structures will need work by architects, builders and landscapers.

Professionals will handle council consents for you.

There are strict regulations regarding swimming pool fencing that a professional installer will advise you on. There are several attractive choices for pool fencing including glass and metal. The purpose is to reduce the risk of drowning or injury in young children. Pools must be inspected regularly by council or a qualified pool inspector. Specific regulations are listed on council websites.

Spa pools can be placed indoors or outdoors or on patios. Outdoors gives the benefit of being able to enjoy nature and watch the stars. There’s a huge range and a variety of price points so start with an idea of what you want and how much you’d like to spend before going shopping.

Don’t forget to factor in ongoing service and maintenance costs plus treatments to keep your water healthy and crystal clear.

From minor alterations to large renovations, we take it all on with the efficiency, service and excellent workmanship that we have built our reputation on.

Rex Butler Building Services Ltd rexbuilding@xtra.co.nz

06 835 9488 0274 493 311

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Your Home 2021

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Backyard haven

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utdoor living is popular in the Bay thanks to our agreeable climate. Many contemporary homes offer indoor/outdoor living making it easier to socialise and make the most of your garden space. Homes and gardens are also becoming more important as we learn to live with the aftermath of Covid and realise there’s no place like home.

Comfy lounge suites, dining tables and even day beds are becoming more commonplace, along with colourful pots, fire pits and garden ornaments. Garden lighting is also on trend and there are plenty to choose from, many of them solar powered. Use them to highlight a particular shrub or string them around the garden to create a beautiful glow.

Dining and relaxation options are becoming more customised to suit individual family preferences and make the most of the outdoors. Patio heaters are commonplace and can add ambience to your social gathering.

Container gardening gives flexibility in that the containers can be moved around to quickly create a new look. Pre-planted baskets, shrubs in pots, window boxes and flowers in unusual containers such as old boots, old bicycles, with appropriate drainage, can all create a stunning talking point.

It’s not necessary to always buy new and there’s plenty that can be done to improve the look and functionality of a garden by being creative. Upcycle old furniture or create something new from wooden pallets-they’re often given away for free.

Add a few splashes of colour by painting old flower pots, re-purpose an old ladder or use old tea cups and saucers to make pretty bird feeders.

Add colourful shower resistant cushions to your outdoor furniture and add a few matching throws for cooler evenings.

There’s no limit to what can be done with a little imagination and a splash of paint.

Your Home 2021

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Gorgeous gardens

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ust as interior decoration is a matter of personal taste so too is the presentation of your external space. Some people have ‘green fingers’ and enjoy spending as much time working in their garden as they can. Others find gardening a chore and may choose easy care and low maintenance sections.

Starting a garden from new is easier than taking over an established property although vision is required to be able to ‘see’ the final product.

To do this you’ll need a wish list, an understanding of the climate, sun movements, the soil and a budget! A plan of the section, to scale, will also be needed. Consider the immediate needs of your family and also how they might change in the future as the family matures. Landscape designers can help in this respect as they are extremely creative and have access to plenty of resources.

Easy care sections can be made attractive with clever use of pavers, foliage, grass and shrubs. There’s a good selection of sculptures, statues and ornaments for gardens and who can resist the sound of trickling water? Not only are water features soothing they are a good source of water for birds.

While many of us hunker down for winter it is a good time to start planning to spruce up the section so it’s all ready to go once spring arrives. Take a look at your lawn too. Does it need some care and maintenance yet you lack the time or motivation? Call in the experts so your lawn is spic and span for summer.

A wander around any garden supply, or landscaping store, is a great way for thinking about what’s possible these days: raised garden beds, pebbles and bark, privacy screens and no end of plant pots and pavers. Compost and special soil can also be purchased in large and small quantities.

Add value to your home with a well cared for, great lawn

Now you can enjoy a perfect lawn for less cost than you can do it yourself!

D-I-WHY?

Slab Scissor Lifts are used for a range of construction, maintenance and infrastructural work. Also known as electric scissor lifts, they are designed to work on flat ground such as

Our weed and feed service takes kes l. care of any lawn – large or small.

So don’t delay. Contact us today ay for your FREE lawn inspection.

the concrete slab of building

Weeds? Disease? Moss? Insects?

contractors, painters, roofers,

foundations. Slab scissor lifts are popular with electricians, HVAC

structural steel contractors, carpenters, etc. Our range goes from 4-12m platform height with a working height range of 6-14m.

0800 111 001

www.pimpmylawn.co.nz

Telephone (06) 877 7186 sales@hbcraneandplatform.co.nz

We are now in our brand new yard centrally located at 54 Whakatu Road,Whakatu.

Lawns, Gardens & Windows

Franchises available

• Lawns • Hedges • Trees • Pruning • Gardens • Window cleaning Call now for a FREE quote phone 844 0444 or 878 7444