Planning a new home? check this list!
Life on the (pipe)line
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o matter how resplendent a modern, newly-built house may be, homeowners are bound to kick up a stink should builders’ hard work be undermined. “A new home can be easily spoiled (or soiled, for that matter!) if such tasks as installing water tanks, storm water or sanitary wastewater systems are not undertaken correctly,” Graeme Garchow, director of Drains.co explains. “As we’ve been in the business of providing a complete range of drainage solutions to builders, project managers and developers for more than a quarter of a century, our customers know that their hard work won’t be ruined!” Installing water and sewerage management systems in hundreds of homes every year, Graeme and team have been in on the ground floor of the Auckland building boom. “Serving regions across Auckland (north and south), which have become almost flooded with
Rain harvesting Water tanks First flush diverters Water tank fittings – soft inlets, floating inlets and vacuum outlets ■■ Water pumps – external or submersible water pumps ■■ Ultra violet disinfection & water filters ■■ Grey water recycling ■■ Water conservation devices ■■ Wastewater designs reducing wastewater volume ■■ Consider wastewater treatment options ■■ Simple septic systems ■■ Secondary treated systems such as the Oasis Clearwater range ■■ Ensure adequate drainage ■■ Install enough pit boxes and cesspits in the driveways and lawns ■■ Planned maintenance Talk to drains.co your drainage professionals about ensuring the best options for your new home. Drains.co, cnr Quarry & Great South Rds, Drury. Phone 09 294 8109. Email info@ drains.co.nz. www.drains.co.nz ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■
subdivisions, has been tricky, but as the area has grown, so too has our company. “Since our MD, Rodger Williamson, began the business as one man with a wheelbarrow, we’ve assembled a top team of drainage experts to embrace new technology while keeping pace with growing demand.” This enables the company to continue to provide the highest levels of service, he adds. Although subdivision homes have become the company’s bread and butter, customers building on larger sections in more rural areas are also catered for. “From Hunua and Whitford to Pokeno and Te Kauwhata in the Franklin district, many customers are still opting for larger sections and lifestyle blocks. As these can raise additional issues when it comes to installing or maintaining pumps, water and wastewater systems, septic tanks, cesspits and soakholes or connecting to mains, it’s even more important to consult the experts.”
Akarana Timbers makes the cut Out of sight out of mind is an easy attitude to adopt when it comes to the foundations and framing for a home but at Akarana Timbers emphasis is on quality products, which provide every building with “good bones”.
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ith Auckland undergoing a huge building boom, the demand for products be it for a new house, fencing, decks or hard landscaping, means it is important that hidden structure, as well as exterior construction, is of sound quality which will stand the test of time. And that’s why long standing company, Akarana Timbers, in East Tamaki is the first place of call for both professional tradesmen and DIYers. Established for more than 30 years, the company has carved out a strong reputation with trade and retail customers by providing a full range of timber and landscaping materials. It has a branch in Christchurch and next year a new yard will open on the outskirts of Hamilton. General manager, Gareth Williams says experienced, knowledgeable staff members willingly offer advice for any building project although leading construction companies know what they want and they know Akarana Timbers can supply – fast! Backed by global market leaders in frames and truss design technology, Gareth says the
company’s experienced pre-nail detailers are all industry qualified and many have completed higher draughting qualifications. Both Auckland and Christchurch frame and truss plants are members of the FTMA (Frame and Truss Manufacturers’ Association) and adhere strictly to the FTMA Code of practice. “Akarana Timbers is committed to Industry
Best Practice and we pride ourselves on keeping to the forefront of technology. Both plants are modern and automated with computerised factory workflow and the latest in cutting and assembly technology. “ Specialising in house-lots, Akarana Timbers can supply a wide range of building materials including: frames, trusses, concrete, blocks, reinforcing steel, cladding, insulation, plaster board, appliances, doors, door hardware, mouldings, all hardware, nails and more. “With our extensive building industry network we also offer a service whereby we give customers very competitive quotes on roofing, windows, structural steel and proprietary cladding,” Gareth adds. “In fact, we can and have supplied everything from garden sheds right through to multi-million dollar homes from the far north to Taranaki. Fortunately, Akarana Timbers is big enough to offer a comprehensive, competitively priced range of products and services but small enough to listen to our customers, give personal service and provide flexible delivery times.” Design and Build South East — 2017-2018 — 39