7-things-about-renovating

1. 1 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

2. Table of Contents 1. Budget Mastery for Kiwi Homeowners 4 2. On-Time Project Delivery 6 3. Living Arrangements During Renovation 7 4. Selecting Your Home Details 8 5. Understanding Variation Costs 9 6. The Importance of a Detailed Contract Proposal 10 7. The Power of a 10-Year Structural Warranty: Why Association Membership Matters 12 Bonus: Choosing the Right Builder Before Embarking on the Design Phase 14 2 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

3. Welcome to the Kiwi Home Renovation Guide by Add Value Renovations. Whether you are planning to renovate your home or are considering it for the future, this guide is here to help you navigate the process smoothly. We understand that renovating your home is a significant investment; and our goal is to provide you with essential insights to make the journey easier. 3 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

4. 1. Budget Mastery for Kiwi Homeowners 4. Time Management: Your budget influences your renovation timeline, avoiding costly delays. Mastering Your Budget for Home Renovation in New Zealand Budgeting isn’t just about numbers; it’s a strategic plan that defines your home renovation journey in New Zealand. This chapter explores the importance of understanding your budget, how it shapes your renovation, and why sharing it with your builder is wise. 5. Effective Communication: Sharing your budget with your builder fosters clear communication, aligning design with your financial goals. Understanding Your Budget Your renovation budget is more than a figure; it’s a financial roadmap. Before diving into your project, you must define your budget’s limits. This clarity prevents overreach and helps you avoid designing something you can’t afford to build. From the start, sharing your budget with your builder ensures that your vision aligns with your financial reality. Contrary to common belief, disclosing your budget doesn’t inflate costs. It allows the builder to plan a home renovation that suits your lifestyle and budget. Benefits of Budgeting 1. Cost Control: A well-defined budget keeps your project on track financially, preventing overspending. 2. Project Focus: It helps prioritize aspects of your renovation, ensuring that you don’t compromise on what matters most. 3. Financial Confidence: You can make decisions confidently, knowing you’re staying within your means. 4 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

5. The Role of Add Value Renovations As your renovation partner in New Zealand, Add Value Renovations encourages you to share your budget early. We see it as the foundation, not a limitation. We tailor our design and recommendations to create a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. Our expertise in New Zealand’s renovation landscape ensures your budget guides your project. We view budgeting as an ongoing dialogue and refine it as your project progresses. It’s a strategic move toward a successful renovation aligned with your financial goals. 5 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

6. 2. On-Time Project Navigating Renovation Timelines in New Zealand Setting clear deadlines is crucial for your home renovation project in New Zealand. In this chapter, we explore the power of project timelines, how they influence your renovation schedule, and why sharing them with Add Value Renovations ensures your dream renovation stays on track. The Role of Timelines Project timelines are the guiding framework for your renovation journey. They bring structure and organization to your project, helping you visualize each step. Clear deadlines are essential and impact your renovation experience. Defining Your Project Schedule Establish a clear timeline before design and construction begins. It outlines when milestones, from design to completion, should occur. Setting fixed deadlines provides structure and tangible goals, allowing you to plan effectively. The Importance of Fixed Deadlines 4. Stress Reduction: Timelines reduce uncertainty, making the renovation process less stressful. 1. Goal Orientation: Deadlines provide a target, keeping the project on course and ensuring everyone is on the same page. The Role of Add Value Renovations Communicating your project timeline is crucial when you work with Add Value Renovations. We use it as a roadmap to plan efficiently, allocate resources effectively, and ensure your renovation stays on schedule. Sharing your deadlines with us is a strategic move toward an on-time, stress-free renovation journey. 2. Time Efficiency: Clear timelines prevent delays, ensuring your renovation stays on schedule. 3. Resource Management: Efficient scheduling minimizes resource waste, saving time and money. 6 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

7. 3. Living Arrangements During Renovation Strategies for Living Smart During Home Renovation Choosing where to live during your New Zealand home renovation project is a significant consideration. This chapter explores various living arrangements, how to prepare for life in a construction zone, and effective communication with your builder for a harmonious coexistence during your renovation. Living Arrangements During a renovation project, your living situation can vary, from staying on-site to relocating temporarily. Each option has its benefits and challenges. Staying On-Site If you stay home during the renovation, prepare for construction noise and dust. Discuss access restrictions with your builder, ensuring safety and minimizing disruptions. Off-Site Living Temporary relocation can provide peace and comfort. Communicate your needs and expectations with Add Value Renovations, and we’ll assist you in finding suitable accommodation. 7 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

8. 4. Selecting Your Home Details Making Informed Selections for Your Renovation Selecting the perfect details and finishes for your home renovation project in New Zealand is an exciting, yet critical phase. This chapter emphasizes the importance of making these selections during the design stage, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing Add Value Renovations’ checklist for a seamless selection process. Planning Your Selections Your choices impact your renovation project’s timeline and budget. Making these decisions during the design phase is crucial to prevent delays and rushed-choices later. Benefits of Early Selections 1. Avoiding Delays: Selecting materials in advance prevents delays caused by waiting for orders. 2. Budget Control: Early choices allow you to track expenses and stay within budget. 3. Reducing Stress: Planning selections in advance eliminates last-minute decision- making pressure. Using Add Value Renovations’ Checklist Add Value Renovations offers a checklist to streamline selection. This tool helps efficiently confirm, record, and track selections, enhancing your renovation experience. 8 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

9. 5. Understanding Variation Costs 3. Impact on Costs: Depending on the nature of the variations, costs can increase due to the need for extra materials, labor, or adjustments to the initial plan. It’s important to discuss potential cost implications with your builder when considering variations to avoid unexpected expenses. Variations in a home renovation project can lead to changes in both time and cost. It is crucial to grasp the implications of variations and how they can impact your renovation journey in New Zealand. When you decide to make changes or additions to your renovation project after the contract has been signed, you should expect some consequences. These consequences can include an extension of your project’s completion date and additional charges. It’s crucial to understand how variations affect your renovation project comprehensively. 4. Communication is Key: To minimize the impact of variations on your project, effective communication with your builder is essential. Openly discuss any proposed changes and their potential consequences before making a decision. This collaborative approach helps you make informed choices while being mindful of your renovation timeline and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key points to consider regarding variation costs 1. Time Extension: When variations are introduced, they often require additional work or adjustments to the existing plan. This can lead to delays in your project timeline. It’s vital to be aware of how many days have been added as an Extension Of Time (EOT) due to variations, as these extensions can affect your project’s completion date. 5. Delays and Construction Slot Availability: Renovation projects in New Zealand often rely on construction slots, and missing a slot can lead to significant delays. Delaying decisions that your builder needs to finalize a contract proposal can result in you missing the next available construction slot, potentially setting your project back by months. 2. Administrative Fees: Variations in a building contract involve not only additional work but also administrative tasks for the building company. Consequently, expect to incur an administration fee for each variation raised. These fees cover the costs associated with processing and managing changes to the project. 9 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

10. Understanding and managing variation costs is an integral part of a successful home renovation project. While changes and additions can enhance your project, being aware of the associated impacts on time and budget is crucial. Effective communication and collaboration with your builder can help you navigate these challenges and ensure a smooth renovation journey. 10 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

11. 6. The Importance of a Detailed Contract Proposal 3. Timelines and Milestones: A well-structured proposal includes a construction schedule with estimated timelines for different phases of the project. This allows you to visualize how long each process, such as constructiondrawings, engineering assessments, and actual construction, will take. It also highlights how decisions can impact the start and completion dates. A detailed contract proposal is crucial for any successful home renovation project in New Zealand. It’s not just a formality; it’s a comprehensive plan that outlines the scope of work, specifications, timelines, and expectations for both you and your builder. At Add Value Renovations, we understand the significance of a well-structured contract proposal and its impact on the project’s smooth execution. 4. Cost Breakdown: The proposal should break down the costs associated with your renovation. This transparency helps you see where your budget is allocated, ensuring that there are no hidden surprises along the way. It’s a valuable tool for tracking expenses and staying within budget. Here’s why a detailed contract proposal is of utmost importance 1. Clarity and Transparency: A contract proposal provides a clear and transparent overview of what your renovation project entails. It outlines the specifications, materials, and design elements to be used, leaving no room for ambiguity. This clarity ensures that both you and your builder are on the same page from the beginning. 5. Coordination and Planning: A detailed contract proposal is a sign that your project has been carefully planned and coordinated. It demonstrates that your builder has taken the time to organize subcontractors, suppliers, and timelines. This level of preparation is essential for a smooth renovation process. 2. Project Scope: The proposal defines the scope-of-work (SOW), detailing every aspect of the renovation project. This includes architectural plans, structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and any other relevant components. Knowing the scope helps you understand the project’s depth and complexity. 6. Gantt Chart: A construction schedule, often presented as a Gantt Chart, is a crucial part of a detailed contract proposal. It provides a visual representation of the project timeline, showing how different tasks overlap and impact the overall schedule. If your builder cannot provide a Gantt Chart at the contract signing, it may indicate a lack of planning and scheduling. 11 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

12. In conclusion, a detailed contract proposal serves as the foundation of your home renovation project in New Zealand. It’s a document that ensures clarity, transparency, and effective planning. Choosing a builder who can provide a comprehensive contract proposal is a sign of commitment to a successful renovation journey. 12 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

13. 7. The Power of a 10-Year Structural Warranty: Why Association Membership Matters When undertaking a home renovation project in New Zealand, peace of mind is invaluable. One way to achieve that peace of mind is by working with a builder that offers a 10-year structural warranty. In this chapter, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing a builder associated with a reputable organization, such as Add Value Renovations, and how it translates into a 10-year Master Builder Guarantee for your renovation project. Benefits of Working with a Builder from an Association 1. Quality Assurance: Builders of reputable associations, like Add Value Renovations’ membership in Master Builder, adhere to high-quality standards. This commitment to excellence ensures that your renovation project is in capable hands. 2. Expertise and Training: Association members often undergo continuous training and professional development. This means your builder has the latest knowledge and skills, ensuring your project is executed precisely and efficiently. 13 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOWBEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

14. 3. Code of Ethics: Association members are bound by a code of ethics and conduct. This code prioritizes honesty, transparency, and ethical business practices. Working with such builders ensures that your renovation journey is characterized by integrity and trust. 4. Access to Resources: Builders associated with reputable organizations can access a network of resources, including industry experts, suppliers, and up-to-date construction technologies. These resources translate into a smoother renovation experience and access to the latest innovations. 5. 10-Year Master Builder Guarantee: One of the most significant advantages of working with a builder from an association is the assurance of a 10-year Master Builder Guarantee. This guarantee provides you with a safety net, protecting your investment for the long term. It covers structural defects, giving you peace of mind that your renovated home is built to last. 6. Quality Control: Association members often undergo rigorous quality control assessments, ensuring that their work meets or exceeds industry standards. This commitment to quality control indicates the builder’s commitment to excellence. Choosing a builder associated with a reputable organization provides numerous benefits, including quality assurance, expertise and training, ethical business practices, access to resources, a 10-year Master Builder Guarantee, and rigorous quality control. By working with such a builder, you can ensure that your home renovation project is in capable hands and that the result is a home you’ll love for years to come. 14 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

15. Bonus: Choosing the Right Builder Before Embarking on the Design Phase Before delving into the design phase of your project, it’s essential to select the right builder that aligns with your vision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this crucial decision 1. Research and Shortlist Begin by researching and creating a shortlist of potential builders in your area. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues who have undertaken similar projects. Online reviews and testimonials can also provide valuable insights. 2. Initial Contact Reach out to the builders on your shortlist. Send inquiries or make phone calls to assess their responsiveness and willingness to engage. Timely and professional communication is a positive sign. 3. Phone Conversation For the builders that respond, invest 15-20 minutes in an initial phone conversation. At this stage, expect a professional builder to ask you more questions than you ask them. This allows them to better understand your desired end result. 4. Address Your Concerns During the phone conversation, be prepared to address questions about your project’s scope, budget, timeline, and design preferences. A builder who seeks detailed information demonstrates a genuine interest in your project’s success. 15 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

16. 5. Review Builder’s Portfolio Request to view examples of their past work. Reputable builders should be eager to showcase their portfolio, providing insights into their style and capabilities. 10. Trust Your Instincts Ultimately, trust your instincts. Choose a builder that not only meets your technical requirements but also makes you feel comfortable working with their team. Effective communication and a strong working relationship are essential for a successful renovation journey. 6. Check References Ask for references from previous clients. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences working with the builder. This step can offer valuable insights into the builder’s reliability and professionalism. By following these steps and dedicating time to the selection process, you can make an informed decision when choosing a builder before embarking on the design phase of your project. This sets the stage for a successful and stress-free home renovation journey. 7. Verify Credentials Ensure that the builder is licensed, insured, and compliant with local regulations. This is essential for your peace of mind and the legal status of your project. 8. Compare Quotes If you feel comfortable after the initial phone conversation and portfolio review, request detailed project quotes from your shortlisted builders. Compare these quotes carefully, considering factors like materials, timelines, and the builder’s approach. 9. Schedule an Onsite Meeting If a builder’s phone conversation, portfolio, and quote align with your vision, the next ideal step is to arrange an onsite meeting. This face-to-face interaction allows you to assess their professionalism, communication skills, and how well they grasp the specifics of your project. 16 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ

17. Ready To Speak To A Renovation Specialist? Call Us Now On: 09 393 5658 020 456 0007 09 393 5658 Add Value Renovations 2/532 Parnell Road, Parnell 020 456 0007 simon@addvaluerenovations.co.nz https://addvaluerenovations.co.nz/ 17 7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE RENOVATING A HOME IN NZ