Renovating Homes

Home renovation shows are hugely popular for a reason: Kiwi’s love anything to do with property and they’re entertaining and inspirational. But we can’t believe everything we see on TV, and home renovation shows are no different.  There are many reasons why these shows don’t quite match up with real-life renovations. They’re designed to fit…

Even a good renovation project that has been meticulously planned, with detailed drawings, accurate quotes, and a carefully considered building strategy can incur variations. No matter how well prepared you and your builder are, plans can change. Any change to the original plan is a variation and can complicate the project by increasing the overall…

Renovating your home can be expensive. It’s easy to get carried away with elaborate floorplans, trendy fittings, and gorgeous materials – but with some careful thought and smart choices, you can save on your renovation while creating the house you want. Here are our top nine ways to save on your renovation project: 1: Don’t forget…

When you’re renovating, unexpected costs are not really unexpected. The majority of projects involve some sort of unforeseen problem or added expense. It’s just the nature of building work – particularly when you’re working with an existing structure with unknown issues. That’s why contingency planning is so important. Before you start work on your renovation project,…

Size doesn’t matter as much as you think it does. Whether you’re building a new house or extending an existing dwelling, the floor space involved is only one factor affecting the price. Other factors – like materials, site location and condition, design, and labor costs – have a huge impact as well.  That’s why you…

From lino floors and pastels in the 50s, sunken lounges in the 60s and 70s, bold wall colours in the 90s, subway tiles and indoor plants in the 2010s, home renovation trends are always changing. At MyHome Improver, we’re in a great position to see new styles and new ideas as they emerge. We see…

You’re facing a dilemma – do you undertake your home renovation under a fixed-price or a charge-up building contract?  There’s one thing everyone knows about renovations, it’s that they can be expensive. We’ve all heard horror stories about homeowners spending thousands more than they wanted to, builders making mistakes and adding to the cost, and…

Like kids, renovations are loud, messy, and disruptive. But that doesn’t mean children and renovations mix. Children thrive on routine and stability. Renovations – which can involve having to move out, switch bedrooms, and see their home being torn to pieces – can be incredibly disruptive and stressful. The irony is, many renovations come about…

Renovating and moving are two of the most stressful, disruptive life events you’ll ever experience. But if your house is too small, too run down, or just doesn’t work the way it should, you probably need to do one or the other. Deciding whether to stay or go can be very difficult – which is…

Renovations require a lot of project management and still don’t always go to plan. Some projects go off without a hitch, while others are delayed for days or weeks as they wait for contractors or materials to turn up. If you’re renovating your own home, these delays can be incredibly disruptive. You and your family could…