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5 Must-follow tips for starting a house renovation in Christchurch

31 July 2023

Are you at the start of your renovation journey? Whether you are adding more space to your home, enhancing its functionality, or elevating the aesthetic, undertaking any house renovation in Christchurch is a mammoth task, even if you are a seasoned pro and have previous experience.


Many homeowners jump into the process without having an adequate way to manage the day-to-day of the renovation which can lead to additional challenges. To make life that bit easier, here are 5 essential tips to starting and surviving a successful house renovation.


1.   Research luxury home builders Canterbury

Invest time to thoroughly research the best builders for Christchurch renovation projects. There are vast differences in the level of service and the delivered results between businesses. Cost is one factor to consider, but there are other areas to assess before making a decision:


  • Are they high end builders who have a reputation and track record of delivering outstanding and quality results?
  • Do they provide project management?
  • Is there a portfolio of completed renovation projects you can see?
  • Are they master builders in Christchurch who possess the expertise and experience necessary for executing complex renovation projects?
  • Which other Christchurch businesses recommend them, and who do they partner with to complete works?
  • Do they work within agreed budgets and timelines?


Researching builders is critical to ensure a stress-free and successful house renovation. Identifying who is best placed to turn the vision of your home into reality is the most important house renovating decision you will make.



Christchurch home renovated by Shaun Bradley Builders

2.   Create a file and email address exclusively for the building project

Rebuilding or renovating a property creates a large amount of communication between the various parties. Depending on the scope of your renovation, copies of permits and permissions from local authorities in Christchurch, building contracts and insurances need to be easily accessible.


Create an email address for project communications and have a folder for hard copies of documents. If challenges arise information can easily be accessed for a swift solution. A project email address is particularly helpful when there is more than one of you managing the build.


3.   Instal a key lockbox

High end residential builders arrive on site early to make the most of the day If you are not going to be living in the property or plan to be away during the renovation, consider getting the builders to install a key lockbox so trade staff can access the site as and when required without you having to be there. so this easy hack saves you time, stress and fuel having to commute.


4.   Inform your insurance company

Regardless of the type of work you are having done, it’s wise to let your insurance company know you are having work done to the property. While house insurance policies may cover you for non-structural work, most don’t cover major renovations, so it’s a good idea to check your current policy to confirm its limitations. They may agree to maintain the cover, or you may need additional insurance.


5.   Keep your neighbours informed

There’s no escaping the fact that the early stages of renovation work can be noisy, especially if parts of the property are being demolished in the process. It’s important to keep your neighbours up to date with the schedule of work so they know how long they can expect a level of noise and disruption.


Shaun Bradley Builders collaborate with clients to ensure the renovation project goes above and beyond their expectations. With over 80 years of experience, the homes we create are crafted with exceptional quality, exquisite finishes, and attention to detail. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, our team is committed to ensuring a seamless and stress-free building experience for both you and your community.


If you would like to find out more about our builds and renovations and how we can help you with your project, please do contact us, click here or call 027 284 5363.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.

Rethink the space in your home: Renovations for modern living

23 October 2023
If you have the growing realisation your current home no longer fulfils your needs, yet you have no desire to relocate, it’s time to reconsider your property’s space and how you use it. The unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic acted as a catalyst to highlight inadequacies in people's living environments which, coupled with the surge in housing costs, means there is an increased demand for builders Christchurch renovations . People typically think building up and out delivers the biggest transformation, yet high impact transfigurations are achieved by the clever reworking of existing areas within the property’s footprint. Renovating a property does not always mean extensive works and extravagant budgets. Repurposing a room, removing a wall, or reorientating a layout has the potential to deliver great gains, both in terms of practicalities and aesthetics. Space is no longer the lone prerequisite, modern living places fresh demands on house designs to create a greater sense of flow and altruistic cohesion in the home. Multifunctional spaces In our experience as high-end builders, Shaun Bradley Builders are used to challenging the traditional boundaries of space, but it is the emergence of dynamic multi-functional spaces that have a huge impact on the modern living experience. Think of a room that transitions from a quiet daytime workspace into to a vibrant social space for weekends or a dining room that transforms into a media room. Multifunctional spaces are not about cramming more into a confined area, rather they have the capacity and flexibility to adapt to the needs of the householders in a way that today’s fast-paced life demands. Sustainable renovation options A sustainable renovation embraces the use of locally sourced, eco-conscious materials to replace existing ones during the renovation process, while also implementing intentional modifications to enhance your home’s overall environmental friendliness and energy efficiency. Homeowners are now more tuned into the impact of their homes on the environment. Shaun Bradley Builders are leading passive house builders in Christchurch and help climate-conscious clients add the green to their renovations: Superior insulation Natural ventilation Strategic shading High performance materials 
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