Auckland, New Zealand (PressExposure) July 29, 2010 -- Following the downturn in the Auckland property market since 2008, more and more home owners are choosing to stay where they are and upgrade their existing homes. This has lead to the need for specialist builders who are skilled in this type of building work.
Most people think that one type of building work is much the same as the next. This isn't the case. When adding on to, or renovating, an existing building there are many different factors that need to be taken into account that are not an issue when building a new home.
There may be complicated engineering work to be done and the structural integrity of the existing building must be preserved. Even just changing a window or door size or type could require engineering calculations to ensure the lintel is the appropriate size. Many of today's builders in New Zealand have learnt their trade building only new homes using pre-cut and pre-framed timber frames. The foundation work is often carried out by foundation sub-contractors, concrete floors are laid by concrete layers and walls are lined by another sub-trade (plaster board fixers).
They also work on homes that are not, and never have been, lived in.
The type of alterations being done to existing dwellings is vast. From none structural re-fits of kitchens and bathrooms through to opening up the roof space and adding on another storey - and often while the family is still living in the house.
You must choose a builder who not only specializes in this type of work but also one that you feel comfortable having around your home and family. Living in a building site is never going to be the best of environments but there are actions you can take to make sure you minimize the discomfort and in years to come you, and your family, look back on the whole process as an adventure rather than a nightmare.
Within the next year or two all New Zealand builders will have to be licensed, this isn't the case at present but homeowners can safeguard themselves by choosing a Registered Master Builder or a member of Certified Builders both of which require that their members are qualified and guarantee their work.
The Home Transformation Company Ltd specialize in residential renovation work. Working around families, their children and often their pets as well is just one of the challenges the team at The Home Transformation Company are well used to dealing with. They do their best to fit in around family routines and a number of their clients have actually been a little sad when the project has reached completion and the adventure is over.