| Building & renovating |
| Watching those home project shows on telly can make building and renovation look like a piece of cake. Oh, if only that was always the case! Still, it's worth the effort to get exactly what you want. Here are handy guides to get you started. |
In a market that is at best stabilising, but with some areas still showing values decreasing, how can you, as an owner, add value to your property? In fact, should you do anything at all, or should you sit tight and wait for the market to turn firmly upward? This is a question that we, as valuers, are now often asked. Unfortunately there is no one simple answer; we need to look at the big picture.
As the population grows, it's the city council's role to protect the density of development, maintaining an ideal mix between the built environment and open spaces. Councils look to the Resource Management Act, the Unit Titles Act, The Building Act and the District Plan for any subdivision.
The leaky building syndrome has upped awareness of new building regulations. But what exactly does the new Building Act mean for buyers?
When you're building or renovating, you'll probably be affected by the Building Act. As the homeowner, it's important to make sure work on your property is legal. The Building Act 2004 sets out the standards and procedures for people involved in building work.
In New Zealand renovating is typically a DIY job. Whether you choose to use professionals or not, the general rule is: 'don't bite off more than you can chew' (both in terms of finances or blood, sweat and tears).
Property sales plunge in January
15 Feb 10
