Its Hard to Renovate a Heritage Home

2012-05-15Looking at it now, one can’t argue that they see a lovely home, proudly perched on top of Auckland’s Hobson Bay cliff line. But those who took on the complex task of renewing and revitalizing this once derelict two level cottage… Read more »

127 Hobson Street: A Great Auckland Build

2012-05-15First comes the site preparation, followed by foundation construction, then framing. Installation of windows and doors is important, then add roofing, siding, and some electrical and plumbing. Builders add the insulation, drywall, underlaym… Read more »

Negotiating Leases after the GFC

2012-05-15With the residential property market moving again, new trends are developing with commercial leases. These reflect new common practices, a change in the law, and a result of lessons learned from Canterbury. Recent changes commonly made to t… Read more »

Restricted Building Work Now in Effect. What that means to you.

2012-03-14On 1 March 2012 new Restricted Building Work rules took effect throughout New Zealand. In summary, these rules mean that most building or renovation work must be designed and supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (a licensed design… Read more »

New Zealand’s Chemical Facilities among World Leaders in Safety and Technology

2012-03-14No one wants to talk about chemicals, let alone conceive of where to store them or how to safely transport them. But the simple fact is that without chemicals, water can’t be sterilized, cleaning products can’t be created, and h… Read more »

Kiwi Brewers Tap into Growing Demand for Craft Beer

2012-03-14Craft beer drinking is about the search for authentic, full flavoured beers. Craft brewing blends tradition with creative, complex flavour that reflects a brewer’s tastes and style. The craft concept is associated with all that we val… Read more »

Council asks Architects to Build Auckland Up. Not Out.

2012-03-14Much of the Auckland Spatial plan asks business owners, architects, and builders to make Auckland beautiful by building within already designated building areas. Many of these builds will use unique renovations on already standing establish… Read more »

How to Obtain a Liquor Licence in Auckland

2012-03-14Whenever liquor is being sold, be it in a bar or restaurant, a ‘one-off’ event such as a wedding or a ball, or a local shop or cafe, a liquor licence is required. The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 sets out requirements that must be me… Read more »

Obtain a LIM Report in Auckland

2012-03-14Buying a property can be one of the biggest transactions we make. Obtaining the right preliminary advice is essential to ensuring that the process of purchase runs smoothly. Many times, living in a new home or building a new business can be… Read more »

Auckland Draft Plan: Expansion & Environment

2012-03-14The Auckland Spatial Plan is in the first stages of development. According to Mayor Len Brown, “Its purpose and plan is to make Auckland the most liveable city in the world.” Its goal is innovation. Its structure has been both c… Read more »

Modern Environmental Architecture

2012-03-13In North Piha, a residential beach house has been designed with groves of surrounding trees in mind. Throughout the planning process, a central consideration was two beautiful, mature pohutukawa trees. “There are a number of pohutukaw… Read more »

Auckland Businesses Build for Population Growth

2012-03-13A projected 2 million residents are expected in Auckland City and surrounding suburbs by 2050. As the population reaches upwards of this number, the soon to be super city will need adequate accommodations. As council members and government … Read more »

Your Renovation may require Resource Consent and a headache

2012-03-13We love our homes. Our lives our spent to own them, work on them, and alter them to suit our ease and style. In the Ponsonby and Grey Lynn areas, when it becomes necessary to make external additions or alterations to our heritage homes, res… Read more »