guardian property, friday, september 27, 2013

GuardianAshburton

If location is importantProudly marketed by Hamish Niles

Property Brokers, Ashburton

GuArDIAnPropertySEPTEMBER 27, 2013

FURTHER DETAILS P2

A Rothbury insurance broker gives you the ease of knowing that you have the freedom to enjoy the things you love. We do the hard work for you providing the best cover and advice available.

69 Tancred Street Ashburton

PH: 03 308 9612

“Do more of what you love! Let your broker do the hard work”

If location is important

Cover story

A charming villa with attractive features in keeping with the character of the home – enter into the

wide hall way and you will find a well presented three bedroom home - master with designer finishing’s.

The two living spaces provide plenty of room for entertaining or for the children to play.

The property has an eco-logburner, a heat pump and a heat transfer unit making it cosy on those cold winter nights.

A modern bathroom and separate toilet add to the appeal.

The kitchen/dining area catches the morning sun and looks out over the garden. The kitchen is vibrant and functional for the chef of the house.

The location is excellent in the sought after west side area close to the town centre. The large corner section has a private back yard with deck leading from the dining area for you to enjoy indoor/outdoor flow - great for entertaining.

Deadline Sale closing 4pm, October 3.

Open Home: Saturday 11 – 11.45am 79 Walker Street

Come on over to our Gold award winning Braebrook show home ... judged as one of the best in New Zealand!We are very proud that our stunning Braebrook show home has not only won Gold and Category Winner but has now been selected as one of the top 100 in the country, in the Registered Master Builder’s 2013 House of the Year.

Locally designed, it is one of only thirteen New Zealand-wide to earn National Gold Reserve status in the Show Home Category. Come and see for yourself what life could be like in an award winning Jennian home.

Show Home Open Saturday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm and Monday to Friday by appointment16 Braebrook Drive, Braebrook, AshburtonJennian Homes Mid CanterburyP 03 307 7308 E [email protected]

Interested in this property?79 Walker Street

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Hamish Niles

Mobile: 027 435 6265PH: 307 9176

[email protected]

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

RESIDENTIAL - 03 307 9176Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 03 307 [email protected] West Street

POSSIBLY TODAY'S BEST BUY

OPEN HOMEDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY WEB ID AU32731TINWALD32 Melcombe StreetTidy first home or investment on 936sqmsection. Kitchen, dining and separatelounge. Handy to town.VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 10.00 - 10.30amDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (unless soldprior) Wednesday 2nd October 2013 at4.00pm

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SOLID FIRST HOME

OPEN HOMEDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY WEB ID AU32733EASTSIDE12 Aitken StreetThis brick home is lovingly built andgroomed by one owner. Separate kitchen,living and lounge.VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 10.00 - 10.45amDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (unless soldprior) Wednesday 16th October 2013 at4.00pm

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BRAND NEW-AVAILABLE NOW

OPEN HOME$389,500 WEB ID AU32739EASTSIDE153 Victoria StreetSun filled attractive three bedroomtownhouse. Close in east side locationclose to Countdown Shopping Centre.Open plan living, three spacious bedrooms- master having ensuite. Attached two cargaraging. Move now!VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 10.30 - 11.00am

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IF LOCATION IS IMPORTANT

OPEN HOMEDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY WEB ID AU32551WESTSIDE79 Walker StreetCome and inspect this family friendly homewith two living areas & extensivelyrenovated throughout.VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 11.00 - 11.45amDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Thursday 3rdOctober 2013 at 4.00pm

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ENTERTAINERS DELIGHT

OPEN HOMEOFFERS OVER $395,000 WEB ID AU32755EASTSIDE51 Trevors RoadSpacious family home on extra generousfamily sized section. Nicely situated on thesection, this home offers a rural feel withall the conveniences of urban living. Goodindoor outdoor flow. Come and see foryourself.VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 11.00 - 11.30am

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YOUNG OR MATURE

OPEN HOMEDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY WEB ID AU32581WESTSIDE112a Creek RoadPrivate modern home on a 738sqm sectionpositioned for all day sun. Great outdoorliving space.VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 11.15 - 11.45amDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Wednesday2nd October 2013 at 2.00pm

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NO WAITING HERE

$142,000 WEB ID AU32477TINWALD3 Braam LaneBuilding site ready and waiting for you to build on765sqm. Nice setting. No waiting on titles.View By Appointment

GREAT LOCATION

$495,000 WEB ID AU31719WESTSIDE122 Elizabeth StreetThis brand new 211sqm home is almostcomplete. Three bedrooms plus office, twobathrooms and a double internal accessgarage. Designed to be spacious andwarm. Sited on 666sqm section, this homeis certain to impress. Completion date isnear!View By Appointment

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The Braebrook story continues...STA

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HOW GOOD IS THIS!

$499,000 WEB ID AU32196EASTSIDE11 Magnolia DriveYou will be impressed with the locationand size of this family home.• 257sqm big• Walk in wardrobe and ensuite in master• Separate Lounge• Open plan kitchen, dining and livingView By Appointment

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TOP WESTSIDE CULDESAC

$469,000 WEB ID AU32052WESTSIDE23 Falcon DriveThis immaculate three bedroom, onebathroom with separate toilet, one ensuite,executive home will not disappoint. Walkin to the spacious entrance hall - to the leftis the formal lounge and conservatory - tothe right is the generous family room.View By Appointment

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SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

OFFERS OVER $399,000 WEB ID AU31909WESTSIDE145 Harrison StreetImmaculately presented larger family homeon popular west side. This sunny home hasfresh neutral colourways and new flooringthroughout. Roomy lounge/dining room,five bedrooms or four and a separate livingspace. Two bathrooms, loads of storage.View By Appointment

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www.oaklea.co.nz

LAKE HOOD SECTIONS

FROM $190,000 WEB ID AU25458BASHBURTONStage 8 Lake Hood SubdivisionStage 8 Lake Hood sections selling now. Come alongand secure your dream building site now. Priced from$190,000.View By Appointment


RURAL - 03 307 9176Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 03 307 [email protected] West Street

UNIQUE IS THE ONLY WORD

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATYWEB ID AR32397

ASHBURTON1147 Mitcham RoadFifty hectares in Winchmore location. Full borderdykeirrigation allocation of 2075 shares in the AshburtonLyndhurst Irrigation Company, giving 20.75 litres persecond. Currently being used as a dairy support block.The homestead is modern and unique. Entering thehome the eye is taken by the polished floor enticing thevisitor to explore further. Passing the galley kitchen thevisitor enters the dining and living room with largewindows giving expansive rural views towards themountains.

View By AppointmentDEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Friday 11th October2013 at 4.00pm

215HA DAIRY UNIT - PRIME LOCATION

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATYWEB ID AR32491WINCHMORE480 Winchmore Dromore RoadAn exceptional location, an exceptional homestead, anexceptional producer!!Presently milking 650 cows with peak production of294,044 kgs milk solids (2011/12). Produced 285,922kgs 2012/13. A border dyke irrigated unit within theALIS proposed pressurized piped water supply area.Further development will increase the effective areaand productive potential of the farm.A lot of thought was given to the 55 paddock layoutaccessed by lime capped lanes all meeting at thecentrally located 44 bale rotary shed.

View By Appointment

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Friday 25th October 2013 at3.00pm

RAKAIA LIFESTYLE

OPEN HOME

$695,000WEB ID AL32594

RAKAIA102 Wolseley RoadYou will be impressed with this outstanding propertyset in established grounds on 2.4 hectares. Spacious259m2 home with open plan living and separatelounge. 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and separatelaundry.Internal access to large double garage plus detachedgarage with study provides ample room for thehandyman/retiring farmer. Water sourced from welland fully reticulated around the property. Extensiveinsulation including double glazing and heating via logburner and night store promises unparalleled comfort.Rare opportunity to secure a quality lifestyle property inRakaia.

VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 11.00 - 12.00pm

RELAXED RURAL LIVING

OPEN HOME

$625,000WEB ID AU31839A

ASHBURTON23 Innes Road2 ha only 8kms from town centre. Waimakariri shallowsilt loam soils. Four bedroom homestead, master withensuite. Open plan living plus separate lounge/billiardroom and smaller sitting room. Office. Attractive andmature grounds. Two bay open shed, two bay garagewith large workshop. Renovated sleepout. Three phasepower. A range of older sheds. Excellent subdivisioninto five paddocks. Well maintained paddocks. Waterfrom well approx. 21 metres deep.

VIEW Saturday 28 Sep 11.30 - 12.15pm

QUIET AND ATTRACTIVE

$238,000 WEB ID AL31725ASHBURTONWilkins RoadNestled on a quiet road within three minutes of theCBD. Deep fertile soils. Power to boundary. Sets backto river margin and natural wetland in the title ofapproximately 1.4 hectares. Great building sites in avery popular location.View By Appointment

ATTRACTIVE LIFESTYLE

$675,000 + GST WEB ID AL28305ATINWALD152 Gartartan RoadAn attractive 12 hectare lifestyle property largeenough to generate some income. Warm andcomfortable home in settled grounds plus good outbuildings including stables, implement shedtackroom/workshop and cattle yards. Opportunity forlifestyle and income.View By Appointment

STUNNING VIEWS

$472,500 + GST WEB ID AL26381ASHBURTONWakanui RoadA rare 8 hectare corner site with many attractivebuilding sites. Full open views over town to theSouthern Alps and Mt Hutt. All in good pasture onquality soils ideal to develop your landscape. Wellfenced and power at the roadside. Town 'n' Countrywith the boundary only 1km away.View By Appointment

Homeowners STASH CASH: Saving for your first home takes time, commitment and sacrificing flash cars and meals out. OILY raggers are not ones to dwell on the negative so they’re probably not taking a

lot of notice of the negative talk about young people not being able to afford to buy a home. As oily raggers, we know that home affordability is more like a molehill than an insurmountable mountain, so we thought it worthwhile to remind those who are yet to be converted to the thrifty mindset.

Here are some key principles that will help you to become a homeowner...

CoMMItMeNt

Start saving early and often. We have a general rule of thumb that 10¢ in every dollar that flows through your pocket should be captured and caged. By captured we mean “saved”, and by caged we mean “put to work in an investment account of some kind”. If someone on the average wage did that during their lifetime then by the time they qualify for government super they will have more money than they would have imagined when they made that first deposit into their savings account. That’s not exaggerated puffery, it’s just how the numbers work - and compounding interest really is just as simple as 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.

Commitment also means giving up some of the nice things for the important things. Forget flash cars and fancy restaurants - put that money into debt repayment. Just remember, a mortgage repayment will have lifetime benefits. If that money was used instead to buy a car then it becomes a liability with diminishing resale value and increasing annual costs. Every dollar matters.

KIWISaver

Huge benefits are in store for those who have yet to buy their own home. There are thousands of free dollars waiting for you to use as a deposit on your first home. One would need to have cupcakes in their head to not take advantage of them.

tIMe

Use it productively. Turn off the TV and use that time to generate some extra income or use it to save money by putting in a vege garden or doing some other money-saving activity. If you have a hobby, try turn it into a positive

tips for wannabe home ownersSaving

Commitment also means giving up some of the nice

things for the important things.

27 Gordons Road, Ashburton - Freephone 0800 155 343 Email :[email protected]

www.poolandpumpworld.co.nz

Pool and Pump World specialises in:- Pool construction- Spa pools supply and installation- Accessories and cleaning products- Rural and domestic water systems- Full servicing and repair service

Contact Paul or Jackie today for all your pool requirementsOpen Monday to Friday

Enjoy and relax in a swimming pool with your family this summer…

Paul Jackie

Saving

cashflow. Time is also about having a date for when you want to buy your first home. A timeframe creates an imperative that turns it into a goal, rather than an idle wish.

MINdSet

Don’t expect anyone else to do things for you. If you want something it’s up to you to get it. As much as you or others may wish, the Government will not give you a house. Unfortunately, there is a perception that it will, which tends to make people stand in a queue with their hands out while the rest of the world walks on by with a purpose. To get something, you generally have to give up something to get it. Figure out what is least important to you - and give that up first. We think booze and cigarettes are at the bottom of the “needs” list and should be first to get the boot.

HuMIlIty

A first home need not be a king’s palace. The important thing is to get on the property escalator. A humble abode in a nice street is likely to turn into a tidy investment, especially when embellished with the savings that can be made by living off the smell of an oily rag.

Much more can be said about home ownership. But we think five words pretty much sum it up: commitment, KiwiSaver, time, mindset and humility.

Do you have a favourite winter tip you would like to share?

Send it to us at www.oilyrag.co.nz or write to Living Off the Smell of an Oily Rag, PO Box 984, Whangarei.

Industry Comment

Around 700 rural professionals attended twenty seminars on the

current state of the rural property market which were held around the country in September and October.“It’s about quality information transfer”, says Company Rural Manager, Peter

Barnett, who delivered each of the seminars.“With data drawn from nine different sources including Dairy NZ, Beef+Lamb, Statistics NZ and the Reserve Bank, we wanted to share some fact based information with rural accountants,

solicitors, consultants and bankers, to help them be better informed.”Here are five of the key themes from the seminars:1. More farms being sold than listedMore farms have been sold than listed

rural outlook

of Mid Canterbury’s home owners read the Ashburton Guardian*

86%

GuardianAshburton

Can you afford not to be here?*SOURCE NEILSEN MEDIA

2 years

Mortgage rates

5.95%P.A.

2 years

6.25%P.A.

2 years

5.95%P.A.

2 years

5.75%P.A.

2 years

5.95%P.A.

2 years

5.95%P.A.

*At the time of printing

%This week’s winner!

Congratulations to the winners of this week’s $100 voucher from:

Every property advertised in the weekly Guardian Property Liftout goes in the draw to win a $100 voucher from a selected property

services supplier.

GuArDIAnProperty

36 Spaxton Street

Rural and Outdoor Timber Yard

Call us today on 308 6444 for all your timber needs

Calf Pens

Come see our team today for more details on our calf pens, shelters & sheds

$1835+GST

Corner South Street and East Street, Ashburton

$1850+GST

Calf Sheds(Gate Extra)

2507

13

(Ramp Extra) $350.00+GST

Peter BarnettGroup Rural Manager


Industry Comment

over the past three seasons, with the total number of all rural listings held on the real estate industry’s key website, www.realestate.co.nz falling by 40%. This backs up what we are seeing in our business, as older, long standing listings have been largely

sold over the past six months.

2. Most older listings finding buyers

All over the country there are stories of farm properties that have been on the market for a couple of years as buyer perception, on some of these

properties, was that they were too dear. In many cases these are now sold or under contract, with many of these sales happening in late autumn and into the winter.

3. Buyer enquiry up

Buyer enquiry has increased across most farmland types, but particularly for dairy farms and dairy support type properties. This has been a notable change from the last few winters.

4. Spring rural listings slow

Compounding the impact of low listing numbers being carried through from winter is the lack of new properties being brought onto the market, as at the time of writing. This bodes well for potential vendors this spring,whose farms will have less

competition from other properties on the market.

5. Farm capital moving from South to North

From the early 1990’s many dairy farmers moved south from the traditional dairy powerhouse regions to convert farms to dairying, driven by lower prices in the south. With increases in relative land values of sheep and beef farms in the south, driven by the demand for dairy support units, some of these sheep and beef farmers are now looking to the north island for better value farming opportunities. There is also examples of some dairy farmers moving back to their original home regions having done well in the south.

www.methvenrealestate.co.nz | 127 Main Street, Methven | (03) 303 3093

Methven Real Estate Ltd MREINZLicensed Real Estate Agents REAA2008

Methven Real Estate Ltd MREINZ

Principal0274-388-493

Selwyn AllredProperty Consultants0274-909-991 Mark

0272-429-799 Rachel

Mark & Rachel AllredRural Property Consultant

021-743-394

OJ – Martin DodsonProperty Manager/Property Consultant

0274-655-387

Rosa HarperOffi ce

Administrator303-3093

Amanda Pannett

Forest Lodge, MethvenIMPRESSIVE FOREST LODGE, BAR & RESTURANT. - First time on the market for over 20 years for this extensive property. Currently run as an Accommodation Lodge, Popular Bar and Restaurant. The 2 storey lodge is a favourite with ski and activity guests. Impressive reception area with an offi ce which leads through to the bar, lounge and restaurant area. The lodge has recently been renovated to a high standard with 18 rooms of various confi gurations. Separate managers house which offers private modern living and great mountain views.

36 Spaxton StreetClosing Thursday 31st October (unless sold prior).SPACE FOR ALL THE FAMILY. - Plenty of space for everyone! Large 1295sqm section, with awesome veggie garden. The generous sized character home boasts 4 bedrooms with logburner for the cooler months. Good garaging on offer, with both double and single detached garages. A motivated vendor. SET SALE closing Thursday 31st October (unless sold prior).

SET SALE

NEW LISTING

13 Robinson Street, RakaiaOpen Home Saturday 28th September 1pm-2pmSUPERIOR IN RAKAIA. - Exceptional 4 bedroom home just come to market. Large quarter acre section fully fenced with a great outdoor area for the whole family. The kitchen is the jewel with a stylish, modern layout. The kitchen fl ows though to the lounge area which has a new log burner. Open the sliding doors and step out to a fantastic large deck with solid wood benches, perfect for the summer BBQ. A great fenced off veggie & herb garden for those with a green thumb, also a sandpit for the kids to play in. Master has good wardrobe space and ensuite. Internal access garage with space for the tools. This home has something for everyone in the family and is well worth a look.

$390,000

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

ENQUIRYOVER

$1,350,000.

New season, new lookSome go for spring cleaning this time

of year, while others pursue a more permanent endeavour - such as getting

the house freshened up with a new look. If you are of the latter persuasion, read on.Spring always begs lightheartedness, and the new decorating themes back that up.

Light backgrounds on walls, floors and furniture set the stage while pops of colour with accessories and fabrics bring out the owner’s personality.

The light background colours include cream or beige, white and soft grey. The pops of colour are all up to you. Whatever colours make you happy will make the room pop just fine.

That light colour on furniture is particularly visible in woods. Dark wood was popular before, but the trend is definitely moving toward light wood or mid-toned natural-wood finishes.

Furniture arrangement has shifted from the wide-open spacious look to a more intimate plan. Think of how you can arrange your furniture in a more familiar, cosy way with conversation areas well-defined.

What about fabrics? Is there is more to the fabric selection than simply beige? Well, there is. To the simple neutral colours, you will find metallic threads added. This is in keeping with the light look as the metallic threads lift the visual feel of the fabric.

Oh, and there is a comeback some might be happy about but others not. Faux fur and textured knobby fabrics. Go figure. But the choices are more than that. The current trend in fabrics also includes plaids, stripes and modern florals, mostly in bold colours.

As mentioned, your favourite colours are the ones you should use, but I will tell you the popular ones for this year. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, golden yellow, sapphire blue and ruby red. As seen in the metallics woven into the fabrics, gold, silver and other metallics in accessories and accents are in.

Since it seems everything old is new again, mirrored furniture and accessories are back.

As far as style, any one you prefer is fine, whether contemporary, country, traditional or eclectic.

Many of us are strapped for money these

days, so redecorating might seem out of the question, but it still is possible if you are willing to search for items.

Refurbished secondhand furniture from thrift stores or consignment shops is one option. The entire house doesn’t have to be a hand-me-down place, but a few reclaimed pieces actually add charm and personality to any room. AAP

Spring

What’s new in the furnishing scene

Furnishing

Call Hayley, our drape and blind consultant,

for a free measure and quote today

Redmonds has an extensive range of designer fabrics and blinds including Ashley Wilde, Warwick, Maurice Kain, James Dunlop, Charles Parsons and more making it easy to create a style to suit your home and budget.

FREE making on all drapes*

Save 15% on Luxaflex venetians and sunblinds until 31 October

East to Burnett Street, Ashburton (03) 308 5269 www.redmonds.co.nz

interior design | curtains | blinds | flooring | furniture | beds

Give your home the perfect finish with our window furnishings options

*Terms and conditions apply. See instore for details.

What’s new in the furnishing scene

World trends are important to an ever-changing furnishing trade. The swing from wool carpets

to solution-dyed products is driven by increasing wool prices and the ever-increasing opportunity to provide products at cheaper prices by importing from markets with a larger population base.

The furniture trade has also followed this path creating bigger, better and best scenario with best being led by local manufacturers and imports from Europe and China and the mid and lower end of the market being covered by imported products from China, India, Vietnam and Thailand.

The only way to compete with the larger retail chains is to travel with like-minded independent retailers to the furnishing fairs in China and keep up with the latest trends which are first shown in Cologne and Milan in February and April. These trends filter to Guanzhou in March and Shanghai in September with thousands of furnishing retailers from all over the world attending. For first-time New Zealand retailers the scale of these shows are inconceivable, in 7.5 hours you have walked 11.5km through 10 halls with over 100 displays in each. The mind and the feet get well worn out.

latest trends

My favourite trend this year was from English company Tetrad. They produce fantastic quality traditional furniture and cover it in a mix of leather and Harris Tweed. Every piece is numbered and has its own unique Harris Tweed label. The whole story around this furniture is about English tradition, farming, hunting Landrovers and dark wood

panelling, which I could just see working so well around our district.

On the modern side we saw so much reproduction mid century (retro) product I got bored. But it is so big in the UK and Europe and our Wellington and Auckland friends couldn’t get enough of it. Leather furniture design is still led by the Italians. Simplistic and square is still predominant and there were definite trends of blue and orange shown in many displays.

Another favourite, again from the UK, was Andrew Martin, a designer well known for his amazing furniture, printed fabrics and industrial wallpapers. This year his wallpapers feature collages of 1950 movie stars, famous landmarks and racing cars. It’s following the eclectic trends you see in retail stores and bars here and overseas with collections of mirrors, clocks or old prints displayed on one wall as a feature.

The list goes on, but colour and bold statements are definitely where the furnishing market is going. So don’t be scared, decorate with a bright chair, wallpaper the loo, or add a colourful rug to enhance the ambience of your home and put a smile on your face.

By Chris redmondBusiness owner

redmonds Funishing and Flooring euroPeaN INSPIred CouCH WItH PerForated leatHer detaIl tetrad FurNIture

tHe HarrIS tWeed Story

aNdreW MartIN

When decks came into fashion in the seventies, it was easy to choose the perfect decking material. There were

only a few options and homeowners generally based their choice on the longevity of the timber available.The limited natural wood choices available 30-odd years ago are merely a drop in the bucket in today’s decking industry. Thanks to modern technological advances there are all sorts of manmade and composite materials out there, which can satisfy both aesthetic, economic and ecological requirements.

Timber, obviously, has a good look but it’s not maintenance free. It may fade and warp, grow mould, moss and algae, and require re-staining or oiling to keep it looking smart.

Modern decking materials made from combinations of recycled timber and plastic require less attention to maintain their good looks, and are also easier to clean on a day-to-day basis.

As well as being functional and having aesthetic appeal, a deck needs to complement the style of existing architecture and buildings, offer privacy and shelter, enhance the existing landscaping, and, if possible, extend the outdoor living opportunities of the home-owners.

Size, in this case, does matter, and it pays to be aware that whatever size you make it, it’s likely that within a few weeks you’ll be wishing it were bigger. So give careful thought to how the deck is to be used. If it’s going to be an entertaining area, factor in space for a barbecue, preparation and cooking facilities, a table and chairs to accommodate the

number of guests you generally have, standing space for people to gather for pre-dinner drinks, and space for planter boxes, container plants, pots of herbs and other decorative elements. You may also want to factor in space for an outdoor fire, brazier or patio heater.

Keep in mind that if you have a large expanse of deck, it’s likely to look a bit boring. It’s easy enough to introduce a second material, so if you’ve chosen man-made decking and want to add a more rustic element, use a rustic timber as edging, or to divide your deck into different areas. Similarly, channels of stones or plants incorporated into the decking will create interest, and you can leave cut-outs for existing trees or plants.

Before you so much as lift a spade or hammer, consult the local council to check the regulations. Safety features such as handrails will be required, there may be boundary restrictions, and you will almost certainly need a consent.

The exception to some of these limitations is if you want a freestanding deck.

While we are more accustomed to decks that are part of the house, decks are more and more often being used as separate spaces within the garden. A deck that’s virtually flat on the ground can be used to provide a sitting space near a focal point of the garden, or simply to enhance a landscape design. Of course, you can’t simply plonk a deck in the middle of the grass and leave it at that. If it isn’t attached to a building you need to provide edges and borders that will give the sense of enclosure you’d otherwise borrow from the house or the wall.

Substantial rocks that are between 600 and 900mm high are fantastic for this. They anchor any structure or garden design and give it a reason for being. They also create boundaries, provide focal points and can be arranged to give you pockets to plant in or a backdrop to plant against.

Another great advantage of a deck flat on the ground is that your plants don’t have to be very big to make an impact, so you’re not going to be waiting till next spring for it to look good. Choose a couple that are a decent size to give it an established look, and fill in the gaps with smaller ones.

Add a couple of stylish chairs, a table big enough for a book and sunglasses, and you’re done.

Spring

the do’s and don’ts of decksBy Leigh Bramwell

Before you so much as lift a spade or hammer, consult the local council.

Spruce up can help add bucks

Property Management

Many investors use renovations as a strategy for success in property investment. Some properties require

structural change, others landscaping and others a cosmetic makeover through redecoration. Obviously when looking for the “right’’ property investors need to take the renovation - and the extent of work needed - into account. The most common reason for a renovation would be to increase rental return. An extra bedroom makes a considerable monetary difference, as does the addition of covered car parking.

A fresh look also increases the return and it goes without saying any improvement will make the property more appealing to a prospective tenant.

Before proceeding with the purchase the investor should consider the following: Does the property have potential? What is the desired end result? How much work is required for the renovation? Is the proposed work within budget? Are there people available to carry out the work? Are you prepared to follow through?

Ten things to consider to increase rental return.1. Is there equity in the property?

Speak to a valuer to find out if the figures stack up. What is the value likely to be

after the renovation is complete?

2. Is the property in a desirable area for prospective tenants? The aim is obviously to buy a property always in demand meaning less down time and more money in your pocket.

3. Is the property in a desirable area for potential purchasers? If you decide to on-sell the property, are fellow investors willing to invest in the area?

4. Does the property have street appeal? First impressions count. Can simple landscaping be carried out to create that ``wow’’ factor?

5. Is there potential to create an extra bedroom? Dividing large rooms to two singles is a popular trend as is converting one side of a double garage to a sleepout. This opens up potential to a higher rent return.

6. Painting the interior and/or exterior. Be sure to know what job you are getting. Are you requiring a renovation or a restoration? A tidy renovation will get a higher rental return without huge outlay. A restoration will put the property back to new condition but will cost and may not always be necessary.

7. Can covered decks be added for extra outdoor living space?

Particularly to be considered if the property is targeting a larger family.

8. Does the property offer any heating? Most tenants consider heating as one of their top priorities. Check out available schemes for funding, particularly the ``Hot Swap’’ in Rotorua.

9. Does the property offer covered car parking? The rule of thumb is a single garage is worth between $10 and $150 extra per week. If you can’t stretch to a garage a carport is the next best thing.

10. Quick kitchen and bathroom makeovers. There are many economical solutions to modernising the kitchen and bathroom and improvements here greatly increase a property’s appeal.

In summary, complete the renovation, find a great tenant at a good rental return, then sit back and reap the benefits. - Donna Russell is director of property management firm Russell Hardie.

Preparing for sale

By Shane WoodsInsideout Property Services

With summer just around the corner, swimming pools are great selling pools for your home, so adequate fencing is a must

for any potential buyer.

As the homeowner you are responsible for making sure everyone in your neighbourhood is safe from the risk of drowning in your pool.

Under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, the Building Act 2004 and the council bylaws, all swimming pools and spa pools must be fenced.

The Building Act applies to the construction of new pools and alterations to existing pools. The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act was enacted to protect young children from falling into unfenced swimming pools.

If you don’t have a pool yet, but are thinking about installing one, you first must apply for and be granted a building consent. The council will inspect the fencing before issuing a code compliance certificate.

Under the act, the council can enter your property if they suspect you have an unfenced pool.

The minimum height for a pool fence is 1.2 metres above ground level and no space under the bottom

of the gate or fence can be greater than 100mm from the ground at any point.

Fences can be constructed from any type of material provided it is durable and complies with the building code.

However, living vegetation or hedges alone are not acceptable as pool fencing.

Gates and existing doors must open away from the pool and automatically close and latch when released from a distance of 150mm from the open position.

Horizontal support rails must be at least 900mm apart.

There can’t be any holes or gaps in the fence that may give a child access to the pool area, and there can’t be any objects close to the fence that could help children climb it.

Homeowners can ask the council for a fence exemption, but you will only get one if the council is satisfied there is no significant increased risk to young children from not fencing. Each council may have different rules and will treat each application individually.

Check with your council, but a locked cover over the spa pool may not necessarily be enough - it may also need to be fenced.

Fence placement

The fence can only enclose the immediate pool area but may include things used in association with the pool, such as changing sheds. You can’t fence a big block of your back yard and expect to comply with the act, because children generally come and go in these areas freely.

A wall of the house may form part of the fencing if it complies with the act, but if the wall of the house has a door into the house, the door will need to be self-locking.

Who checks up on fences?

It is the owner’s responsibility to advise the council if they have a pool, if it is not already aware of it.

It is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure the fence complies with both act requirements. Missing sections of the fence, or a gate that is not self-latching, must be replaced or repaired immediately.

The council could make you empty the pool and you could be liable for a fine for non-compliance.

Make sure you fence your pool

All swimming pools and spa pools must be fenced.

Property Services

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