WHERE TO START? ART?

Christian suggests including a HomeFit (homefit.org.nz) check as part of your renovation planning. It’s a free online tool that will tell you if your home is warm, safe and dry and suggest improvements.

Developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council, HomeFit is designed for homeowners, renters and landlords. Christian says the right ceiling and underfloor insulation is the top priority for any renovation, followed by warm walls. “You can halve the heat loss in your home through well-installed ceiling and underfloor insulation, as well as reducing the heat coming in during the hot summer months.”

It’s crucial to tackle dampness too. Not only can it damage your home, but mould and dust mites can also seriously affect the health of your family – particularly if they’re prone to asthma and allergies. Opening windows regularly and having good ventilation systems or dehumidifiers can help, but it’s important to track down the underlying cause of the problems.