Beat the big chill

Building an energy-efficient property that provides warmth and comfort all year round can be easily achieved with high-performance insulation, reliable heating and a few new season styling ideas

The secret to creating a warm, dry and healthy home is to ensure a new property has the core requirements to withstand the cooler months, and it all starts with good insulation and an efficient home heating solution. Generation Homes Chief Executive Kevin Atkinson says it’s vital for new homeowners to think about how they’ll use every interior and exterior space to create a property that meets their needs now and in the future.

“For some homeowners this means installing more insulation to create a warmer, quieter home, while others want to explore outdoor heating and lighting options to extend the functionality of alfresco areas. Extra storage for sporting equipment, interior styling and landscaping all play a part in creating a functional and liveable home all year round.”

INSULATION

Insulation is an important consideration because of its ability to retain heat in the winter and regulate a property’s temperature in the summer. Research shows that good insulation can cut the cost of heating and cooling a home by 40 percent, making it the most practical way to make a property more energy efficient. Generation Homes uses Pink® Batts® insulation to build warmer, drier and quieter homes. It can be installed in the roof, ceiling, walls and floors depending on the level of insulation required. Insulation also absorbs sound making it a great barrier between bedrooms and a home’s central living areas.

HEATING

Heat pumps are an efficient way to regulate temperatures in new homes. High wall heat pumps are standard in Generation Homes’ properties, but buyers can upgrade to ducted or multi-split pumps to heat more than one room at a time. Ventilation systems are another customised upgrade. The system pumps fresh filtered air into a home to keep internal spaces dry and reduce mould, damp and condensation. Gas fires and log burners are popular with families that love the look and feel of a traditional fire.

LIFESTYLE

If you love alfresco entertaining, investing in a fireplace, fire pit or an infrared heater is a must. Adding a shelter or canopy over an outdoor area will help capture heat so you can swap the bubbly for some mulled wine or hot chocolate. Strategically placed lights, lanterns or fairy lights, will help fashion a beautiful, ambient setting. Be sure to plant winter bloomers such as hellebores, camellias and violas so that your garden has some new colour throughout winter. Inside a home, think about including custom-made storage areas to house skis, snowboards, umbrellas and other winter items such as boots and jackets.

DÉCOR

Swap summer-inspired sofa cushions for knitted, plush or textured pillows and rugs. Layering chunky throws over furniture is a stylish way to provide another level of warmth and comfort. Stick to neutral and earthy tones with darker accessories and pops of white or cream to make family spaces feel cosy and inviting. Well-fitted windows dressed with thermal-lined curtains are another great way to retain warmth in a home’s central living areas.

Generation Homes is an award-winning national top 10 residential builder that provides a ordable houses to Kiwis without compromising on design. All homes are sold with a fixed-fee contract, ontime delivery guarantee and 10-year Master Build warranty. For more information and professional advice, go to: generationhomes.co.nz.