NEW BUILD WORKSHEET

BUDGET

> How much did you spend on the build? $850,000 > Did you stick to your budget? We budgeted the entire build and knew that if we used smart products and design we could create a bespoke house for a standard cost. Fixing all the costs beforehand meant that the only overspends were when we decided to upgrade the quality of some of the items and finishes.

> Which areas did you save or splurge on? Indooroutdoor flow was important, so the big spend was on the aluminium bifold doors from Waikato Windows.

The kitchen and bathrooms were also splurges as these places get the most use (we used Moda Kitchens and Robertson Bathware for these).

HONESTY BOX

> Best lesson learned? Design and planning are paramount, down to light fixtures and art on the walls. Talk to people along the way – you don’t know what you don’t know, so it helps to talk to others about their experiences. > One thing you’d change about your home if you could? Make the walk-in wardrobe bigger!

> Most memorable experience in your home so far?

Christmas – it was the first Christmas we could have all our family to stay. The open-plan layout made it really easy to host and socialise and also enabled family members to relax in their own space when needed.

CONTACTS

> Building materials jameshardie.co.nz or 0800 808 868. Kirsty and Tim: “We wanted to use products that would be cost-effective and create a great-looking home without huge ongoing maintenance.”

> Architect Reed Marshall at RPM Architecture, rpma.co.nz/ or 07 378 7347.