Building Tips Archives - RHM Construction https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/category/building-tips/ Builders in Warkworth Sun, 17 Mar 2024 02:08:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RHM-Builders-Matakana-and-Warkworth-75x75.jpg Building Tips Archives - RHM Construction https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/category/building-tips/ 32 32 Decking timber NZ – Our top 5 alternatives to Pine https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2021/06/28/decking-timber-nz-our-top-5-alternates-to-pine/ Sun, 27 Jun 2021 23:19:13 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3691 New Zealand is currently facing a national shortage of pine timber. This is due to a number of reasons including the housing boom and high log exportation numbers. As a builder, it is strange to see empty shelves where stacks of decking timber once was at our local supplier. Some lesser-known timber suppliers do still […]

The post Decking timber NZ – Our top 5 alternatives to Pine appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
New Zealand is currently facing a national shortage of pine timber. This is due to a number of reasons including the housing boom and high log exportation numbers. As a builder, it is strange to see empty shelves where stacks of decking timber once was at our local supplier.

Some lesser-known timber suppliers do still have pine decking timber in stock. But due to the demand vs supply issues, the price of pine has spiked. At one of the few suppliers who have 140mm pine decking on their shelves, the price per lineal metre is very close to the price of Kwila decking.

With the current pine shortage in NZ, many people are having to wait to have their new decks built. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good time to share our top 5 decking timbers that are a great alternative to pine.
Pine decking is great for decks when you are on a budget, however, Hardwood decking is much more sustainable and will last a lot longer than pine decking.

  1. Bamboo Decking

    Bamboo or Bambusoideae is one of the less common decking timbers to make our list, however, in our opinion it is second to none. Firstly, it comes with a stunning tongue and groove design and is fixed with clips. This means you do not see any screws or screw holes.
    Secondly, its durability is superior to hardwood timbers and thus it is a sustainable and eco-friendly product. That is to say, Bamboo decking timber gets the big green tick from us.

  2. Vitex Decking Timber

    Vitex decking timber or Vitex cofassus, is a tropical hardwood sourced mostly from the Soloman Islands. It is a light creamy colour when new, however it will age to a silvery grey colour.
    Vitex is one of the more common hardwood decking products used in New Zealand due to it being low maintenance and being highly durable. It has a class 2 durability rating. This means that it is expected to last 25+ years above ground.

  3. Kwila Decking Timber

    Kwila, or Intsia Palembanica is a South East Asian tropical heartwood that is commonly imported from Papua New Guinea.

    It is a popular choice for hard wood decking in New Zealand as it is incredibly durable and relatively affordable compared to other high end decking timbers. Kwila is a rich red-brown colour which gives it a very luxurious look.

    One thing to keep in mind when choosing Kwila decking timber, is that during the first few months after being laid, Kwila is known to bleed tannins. This means that it will stain the likes of concrete.

  4. Macrocarpa Decking Timber

    Macrocarpa, or Cupressus macrocarpa is a New Zealand grown softwood timber. Being grown in New Zealand, not only ensures that you are supporting local businesses, it also reduces the carbon footprint, which gives it a green tick.

    Macrocarpa is a light yellow-brown colour which gives it a nice high end look. It is naturally chemical free and relatively low maintenance, making it a popular choice of decking timber in NZ.

  5. Wood-Plastic Composite Decking

    Wood-Plastic composite decking timber is an eco friendly alternative to pine or hardwood decking. It is often made with recycled plastics and reused waste timber.

    Composite decking is almost maintenance free. In other words, you wont need to re-stain, re-screw or replace any boards.

So that completes our list of alternates to pine decking. Don’t let the New Zealand pine shortage slow your plans to build a new deck. If you’d like any more information, or a price to build a new deck with any of the above decking timbers in Auckland, give us a call today for a chat.

The post Decking timber NZ – Our top 5 alternatives to Pine appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Bathroom renovation ideas – 10 beautiful bathrooms on Houzz https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/08/20/10-bathroom-renovation-ideas/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:55:19 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3487 Do you need some bathroom renovation ideas? Then this post is for you. We have put together 10 awesome luxury bathrooms for you to draw inspiration from. Click on the photos below to see the full images and see more of these incredible home renovations. 1. The Resplendent Bath Photo by Mantis Design + Build, […]

The post Bathroom renovation ideas – 10 beautiful bathrooms on Houzz appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Do you need some bathroom renovation ideas? Then this post is for you. We have put together 10 awesome luxury bathrooms for you to draw inspiration from. Click on the photos below to see the full images and see more of these incredible home renovations.

1. The Resplendent Bath

Stunning bathroom renovation ideas

First on our list is the stunning bathroom in Minneapolis. We love the idea of the shower head being located in the recess for the sky light. It gives it a waterfall like effect. There are plenty of things to draw bathroom renovation ideas from here.

2. Hale Ku Mana

bathroom remodeling inspiration

Does it still count as a bathroom if it’s technically outside? Either way, this incredible patio/bathroom hybrid in Hawaii had to make our list.

3. Modern Rustic Aspen Mountain Retreat

If you’re looking for ideas for a rustic bathroom renovation, this is one to check out. This huge marble bathroom is located in Denver and has incredible mountain views. Above all, we love the timber feature walls.

4. Gray marble contemporary bathroom renovation ideas

contemporary bathroom renovation ideas

This grey marble bathroom is stunning. The designer has done a great job utilising space with recessed shelves. But, it was the use of different shades and shapes of grey tiles that caught our eye. In short, this one is very innovative and they pulled it off well.

5. Modern bathroom ideas

At first glance, this San Francisco bathroom looks pretty basic. But, there is something about that concrete floor which gives it a really clean and stylish look. Secondly, the teak slat shower floor with floating bench is really unique and looks great.

6. Rustic en-suite

This bathroom in Atlanta is a great one to draw inspiration from if you’re looking for that rustic look. We love the sliding timber door to the bedroom. Likewise, the rustic style wooden floor boards make this bathroom look great.

7. Spa-Inspired Modern Master Bathroom renovation ideas

modern master bathroom renovation ideas

This modern master bathroom had a big renovation. It needed to take some space from the neighboring bedroom and it got a completely new configuration. The massive shower area looks incredible. Additionally, the teak slat ceiling and the grain in the cabinetry makes this bathroom transformation that much more impressive.

8. Clean and Contemporary Mukilteo Master Bathroom

bathroom renovation ideas

This impressive contemporary master bathroom has loads of space. We love the minimal but modern look. Additionally the blue tiled wall above the vanity is a really nice touch. Above all, this bathroom boasts incredible sea views.

9. Stein Eriksen Residences

This contemporary bathroom in Salt Lake City is sure to give you some bathroom renovation ideas. We love the free standing bath and beautiful brown tiles. Also, it has an incredible view from the bath tub.

10. Modern bathroom renovation ideas

Last, but not least, is this remarkable modern bathroom in Santa Fe. It gets plenty of natural light through the floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors. We love the huge bathtub and, the floating shelf above it is a touch of class.

The post Bathroom renovation ideas – 10 beautiful bathrooms on Houzz appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Indoor outdoor flow – get the most out of your outdoor area https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/08/10/indoor-outdoor-flow-ideas/ Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:17:05 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3444 Summer is finally on its way. That’s why we have decided to share some ideas to create better indoor outdoor flow in your home. Additionally the government has recently relaxed the rules around building consents for porches and awning. This means that now is the best time to put your indoor outdoor flow ideas into […]

The post Indoor outdoor flow – get the most out of your outdoor area appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Summer is finally on its way. That’s why we have decided to share some ideas to create better indoor outdoor flow in your home. Additionally the government has recently relaxed the rules around building consents for porches and awning. This means that now is the best time to put your indoor outdoor flow ideas into action.

They key to indoor outdoor flow is creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior areas of your house. In this post we will share some of the best and most effective ways to do this. Using patios, decks, porches etc. you can create stunning outdoor areas which essentially become an extra room of your home.

Using decks for indoor outdoor flow

Having a deck built at your home is often the most popular way to create indoor outdoor flow in your home. This is largely due to the fact that the construction of a deck doesn’t have to be overly expensive. In most instances, a bottom storey deck is a simple job. Therefore, they are often relatively quick to complete. Also, building a deck in your home is a great way to significantly add to the resale value of your home. However, a deck by its self doesn’t necessarily create indoor outdoor flow.

As we mentioned earlier, the goal is to create that transition between the inside and the outside of your home. Possibly the best way to do this is with a big set of glass doors. There are many styles of doors that can pull this off, but it’s always best to stick with the style of your home. For example, a nice big set of sliding doors may look stunning in a modern home, but maybe not so much in a 1940’s villa. Our advice is to do some research on what you think will suit your home the best. It could be worth checking out photos online of houses that have a similar style to yours and seeing how they achieved indoor outdoor flow.

There is one more thing to look out for when choosing a set of doors for your deck or outdoor area. That is how much space the doors will take up when they are open. For example a big set of French doors may look stunning when they are closed, but if you don’t have the room to peg them back all the way to the exterior wall, you may be better off looking at bi-fold doors or even sliding doors.

Patios

Patios are a paved outdoor area usually located to the back of the house. A patio will often feel very open, more so than say a deck or a porch, especially if it flows into the surrounding garden or lawn. When done right, they can be an excellent way to create indoor outdoor flow in your home.

The great thing about having a patio, is that they can be created to suit all styles of home and all budgets. Modern homes look great with polished concrete and older homes can get a great look with large paving stones.

There is one thing in common that most great patios will have. That is an outdoor fireplace or a wood burner. They go hand in hand with patios and help you to enjoy them on cooler nights. In our opinion there is no better place in a home to put an outdoor fireplace than a patio.

Porches to create seamless indoor outdoor flow

A porch is a covered shelter connected to an entrance of a house. They are often located at the front of the property and usually have open sides. Because a porch is technically outside but has a roof, it can act like a hallway to your patio or deck. Therefore, they are perfect to create that seamless transition from inside to outside. Big doors on the porch leading to your outdoor area are a great way to do this.

Pergolas and louvres

Having a roof over an outdoor area, particularly a roof that can be opened and closed, creates indoor outdoor flow. A roofed outdoor area creates that additional room feeling which makes for a smooth transition between indoors and outdoors.

Both pergolas and louvres are slatted roofs or covers for an outdoor area that can often be opened and closed. The reason they are so great is that the enable your outdoor area to be utilised all year round. Having a pergola or a louvre over your outdoor area not only means you can enjoy it rain hail or shine, they also give a stunning look to the whole area.

Whatever kind of outdoor area you need this summer, now is the time to build it. For a quote to create a stunning outdoor area with indoor outdoor flow, get in touch with us today.

The post Indoor outdoor flow – get the most out of your outdoor area appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
The 14 best NZ renovation blogs to get you inspired for your next project https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/07/30/14-best-renovation-ideas-blogs/ Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:56:49 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3425 Need renovation ideas or inspiration for your next project? We’ve compiled a list of our favourite (mostly) NZ renovation blogs and websites to help you get those creative juices flowing. This list is focused on all things renovation. It features sites that inspire interior design, innovative building ideas, DIY, in-door out-door flow and landscape design. […]

The post The 14 best NZ renovation blogs to get you inspired for your next project appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Need renovation ideas or inspiration for your next project? We’ve compiled a list of our favourite (mostly) NZ renovation blogs and websites to help you get those creative juices flowing. This list is focused on all things renovation. It features sites that inspire interior design, innovative building ideas, DIY, in-door out-door flow and landscape design.

Houzz

www.houzz.co.nz

Houzz is a website where contractors, interior designers and just about any other home renovations related industry professional can showcase their work. In short, it’s a great way to connect homeowners with professionals. It is an un-tapped source of renovation ideas. The website lets you search and filter through over 20 million photos dedicated to home renovations. Additionally, they also have blog which showcases top designers, architects and great home renovation tips.

Renovate

www.renovate-mag.com

Renovate magazine is NZ’s first magazine dedicated 100% to New Zealand home renovations. Through their website you are able to purchase hard copies of their magazine. However, if you don’t want to spend any of your precious renovation funds, Renovate have loads of their articles published on their website. We like how they have included dedicated categories for things like inspiration + ideas, DIY, product reviews and showcasing projects.

Aurae

www.aurae.co.nz

Aurae is an NZ company who specialise in architectural louvre and façade products. If indoor outdoor flow is in your renovation ideas, their blog is one you should check out. Here you’ll find all sorts of ideas, trends and information on outdoor living areas. Be sure to also have a look at their photo gallery for some stunning photos of their work.

Bibby and Brady

www.bibbyandbrady.co.nz

Bibby and Brady is an interior design firm based in Napier. Their blog features some of their inspiring interior work and is sure to give you some ideas. It features before and after photos, progress of construction and some of their amazing interior design tips. We like this one because of the way it is written along with their incredible before and after photos really tells the story of the home’s transformation.

#Landscapedesign on Instagram

www.instagram.com

We all know Instagram as the most popular place to show off our travel photos, but its also a great source to draw inspiration from. With over 2.5 million posts, #Landscapedesign will help you do exactly that. By getting inspiration from an app like Instagram, you can discover new ideas from all over the world.

Interiors Addict/Reno Addict

www.theinteriorsaddict.com

Across the ditch, Australian blog Reno Addict, is the perfect place to borrow some renovation ideas. It features some of Jen, the Interiors Addict founder/owner’s, personal renovations. In this section you’ll find room reveals and video tours of Jen’s beautifully renovated home. Another section on this site is ‘Real Renos’ which showcases some incredible home transformations from all around Australia. You’ll find so many different styles and different budgets here, so we definitely recommend checking it out.

Sculpt Gardens

www.sculptgardens.co.nz

Sculpt Gardens is an Auckland based landscape design company. Their blog is packed with great tips, ideas and guides on garden design and maintenance. We really like their ‘Monthly Guides’ which tells you what is going to work in the garden for that particular time of year. In addition to their engaging blog, they have a portfolio page showcasing their work. Be sure to check it out for some incredible garden ideas.

Build and Renovate Today

www.buildandrenovate.co.nz

Build and Renovate Today is a magazine aimed at New Zealand homeowners. They showcase some beautifully renovated homes and offer tips and great ideas for homeowners wanting to renovate. Additionally, they have an archive section where you can view their previous magazines online.

Remodelista

www.remodelista.com

Remodelista has a section called ‘Get Inspired’ and it does what it says on the tin. Each renovation that they showcase takes you on a room by room journey of the stunning home transformations. You’ll also find loads of innovative home décor ideas and advice. You should also definitely check out their sister site Gardenista. It is a similar style of site covering all aspects of garden design.

Youtube

www.youtube.com

If you can separate the top content from the poor videos, Youtube has some great channels dedicated to building and renovations. Although he is a competitor, we couldn’t talk about construction Youtubers without mentioning Scott Brown. He is an Auckland builder with an incredibly popular Youtube channel that has over 160,000 subscribers. He uploads how to videos, tool reviews and he has some very cool and innovative ideas.

Build Magazine

www.buildmagazine.org.nz

Build magazine is a product of BRANZ. Although it is more aimed at those in the construction industry, it has a section called Innovations and Trends which is a great place to draw inspiration from for your next renovation.

Pinterest

www.pinterest.nz

If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, it is a social platform dedicated to sharing and finding inspiration. You can search for almost anything here including renovation ideas. There is an overwhelming amount of content on Pinterest, so be specific and get creative with your search terms.

Builders crack

www.builderscrack.co.nz

The builders crack blog has something for everyone. Their featured projects section gives you the story from real Kiwi homeowners about their renovation experience. Also, posts on the Builders Crack blog often offer a problem and solution scenario which can be extremely helpful. Although they don’t post all that regularly, the Builders Crack blog offers some great content to inspire you.

Kitchen Magic

www.kitchenmagic.com

Looking for kitchen re-modelling ideas? Kitchen Magic is a kitchen design and re-modelling company in the USA. They are a top kitchen re-modelling company and they have a blog to match. Firstly, you’ll find innovative kitchen renovation ideas for things like storage and splash backs. Secondly, they showcase some of their incredible kitchen transformations. Finally, they have a photo gallery which is worth checking out.
[hr]
Hopefully our list of best renovation blogs helps you draw some inspiration for your next project. We have tried to include a diverse selection. So whether you are re-modelling your kitchen, re-designing your garden and outdoor area or renovating your home, you are sure to find something in this list to suit your renovation ideas.

The post The 14 best NZ renovation blogs to get you inspired for your next project appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Increase the re-sale value of your home in Auckland https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/07/13/increase-the-re-sale-value-of-your-home-in-auckland/ Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:57:41 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3382 How much do renovations cost in Auckland? If you are thinking about renovating your home, one of the first questions you are probably going to ask is “how much does a renovation cost in Auckland?” Unfortunately, no matter how hard you search google, you won’t find the real answer. There are hundreds of sites that […]

The post Increase the re-sale value of your home in Auckland appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
How much do renovations cost in Auckland?

If you are thinking about renovating your home, one of the first questions you are probably going to ask is “how much does a renovation cost in Auckland?” Unfortunately, no matter how hard you search google, you won’t find the real answer. There are hundreds of sites that have tried to answer this question. However, no two renovations are the same. In this post we won’t tell you how much renovations cost in Auckland. What we can provide you however, is a little more clarity on where costs lie, some tips to increase the re-sale value of your home, identify areas where you can save some money and what some more appropriate questions are that you should be asking instead.

Why should I renovate?

There are many reasons why someone may renovate, but the most common reason is to increase the re-sale value of your home.

If you are wanting to increase the re-sale value of your home, you don’t necessarily need to renovate your entire house. For example, a kitchen and bathroom renovation, if done right, can increase your property value more than say a bedroom renovation. It’s also a great way to get potential buyers through the door in the first place and it’s a great selling point. However, you need to keep in mind that kitchens and bathrooms are generally more expensive to renovate than other rooms. Our advice would be to keep it simple and cost effective. In other words, don’t go buying marble bench-tops and expensive cabinetry if you are wanting to see a return on your investment.

How much will renovating my home increase my re-sale value?

This question is along the same lines as “how much do renovations cost?”. There are many factors which could affect this such as the property market at the time you want to sell, how many potential buyers you get through the door and how much your renovations appeal to the potential buyers.

However, there is a ballpark figure you can aim for. Experts commonly agree that a good return on your investment, is double the amount of the renovation cost. But remember, keep it simple. Do lots of research and look for good deals on things like bench-tops, kitchen cabinetry and bathroom fittings

How much should I spend on a bathroom or kitchen renovation?

Before asking this question, first you need to work out exactly what you want to change in your bathroom or kitchen. For example, a basic re-line with new like-for-like fittings is going to be a lot cheaper than an extension and a new configuration. Take in to account the cost of plumbing. If you need to move any pipes you could very quickly find yourself spending more than you planned, which in turn means that you may not see such a good return on your investment.

How much does a bedroom renovation cost?

A bedroom renovation is a little easier to estimate a price for. Unless you are wanting something like a walk-in wardrobe, the process has a lot less ifs and buts than say, a kitchen. Normally a basic bedroom renovation will consist of removing the old linings, installing insulation (if it’s not already insulated), new power points and/or lights, new linings, then plaster and paint.

Other ways to increase the re-sale value of your home

Having a deck, porch or patio built can be an in-expensive way to add indoor outdoor flow to your home. Furthermore, it is a great way to attract potential buyers because they will be able to imagine themselves using the outdoor area.

We recommend, when planning your renovation, to factor in building a deck whenever possible because the potential massively outweighs the risk. According to Westpac, building a deck can add up to 30% value to your home, but this obviously depends on the size of your deck and the materials you use.

In addition, the NZ government has relaxed its rules on council consents for ground floor awnings, porches and patios. Now you can build up to 30 square metres without needing a council consent. However, the building work does need to be carried out or overseen by a licensed building practitioner.

How can I save money on a renovation?

Although we strongly believe that in the building industry, you get what you pay for, there are some ways you can save yourself some money on your renovation.

Most established builders will have access to exclusive discounts on things like fittings. For example, at RHM Construction, we can offer our clients a 10% discount on bathroom fittings from Franklins.

With things like kitchen cabinetry and benchtops, have a clear conversation with your builder about what you want and how much you want to spend. They will normally include their price in their quote. In addition to this, do your own shopping around and see if you can source any better deals.

What other costs do I need to consider when renovating my house?

When planning your renovation, have discussions with your builder about anything that may need council consent. Together, try to find ways around this while still acting in accordance with the law and building code. The government has recently tossed out the need for building consents in certain situations, which could in turn save you time and money.

Make sure your builder tells you about your worst-case scenario and offers you an estimate for any extra work that may be needed. Un-foreseen issues such as warped or crooked studs and framing can usually only be discovered after the building work has commenced. It is important to address this, especially in rooms like kitchens and bathroom, because all your fixtures and cabinetry are made to line up square and straight. At RHM Construction, we always make sure our clients are fully aware of any potential extra costs before we start the job.

To conclude

To sum up, before you ask how much a renovation will cost, do some more planning. Firstly, work out exactly what you want and weigh up whether it will truly increase the market value of your home or not. Only once you have done this, are you ready to ask how much your renovation is going to cost. Finally, get in touch with your local builder. It’s best to get a few different quotes, but don’t automatically jump at the cheapest one. Remember, you get what you pay for. Choose a builder who is thorough and clear with their pricing and most of all choose someone you can trust.

[hr]
RHM Construction can provide all your renovation needs. If you would like to book a no obligations consultation, get in touch with us today. You can call Rob on 0275190342 or fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch.

[contact-form-7]

The post Increase the re-sale value of your home in Auckland appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Seven eco-friendly ways to reduce your building waste (and save some money doing it) https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/07/07/eco-friendly-ways-reduce-building-waste/ Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:25:33 +0000 https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3368 Building an eco-friendly future You’ve all probably heard the saying “reduce, re-use, recycle” when people talk about creating a sustainable future for our planet. At RHM Construction, we are proud to do our bit for the environment. So, we thought we would share some easy, eco-friendly, ways to reduce your building waste on site. We […]

The post Seven eco-friendly ways to reduce your building waste (and save some money doing it) appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Building an eco-friendly future

You’ve all probably heard the saying “reduce, re-use, recycle” when people talk about creating a sustainable future for our planet. At RHM Construction, we are proud to do our bit for the environment. So, we thought we would share some easy, eco-friendly, ways to reduce your building waste on site. We use these techniques and think that you should too.

Reduce

#1. Reduce what goes to the land fill

Reducing the amount of building material you put in the land fill not only helps the environment, it also saves you money.

An effective and eco-friendly way to decrease recyclable items that end up in the ground is to designate an area for normal recyclable items (your plastic packaging, your drink cans or bottles from smoko etc.). Put up a temporary fence around this area and have it cleared and taken to your local recycling plant once a week. This is a perfect Friday afternoon job for the apprentice.

Re-use

#2. Re-use old building material

One of the biggest skip fillers during a renovation is the old building materials that need to be ripped out. There are some easy ways to minimize the amount of waste that actually ends up in the skip.

When you need to pull up old floorboards or decking, take the little bit of extra time to keep everything in good nick. 99% of the time, you will be able to find a use for it during your next few jobs. This can be a good incentive for potential clients to save a little money on materials when you are quoting a job. Keep it neatly stacked and easily accessible at your yard or storage facility. Again, this is a good one for the apprentice.

#3. Old framing is great for firewood

If you remove any old un-treated hardwood framing, this makes perfect firewood. By spending an hour or so on the drop saw, you can have it all cut into small and manageable pieces. Subsequently, you’ll be sorted for winter. If you don’t have a wood burner or fire place, most people will be more than happy to come and collect it from site and even pay for it.

#4. Eco-friendly way to re-use plasterboard

According to ITM’s building guide to minimise construction waste, plasterboard amounts to 32% of construction waste when looking at total weight. But did you know there are a couple of really handy and eco-friendly ways to re-use it? Plasterboard is made of Gypsum. Gypsum is Calcium Sulphate which is great for breaking down compact soils especially clay. It also helps to reduce the sodium in the soil and increases the calcium. In short, it can be great in the garden. If the project you are working on involves any landscaping, this is an ideal way to re-use your crushed-up plasterboard. You can always keep a few bags for your vegetable garden that you have been meaning to make for the last two years.

Recycle

#5. Scrap metal

For metals, keep these aside in an area out of the way and take them to the scrap yard at the end of each job. You may think that if its not a valuable metal, then it is not worth it. However, you need to keep in mind the space you will be saving in your skip. This in turn saves you money in itself. That being said, if you’d rather not recycle it yourself, leave it somewhere where your plumber can find it. In our experience, it often ends up in the back of their vans anyway!

EXPOL's eco-friendly full circle recycling scheme
Image source: https://www.expol.co.nz/blog/what-were-doing-repurpose-polystyrene-offcuts/

#6. Doing underfloor insulation?

EXPOL off-cuts really build up and can take up a lot of space in your skip. The good news is though, that polystyrene is 100% recyclable. Furthermore, EXPOL are doing an incredible job with their eco-friendly Full Circle Recycling Scheme. Additionally, they will even come and pick up your clean EXPOL offcuts from your building site. More information on EXPOL’s recycling scheme is available on their website.

#7. Public dumping is not eco-friendly

Our last tip is a common scenario that you have all probably seen before. You get to work in the morning and notice that your skip is 3x more full than it was when you left the previous day. Upon closer inspection, you realise that some cheeky member of the public has dumped their household rubbish in there.

There are a couple of ways to minimize the chance of this. When possible temporarily fence off the area around the skip overnight. This limits access to the public and will make anyone think twice about dumping rubbish. Secondly, you can clearly display signs such as ‘No Un-authorised Dumping’. Likewise, this will help to make someone think twice before dumping rubbish there.

Hopefully this can be useful for anyone in our industry looking to work in a more environmentally friendly way. Just keep in mind, all designated areas should be fenced off and out of the way. As a result you will be eliminating hazards and minimizing liability.

The post Seven eco-friendly ways to reduce your building waste (and save some money doing it) appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Why you need a Licensed Building Practitioner https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/06/21/why-you-need-a-licensed-building-practitioner/ Sun, 21 Jun 2020 05:25:00 +0000 http://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=3125 You’ve all probably heard of a Licensed Building Practitioner, or LBP for short, before. But what exactly is this? In this article we will cover what a Licensed Building Practitioner is, why you need one and how to check that they are in fact, an LBP. What is a Licensed Building Practitioner? The definition used […]

The post Why you need a Licensed Building Practitioner appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Licensed Building PractitionerYou’ve all probably heard of a Licensed Building Practitioner, or LBP for short, before. But what exactly is this? In this article we will cover what a Licensed Building Practitioner is, why you need one and how to check that they are in fact, an LBP.

What is a Licensed Building Practitioner?

The definition used on the official LBP website is as follows.

LBPs are building practitioners who have been assessed as competent to carry out building work essential to the structure or weathertightness of residential buildings.

Holding an LBP license means that you are able to carry out or supervise restricted building work.

To become licensed, a building practitioner must show to their assessor that they are competent in four main categories.

  1. Demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory environment of the building construction industry. This includes the purpose of the Building Act and Building Code, key features of the LBP system and the process for work that needs a building consent.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of current building and trade practice. This covers safe working practices on site and environmental issues, preliminary site set-ups and carpentry/construction methods and practice.
  3. Plan and schedule carpentry work including interpreting working drawings, specifications, programme schedules and quantity lists.
  4. Finally, the last category is to carry out carpentry work. As you can imagine, this is the largest category and it covers a huge amount of building work.

Furthermore, for an LBP to renew their license they must prove that they have kept their knowledge up to date.

Why do I need an LBP?

The Licensed Building Practitioner scheme was developed to help home owners feel confident in the quality of building work in their homes.

Choosing to use an LBP for your project will ensure that you will have a warm, dry and safe home. In addition, you can be sure that it is built to last.

If your project includes any restricted building work (RBW), you must use a Licensed Building Practitioner. Any work that requires a building consent is regarded as RBW. Likewise, it is considered restricted, if building work affects your home’s primary structure, weathertightness or certain fire safety design.

How do I know if my builder is a Licensed Building Practitioner?

There is two very simple ways to do this. The first, ask for their LBP card. An LBP should be carrying it to any job. After that, check that it is indeed the same person in the photo.

However, if you cant verify that your builder is an LBP by their card, you can check them out online. You can find the tool to do this on the LBP website and it is very easy to use. For example, all you need is their first and last name. This should be sufficient to find them on the register. Also make sure to check that their license is active.

The post Why you need a Licensed Building Practitioner appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Five things to consider when choosing a builder https://rhmconstruction.co.nz/2020/06/14/five-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-builder/ Sat, 13 Jun 2020 12:58:35 +0000 http://rhmconstruction.co.nz/?p=2251 Choosing a builder can be difficult. They could have all the five star reviews on Google in the world, but does that tell the full story? If you don’t already personally know a builder, then you are going to need to shop around. Here are our top five tips for choosing a builder. 1. Choosing […]

The post Five things to consider when choosing a builder appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>
Choosing a builder can be difficult.

They could have all the five star reviews on Google in the world, but does that tell the full story? If you don’t already personally know a builder, then you are going to need to shop around. Here are our top five tips for choosing a builder.

1. Choosing a builder you trust

You wouldn’t invite someone you do not trust in to your home, so why should it be any different if they are working there? Make sure you choose a builder you feel comfortable with. Ask for references and check them out online. If it all stacks up but you still feel uncomfortable with them, keep looking until you find someone you do trust.

2. Price

We all want to get a bargain when we’re shopping for something and when choosing a builder it is no different. But consider this. You get three similarly priced quotes from certified builders and then you get one more at half the price. This person has no ties to a trade organisation. But. He’s cheaper. Don’t be too quick to say yee-haw because it’s highly likely that you have found yourself a cowboy.

The term ‘you get what you pay for’ is accurate in our industry 99% of the time. I’m sure if you ask around, it will not take you long to hear of the horror stories about builders who are not competent to complete the job to the expected standard.

So when thinking about the price, don’t only think about if it’s too expensive. Make sure it doesn’t feel too cheap either.

3. Check out their work

We mentioned earlier that you should ask for references. But why not take it a step further and ask to have a chat with the client at the property your potential builder worked at. This way you can get a look at their workmanship. Also you can get a better idea of how that client feels about the builder than if you were to just make a phone call or send an email.

4. Choosing a builder who shows courtesy

How do they treat your home when they come to make the initial quote? Do they take their boots off at the door? Or do they trample mud from their last job through your house? Looking for the little things like this can make the difference.

If they don’t treat your home with respect when they are writing a quote, would you feel comfortable leaving them alone all day while you are at work?

5. Questions

If there is something you don’t 100% understand, ask. If you don’t understand the answer, ask again. There is nothing more unsettling than going into a situation like a building project being unsure or having doubts.

On the other hand, expect your potential builder to be asking questions too. You want to be sure that they fully understand your needs in regards to the project.

So when you’re looking to choose a builder, or any tradesman for that matter, think about our guide and make sure they tick all the boxes.

The post Five things to consider when choosing a builder appeared first on RHM Construction.

]]>