Why starting now sets you up for seamless summer living We all know the story of the person who built their house on the sand, and the other who built a house on the rock. When the rains came, the house on the sand washed away. Curiously, many Aucklanders overlook this simple metaphor when designing […]
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Platinum Pacific Group
Preparing your home for Auckland’s winter
Read MorePlatinum Pacific Group has specialised in residential and commercial building, including maintenance, for more than 20 years, but we are still surprised by how often we come across subfloor moisture and poor drainage in Auckland – especially when winter rears its head. For Managing director Marty Bamford, prevention is still better (and cheaper) than the […]
If your house was built before 2000, you need to read this
Read MoreDIYer? You need to read this Asbestos remains one of the least understood risks in residential renovation – particularly among DIYers. Despite being banned over two decades ago, asbestos remains in thousands of New Zealand homes. Used extensively between the 1940s and late 1980s and still present in some materials up to 2000, it was […]
Cooler home, no aircon—natural solutions that work
Read MoreIf you think this February has been hotter and drier than usual, you’d be right—Auckland’s average temperatures are 0.9°C above normal, and rainfall is just 11% of the typical amount. This begs the question: How do you stay cool without running the heat pump 24/7? (Air conditioning only cools a home; a heat pump both […]
Why flow matters in your home design
Read MoreThe problem with many older homes in Auckland is that they often have wasted or poorly utilised spaces—life could be better with some alterations. Good flow is like the lifeblood of a house, and poor circulation—how space flows around your furniture, cabinetry, and other fixed installations—is a physical experience. Navigating tight spaces, squeezing past furniture, […]
What lies beneath
Read MoreThe hidden home DIY disasters of previous owners We think we know our homes, but lurking behind walls and beneath floors can be hidden problems from shoddy DIY work done by previous owners, which not only disrupt your renovation plans but can compromise the health and safety of your family. "Consulting a builder before you […]
Recladding Guide in NZ
Read More The Ultimate Guide to Home Recladding in NZ: Ensuring Longevity and Structural Integrity Are you considering home recladding but unsure where to start? Recladding your house in NZ is a crucial investment to enhance its durability and protect against weather elements. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of home recladding, covering [...]
How Long Does It Take to Build a house in NZ
Read More How Long Does It Take to Build a house in NZ Embarking on the journey to build a new home in New Zealand is an exciting venture, but understanding the intricacies of the construction timeline is crucial. In this blog, we delve into the factors influencing the time it takes to turn your dream home [...]
Tips for Building a New Home
Read More Tips for Building a New Home Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is a monumental task, filled with excitement and challenges. In this guide, we share essential insights, expert tips, and comprehensive checklists to empower you at every stage of the construction process. From budgeting to selecting contractors, our top 10 tips [...]
Leak Detection and Prevention
Read More LEAK DETECTION & PREVENTION You’ve probably heard about leaky buildings in the media, but unless you’ve been directly affected, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. The problem has affected home-owners from right across the country, arising in many different property types including apartments, town-houses, stand-alone houses, high spec homes and commercial [...]
Do You Have a Leaky Home?
Read More DO YOU HAVE A LEAKY HOME? A combination of factors around the early 1990’s to the early 2000’s contributed to the number of leaky homes across New Zealand. In the early 2000’s there was a Government funded scheme to remediate and repair houses built during this time. Unfortunately not all the leaky homes were repaired. [...]