Page 2 of 3

Wellington SEO Agency

April 12, 2018 /

5 Essential Steps To Optimising Your Website For Search Engines by a Wellington SEO Agency

 

Wellington Search Engine Optimisation agencySearch engine optimisation is a set of measures and actions meant to improve the visibility in search engines of your website. It enables you to receive more organic traffic to your web pages by helping your pages show on higher positions in the SERPs. The following five steps suggested by a Wellington SEO Agency will help you develop a solid SEO strategy to attract more traffic to your website.

 

  1. The first step of any good SEO strategy is good keyword research. You have to find and target the most lucrative keywords in your niche or industry, as this is the only way you can rule the organic search results. The ideal keywords should have enough monthly search volume to be worth the effort. In addition, they should be moderately competitive. Targeting low volume keywords is an easy task, but you won’t get too many visitors to your website, as very few people actually search for these phrases. On the other hand, targeting search terms with very high traffic volumes and with a lot of strong competitors won’t bring you success, either. You may need many months, if not years, to be able to gather enough inbound links to defeat very old websites with high authority and with millions of inbound links. The lest thin to keep in mind is that your targeted keywords should have high commercial value. This means people searching for them should be already in the last stage of the purchasing process, when they only want to find the best place to get what they need.

  1. Use your keywords and your key phrases the smart way. Your content should be keyword-rich, yet intelligible and well written. Avoid keyword stuffing, but do use a lot of variations of your keywords such as synonyms and related terms. By making your content relevant for your targeted keywords, you’ll help search engines to understand what your website is all about.

 

  1. Make sure you include your main keywords in the title tags and in the headlines of your website, as well as in the first paragraph on the page. As a general rule, you should have one main keyword assigned to each page, and then keep in mind that you’re probably going to rank for a lot more.

 

  1. Be smart when you develop your link-building strategy. Build one-way inbound links by publishing articles on other websites. These websites will give you credit by linking back to your own website. You may also want to exchange links with other web-masters, but keep in mind that this isn’t the best link building tactic ever, so according to a Wellington SEO agency use it only scarcely.

 

  1. Submit your website to the major business directories in your industry, with the purpose of building citations. This will help increasing the local authority of your website.

 

All these tips should help you improve your SEO results within weeks, provided that you implement them wisely and consistently. A proven Wellington SEO Agency can advise you how to progess.

 

 

Auckland Dispute Lawyer

April 12, 2018 /

How Does A Dispute Lawyer Help – Thoughts From An Auckland Dispute Lawyer

 

It is a common knowledge that most cases especially commercial ones are settled long before they reach the trial stage. Therefore that presents opportunities for litigants to get ways of settling cases earlier, which in turn provides value to clients. Since prosecuting a case may come with unnecessary expenses, disruptions of business or delays that may haunt business planning and growth. When a situation land you in a dispute, it is therefore important for you to hire an Auckland dispute lawyer.

 

Auckland Dispute LawyerLitigation attorneys, also called “litigators” or simply “trial lawyers,” act as representatives of defendants or plaintiffs civil matters and manage the whole process of the litigation right from the investigation to pleadings, to discovery up to the pre-trial, or trial and settlement and sometimes to appeal.

 

Below are the roles and the responsibilities that dispute resolution lawyers undertake in the process of dispute resolution. It is important to note such tasks may vary depending on the experiences of the attorney, nature of the dispute, and whether the lawyer is representing the complainant or the defendant.

 

Role And Responsibilities Of An Auckland Dispute Lawyer

An Auckland dispute lawyer conducts a case investigation to establish, in the complainant’s case, if there is enough evidence to file a case, or if there is enough evidence available to defend a suit in the defendant’s case. The initial investigation process may involve locating witnesses and recording witness statements, interviewing the client and gathering facts and investigating all the facts relating to the dispute.

 

A litigation lawyer advises his or her clients on what the law says regarding their case and on the best strategy. If a dispute proceeds to formal proceedings, a dispute lawyer will draft the legal documents necessary and guide his client through the trial and hearing. Some senior dispute resolution litigants may assume the roles of arbitrators or mediators.

 

A dispute resolution or litigation lawyer advises transactional colleagues on best ways to assist their clients minimize or avoid the negative effects of possible future disputes with regards to their deals.

 

A litigation lawyer will also advise his or her client on what chance the client has of winning his or her case before the court. He or she may then advise the clients on ways they can explore to settle the matter and mediate with the other party to agree on the possible terms of settlement. In case the dispute proceeds to a formalized dispute resolution procedure, the lawyer will advise his or her client on the steps he should take and the time he should do it.

 

It is the role of the dispute lawyer to prepare the legal documents needed, which should include statements of the case, witness statements (if any), expert reports, or any other evidence. When the trial or hearing draws near, the lawyer might ask a barrister to represent the client, or alternatively choose to argue the case himself/herself. The dispute lawyer will attend the court’s trial, either way, and act as either an advocate or the barrister assistant. Once the dispute is finally settled through a court ruling or through arbitration process, dispute resolution lawyers or litigants can help to ensure that the terms of agreement or settlement are enforced.

 

A good dispute lawyer will try to avoid going to court as it is far more expensive than reaching an agreement between the various parties and their legal teams. If you need an Auckland dispute lawyer, you could consider contacting McVeagh Fleming which is a well-respected Auckland law firm with a strong reputation in  the field of dispute resolution.

Commercial real estate lawyers in Auckland

February 14, 2017 /

What Are Some Of The Most Common Matters For An Auckland Commercial Lawyer?

Commercial lawyers are legal representatives who specialise in working with small and large companies.  They also work with government agencies. These are the professionals you should hire if you need assistance with commercial legal matters.

For example, you can retain these lawyers to help you with issues regarding:

  • Zoning compliance
  • Taxes
  • Intellectual properties
  • Commercial real estate
  • Other legal matters

Signing A Real Estate ContractIn addition, commercial lawyers can work as your defence lawyer if you are sued by a business partner, a former employee or your competition.

Commercial lawyers who are competent have the knowledge of the law and the skills needed to protect your interest, as well as to help you achieve the goals you have for your business. There are other examples of the most common matters commercial lawyers handle and the ways they can benefit your business.

Dispute Resolution

Commercial lawyers also advise their clients on legal matters regarding any current disputes they may be involved in. They can also draft an effective dispute resolution strategy for their clients. These attorneys can also act as mediators between their clients and another party.

If a dispute progresses to court proceedings, the lawyer will draft the appropriate paperwork and assistance their clients during the legal process.

Better Organisation For Your Business

For large corporations, having the correct type of organization is critical if you want your business to have success long term. A commercial attorney is able to give you professional insight regarding the type of organization that will be the most effective for your company’s setup.

One of the issues that fall under this umbrella is choice for your company to become a limited liability company or a corporation. The commercial attorney will help you see the benefits and disadvantages to both options. The attorney will also prepare the documents that are necessary to ensure you can operate your business without any legal issues.

Help You With Contracts

When you are a business owner, you will have to deal with various types of contracts. These contracts can range from the ones you sign with employees, to the ones you sign with suppliers. You may also have to sign contracts with customers and business partners.

Any contract that you sign must be fair to everyone who is involved. To ensure fairness, you may want to hire a commercial lawyer to go over the contracts and explain the fine print to you before you place your signature on the document.

Acquire Commercial Real Estate Much Easier

Are you thinking about expanding your business by acquiring another property? You can simplify the process by hiring a commercial real estate lawyer to assist you. You do not have to worry about the headache that is involved with filing the paperwork.

Commercial real estate lawyer in AucklandThe lawyer will also provide you with the opportunity to see the deal at different angles so you can make the best decision. You will not fall victim to any possible loopholes by having an expert lawyer on your side.

You can search online to find reputable commercial real estate lawyers in Auckland. You can also ask other business owners for referrals.

 

www.mcveaghfleming.co.nz

Comparing Auckland Villa Renovation Companies

February 15, 2015 /

What to Look For When Comparing Auckland Villa Renovation Companies

Renovating is a great way to make your villa more practical, stylish and usable without having to move to a new home. Whether you are replacing a few cabinets or modifying your entire floor plan, it is essential to hire the right contractor for the job. The following section discusses what to look for when comparing Auckland villa renovation specialist companies so you can be sure that you hire the best one to renovate your space.

Reputation

A building company’s reputation says a lot about the level of service that they provide. This includes not only their reputation with their past and current customers, but also their reputation with local business organisations.

RayWhite

RayWhite

Before you agree to work with any villa renovation company, you should spend some time researching to find out what other people have to say about them. A good place to start is by reading online reviews. Try checking independent review sites for unbiased reviews of any contractors you are thinking about hiring to renovate your space. Pay particular attention to any complaints from past customers.

Keep in mind, however, that some of the reviews you read may be slightly skewed and should not be taken totally at face value. For instance, some clients are notoriously hard to please. Even if the contractor did excellent work for one of these clients, they may still have left a negative review.

That is why it is important to focus on the overall pattern of reviews rather than zeroing in on one or two bad reviews. Try to look at the big picture to spot whether the reviews of a company are generally positive or generally negative. This can give you a clearer idea of what they are like to work with.

marin

marin

Business groups such as the Chamber of Commerce or industry organisations like the Master Builders are also excellent resources for researching renovation specialists. Contact each of these organisations to gather information about how long each company has been in business and whether or not they have any complaints filed against them.

 Insurance

Home renovations can be dangerous. Between power tools, ladders, electricity and water, there are dangers lurking around every corner. That is why it is so important to choose a company that is properly insured. Otherwise, if one of the workers is injured on your property or a neighbours home is damaged during the course of the renovation, you could be held liable.

Check with any companies you are considering hiring to make sure they have both liability insurance and workers insurance. This can help protect you from any financial obligation resulting from an accident on your property.

Communication

It is essential that you and your villa renovation specialist are on the same page in terms of the work that you want done. You should choose a contractor who not only listens to your needs and understands your vision, but who can also clearly communicate their own ideas and concerns. This will help ensure that the finished project comes out looking the way you initially envisioned it. This Auckland villa renovation company, Repair & Restore, has just that quality according to one of their very satisfied clients. “Throughout the entire building process we were constantly consulted and kept updated as to the progress.”

Spend some time interviewing local contractors in person or on the phone. Discuss your needs for the project and pay attention to how closely the contractor listens. Do they ask helpful questions? Do they seem truly interested in helping you achieve your vision? These types of questions can help you weed out contractors with poor communication skills so you can focus your search on contractors who are a better fit.

Comparing home renovation specialist companies is the best way to find the right company for the job. By choosing a company that is not only properly licensed and insured, but that also has an excellent reputation within the community and strong communication skills, you can help ensure that your home renovation project goes smoothly from start to finish.

 

villa renovations Auckland           www.repairandrestore.co.nz

Auckland Building Companies – Choosing The Best One

December 21, 2014 /

Auckland Building Companies – Choosing The Best One

 

New house in Auckland

Image Bill Longshaw

The right house building company is key to constructing your dream home. Even though there are numerous Auckland building companies, as in all industries, there are big differences between them. There are many aspects to consider when selecting a professional home building company in your area of Auckland. This article will highlight some of the most important things to consider when hiring a professional house building company.

 

The first thing to consider is experience of the company in home building particularly in the type of home you want. You need to ask the company to show its portfolio of homes built during the recent past. Have they built similar homes to your the one you are considering? How long have they been in business? Are they having a permanent address and telephone contact? These are some important questions to be asked from any building company. In the past many tradesmen called themselves a builder without having any base, or way for people to contact them. Do not even begin to talk to anyone who does not have a proper address and phone number.

 

A company that has no permanent address may not stand behind their workmanship in the long run. Ask the company about the guarantee offered on your newly built home? Are they providing a reasonable guarantee on it? If you choose a Master Builder, which you are strongly advised to do, then they will have a robust guarantee as part of their membership. These questions will help you to get a better idea about the quality and trustworthiness of the company.

 

The company should possess the required licences which are run by the NZ government under the name of Licensed Building Practitioner. A licensed home building company can be trusted more than a company without such a licence since they have to undergo regular rigourous assessments to maintain their license. A licensed company will be more up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the construction industry.

 

Green eco house

Image ddpavumba

Ask the company to provide a couple of references from past home buyers of the company. You should also ask them to show your family a home that was built for another client. Talk to that client too to find out more about the customer service and quality of work of the home building company. Most of the home builders today use energy saving features in the homes they build. Choosing a company that offer good energy saving features is extremely important. You can save a lot on your monthly energy bills this way.

 

The best Auckland building companies should carry an insurance policy to cover various aspects including the construction process, their workers and also public liability in case of injury to adjacent properties and people. If they do not have cover, you are liable to pay for any mishap that occurs during construction work.

 

Your friends and relations are some of the best sources to find a quality house building company in Auckland. They will be glad to help you in this regard if they know any quality house builders in the area. The Internet is another important source for finding a reputable home construction company. A simple search on Google or your preferred search engine will reveal numerous building contractors. Look for those who have strong references and also look in the video tab too to see if there are any testimonial clips you can see.

 Auckland house builder video

The company you choose should have highly qualified engineers and technicians to supervise the construction of your dream home. The experience they have in the industry is extremely important when choosing a potential home building company. The company should have a good reputation in the area. They should be honest and trustworthy. You will be handing over the full operation to the company once the agreement is signed. Most probably, you will not get involved in the construction process other than intimating your plans and preferences. The company will be handling all the work from there onwards. This is why they should be highly trustworthy. If not, you will be losing a considerable sum of money in the process.

 

Building work that affects the structural integrity or weather-tightness is known as crucial. We all know of the leak home syndrome so ensure your builder is trained in attending to cladding a new home. This type of work will require a licensed building company to supervise the construction work. As stated in an earlier paragraph, it is extremely important to choose a licensed builder to construct your home. A well-respected builder will also have good contacts with the Auckland Council building consent department. This can help them to get the required permits without much of a fuss. This is why you should choose only a licensed home builder to construct your home.

 

One such builder is Repair & Restore who have some impressive testimonials on their website, www.repairandrestore.co.nz. Take a look and read through the comments that some of their happy customers have made. They certainly seem to be a good choice for a house builder in Auckland.

 

In conclusion, building your dream home should be done only by professional and trustworthy Auckland building companies. If you carry out sufficient research and due diligence then you will be able to find a builder that you can rely on. This will save you lots of time, a big pile of money and huge amounts of stress.

 

Finding Home Renovations Companies in Auckland

December 8, 2014 /

Tips And Advice On Finding Home Renovations Companies in Auckland

 

Are you thinking about renovating your property? If you are, then you will want to hire one of the best home renovations companies in Auckland. Not all companies are created equal, and that is why you should keep in mind the tips and advice below when trying to find a professional home renovations building company.

 

  1. Experience Matters- A home renovations building company should have the experience needed to work on your project. A company doesn’t need to have years and years of experience, but the experience they do have should be impressive and relevant (see point 2 below). Usually a good company will have no problem telling you the extent of their experience in the industry.

 

  1. Choose A Professional Who Has Worked On Similar Projects- No two home renovation projects are exactly alike, but many are similar in a lot of different ways. Figure out exactly what you want your renovation project to entail, and then choose a building company who has worked on similar projects. You do not want to hire the best kitchen renovation company if you want to have major house renovation like adding bedrooms. Doing this will increase your chances of getting exactly what you want when the project is completed.

Auckland house renovation

  1. Compare Companies- One of the most important things to do before hiring any home renovations building companies in Auckland is to compare a few building contractors. You will want to find three to five companies to begin with. You should then take a look at their experience, past projects they have worked on, as well as their prices. Also, you will want to read reviews about the companies you are looking into because this will help you learn more about them. A good way of assessing the confidence of previous clients is to see if there are any video testimonials. This is because the client is totally happy with the builder’s work and is willing to go n film to say so.

 

This home renovations company, Repair and Restore has a number of reviews from well-known people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qATKO4UJFbg

 

Auckland Home Renovations Companies video

Reading reviews about various renovations building companies will allow you to see what previous customers have to say about them. You will be able to get a general idea of the work they have provided to their past customers. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t matter how good a renovations building company is, there is bound to be a few negative reviews, so don’t base your sole decision, of whether or not to do business with a company, on reviews.

 

  1. Know What Questions To Ask- You should know what types of questions to ask an Auckland home renovation builder, as asking the right questions can help you find the right company to do business with. One of the first questions you want to ask a building company is whether or not their work will be under warranty because this is extremely important. If a builder renovates your property and something goes wrong with their work and the warranty has not expired, then the company will take care of the issue. This is why it is important to make sure a home renovation company guarantees their work.

 

Also, you want to ask a company whether or not they are insured. Most companies will have insurance because they want to be covered in the event something goes wrong while they are performing a renovation. If a company is not insured, then this can cause some issues and you may be liable if there are any problems on site.

 

You will also want to get a quote from the building firm. It is a good idea to have an idea of how much money you can expect to pay for the services of a home renovations building company. Most companies will have no problem talking about your project and then giving you a free quote.

 

  1. Other Information- Make sure you check out a home renovations building company’s website, as this will help you learn more about the company. They might even have plenty of examples of their work right on their site. Also, the chances are you will be able to provide info about your project via a form or email, which can usually be found on a home renovations building company’s website, or you can get a quote by picking the phone up and calling them to explain what you want done to your property.
Home renovations Auckland

Home renovations Auckland – image artur84

 

Now that you know what to do when it comes to finding a home renovations building company, you can start researching companies today. If you keep the above tips and advice in mind, then you will find a good company to do business with soon. This also means you will be one step closer to find home renovations companies in Auckland and getting your project started and completed.

 

Www.repairandrestore.co.nz

Options For Undertaking Major Auckland House Renovations

November 24, 2014 /

Options For Undertaking Major House Renovations

 

Homeowners who live in the same house for a long time know how important it is to undergo a major house renovation project every now and then. Fixtures and decorations in a household are subject to the normal wear and tear that eventually makes them look old and outdated. Major renovation projects call for relatively big budgets therefore one of the most important things is choosing the builder. The project will have its own stresses but you do not want to endure any unnecessary additional distress caused by choosing a poor building company. You want the renovation to go as smoothly as possible so that you can enjoy the desired outcome you are willing to pay so much for.

 

Renovations - image vorakorn

Renovations – image vorakorn

One of the best methods to choose a good builder is to ask your friends and neighbours if they can recommend you someone they trust. This is a good idea because you can visit your friend and see for yourself what the builder can do.

 

If your friends can’t recommend you a good builder, you can do an online search for builders in your area. There are many business directories where you can find such information. Pick a few builders and contact them all, asking for a quotation on your project.

 

Try to be very specific in your briefing, so that the builders can understand exactly what needs to be done. If you only want to redo the kitchen and the bathroom, specify this. If you also want to repaint the whole house and perhaps organise the attic to use it as a gym, don’t forget to mention that either. If you want to change the configuration of your rooms, you could ask the builders to come up with their own creative ideas for creating the new living space.

 

Before sending out the quotation requests, do a little background check on the builders on your list. If you find bad reviews about any of them, you may want to wipe them off the list. Regarding their work experience, it is probably better to choose builders that already have an established reputation in your local market. However, there might be young and very talented builders, so you may want to give them a shot, too.

 

Ideally, you want to end up with three or four detailed quotations on yourmajor house renovation job. The next step is to meet each of them in person for an in-depth discussion about the way they see your project, the steps to be taken and what things they expect may get a bit tricky at some point. Ask the builders to show you samples of their work and to provide you a few references. You may also contact their former clients and ask them about their experience with the builder.

 

One thing to keep in mind when you are looking for a qualified builder to take your project you might want to look only at building firms that are members of the Association of Master Builders. This is because in order to become a member, a business has to adhere to and comply with some strict standards of quality. They also have strict rules concerning their customer service standards and they are also required to have a minimum level of insurance coverage. Therefore it is a better chance to find someone really good and trustworthy if you search this directory instead of looking in Yellow Pages or other similar catalogues.

 

House renovation builder - image marin

House renovation builder – image marin

After you choose your builder, prepare the agreement you both need to sign before starting the work. This agreement should contain all details regarding the works to be done, the steps of the project, the specifications of each task and the cost of each operation. The more specific you can be the better. For example, if you are having a new kitchen then specify the brand and model of the new appliances you want. If things are not clear from the very beginning, you may end up having to spend a lot more than you initial budget in order to have the job done. Misunderstandings can occur and hidden costs may appear, therefore you should try to minimise them as much as you can by being very specific in the contract.

If you are in Remuera, Grey Lynn, Epsom, Parnell or Ponsonby and want a house renovation Auckland has plenty of potential building companies. However not all of them are able to undertake big renovation works as some only build new homes on new sections. So look for renovation specialists like Repair & Restore. They carry out very high quality renovation jobs for their customers as this video shows.

 

 

 

If you have a major house renovation then following the advice above will make your building project less stressful and should bring about a much more satisfying outcome.

Building A New Eco Home in Auckland

October 22, 2014 /

Options for Building A New Home The Affordable, Eco-Modular Way

People who are thinking about new home construction would be wise to give the concept of eco-modular a thought or two. An eco-modular home is a pre-fab style home that is especially designed to be environmentally friendly. Many people use these types of homes for granny units, guest houses, beach or country houses; however, they are also perfectly good for use as a primary residence.

Floor plans for new Auckland homes

renjith krishnan

There are lots of benefits to making the eco-modular choice rather than pursuing traditional building techniques. In this article, we will outline these advantages. Read onto learn more.

You’ll be amazed by how quickly your new home will be ready for use. The home is actually built at the factory, disassembled, shipped to you and put back together again. This takes an amazingly short amount of time.

The materials used in an eco-modular home are environmentally friendly every step of the way. If you were to design an eco-friendly home on your own and locate sources for all of the environmentally friendly materials to be used, it would take you a while and cost you a pretty penny. Eco-friendly, pre-fab home builders have already done all that work for you. They source their materials in bulk, so they are able to get the best prices on truly innovative, attractive and durable building materials.

One example of an unusual, beautiful and popular renewable building material is bamboo flooring. This material is good looking, easy to take care of, affordable and very eco-friendly because bamboo is an entirely renewable source.

Choices in eco-friendly fixtures and appliances are made in advance. Choose from the top selections in the latest technology and innovations. For example, you can have your entire home outfitted with energy efficient lighting and Energy Star appliances to save energy and save you money.

All windows are double-paned and glazed for the utmost in temperature control and energy efficiency. Bathroom, kitchen and laundry areas are outfitted with water and energy saving fixtures and appliances.

Eco-modular homes are generally designed to make the most efficient use of space. This compact styling keeps building costs down and increases energy efficiency. Furthermore, it allows hopeful homeowners to make good use of less expensive and smaller lots.

It is very true that good things come in small packages, and eco-modular homes are no exception. They are good looking, space saving, energy saving and economical. Styles are many and varied and make it possible for people with a wide range of preferences to select just the right combination of characteristics to build the perfect new home.

When you choose the eco-modular way of building your new home, you can count on getting just what you want, affordably and in a timely manner. Once all selections and choices have been made, the home can be constructed, delivered and installed in a very short period of time. You won’t have to wait around, squandering money on rent, for your home owning dreams to come true.

You are sure to be happy living in your new home. This type of living is practical, affordable and easy care. Maintenance is usually very simple ant trouble free. A more compact home naturally takes less care, and the fact that eco-modular homes are constructed using top notch materials and construction methods makes care that much simpler and easier.

It’s easy to see that considering an eco-modular home as an option for building your new home is a very smart idea indeed. There is really no better way to construct a good looking, energy efficient, earth friendly, affordable new home.

Implementing Major Renovations For Older Homes in Auckland

September 14, 2014 /

Implementing Major Renovations For Older Homes in Auckland

There is a certain attraction in older home, as it can bring back memories of years gone by, and it usually offers advantages in better craftsmanship and more solid construction. The plaster cornice in the rooms is of a more classical nature, and the solid wood stairways and floors give a feeling of stability and charm, largely unknown in today’s construction. So it is not surprising that people want to carry out renovations on older homes to enjoy the benefits of modern life set in a stage of elegance and solidity.

However, older homes frequently will need more updating in order to bring them up to the current building standards besides having to repair old and damaged portions that have succumbed to age. The financial shock of such renovations can present challenges to bursting budgets too, as the costs mount up with such activity.

One contractor mentioned that people estimate about half of what it is really going to cost to perform renovations on an older home. It must be kept in mind too, that if you are attempting to restore the historical accuracy of a home, it will be more expensive than if you are simply renovating a home to upgrade the old structure with the new added features and infrastructure.

Renovating an older houseMost people will not go the restoration route, as it is just too expensive. Also, if your home is very old then there may be all sorts of covenants on it which can affect any work that you might want to undertake. Sometimes there are too many hurdles to cross to get approvals from historical societies and consent from local governments.

Renovation is the process chosen by most people, yet it can still be quite an adventure, as you will need expert professional help with the project. The usual process is to interview several renovation contractors, so you will be able to decide on the best one to work with on your new project.

The lowest bidder is not always the best company with whom to do business, as they may not have the resources to complete the job to your satisfaction. Be sure to get referrals from customers and any source you can think of in coming up with your determination, and be willing to pay for what you want.

A good design-build company will want to be in on the project from the very beginning, and they should be, as they need to hear your dreams and desires from the beginning. They can help to take your dream and put it on paper, not only to show you that it is possible, but to help you come up with a realistic budget for the project.

Many older homes have had water problems, just because of their age. A board here and a roof tile there let in water and, over the years after with some degree of neglect, you can have mould, then bacteria, and then rotting. While this is not a leaky home syndrome building, damp is a common problem with older buildings often due to a lack of ventilation.

Most contractors will advise their clients to set aside an additional 5 to 15 percent of the amount of the project for contingencies, no matter what the size of the project might be.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAnother problem is that the construction 60 and 70 years ago may not be as solid as it is today. The house may look more sturdy, but if it is wooden beams that are holding up the roof are infested with damp or rot, you have a serious problem on your hands.

Another issue to consider is the foundation of the house. Many older homes were built on blocks which develops cracks of the years. You will most likely need to replace the piling under your house if it is 50 or more years old. If the foundations begin to move then the whole house will sag and become unstable, not to mention be impossible to sell.

A good renovation company can make a thorough inspection of an older home for you, and after going over it with a fine tooth comb will be able to give you a good estimate of a rough cost to do what you want. He will be able to spot the potential infrastructure fixes that will be required, as well as bringing about the changes to get you home the way you want it. So for major renovations to an older house, be sure to contact a specialist renovation company in Auckland.

Best Options For Restoring Old Auckland Villas

August 18, 2014 /

Best Options For Restoring Old Auckland Villas

Buying an old home instead of a newly built one offers the advantages of character and style. Old homes have something that make people turn their heads. They carry the spirit of their times, and as a result give us romantic dreams of times gone by. Nonetheless, buying an old home comes with additional expenses triggered by the various restoration and renovation works. You cannot just buy it and move in, because you are already used to today’s level of comfort and safety. You need to upgrade your old home to the modern living conditions that make it habitable. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when buying and restoring an old villa or home:

1. How good is the structure in itself?

You need to make sure the foundation is solid, that there are no water infiltration in the basement and no cracks in the concrete. Very old houses may need the foundation to be rebuilt and the basement floor changed. However, some houses may be strong enough and only need a renovation, without the need for radical measures.


2. What is the state of the plumbing system?

 

Renovated villa

RayWhite

It is very important to assess correctly the state of the pipes, because you are going to use that water for cooking and drinking. You don’t want to ingest lead which is what many old water systems were made from. Therefore you should check whether the pipes are made from lead. If they are, you have two options: replace the entire system or install a filtration device to remove lead from the water. A plumber or a restoration specialist will be able to estimate the efforts and the costs of each type of work, so that you can make an informed choice.

3. What is the state of the electrical system?

Electricity is a must-have in our modern world. We have lots of electrical appliances and devices therefore we need to make sure our house can support them all without problems. Older electrical circuits were not designed for such heavy duty appliances and this is one of the reasons for house fires. Therefore you must have the wiring checked by a qualified electrician and perhaps replace the wiring. You can do this only for the kitchen or you can do it for the whole house. Again, a specialist could assess your actual circuits, the power outlets and everything related, then make an upgrade plan to turn your home into a safe one from electrical point of view.

4. How does the exterior look?

The exterior of the house may need renovation. That’s normal for old homes. However, you need to take into consideration that there may be rules and laws that demand you restore the house in its original style. Sometimes you are limited even in what type of materials you are allowed to use. If you intend to do exterior renovation works, be it we talk about the walls or the roof, you must obtain all legal approvals needed to proceed with your project. If you don’t do this, you risk a big fine.

5. What to do about the windows?

Old windows have a special charm, but they lack the comfort and thermal insulation offered by modern double-glazing ones. When buying an old home, you have the option of restoring the old windows and insulate them properly or to remove them and replace them with modern ones. If you go for complete replacement, you may consider paying a bit more for making them imitate the original look. It is possible, if you install the double-glazing glass panes into solid wood frames. Nonetheless, you need to keep in mind this option will take more money out of your pocket than the vinyl frames everybody uses today.

Renovating an Auckland villa

marin

As a conclusion, it is a wonderful idea for villa restorations, but you need to be prepared to spend a significant budget for making it habitable. If you are going to undertake a major restoration of a few rooms then it will be a good idea to completely replace the old plumbing and electrical systems. You will have a few walls taken out so why not endure a small amount of additional mess by having the entire infrastructure brought up to modern codes of compliance. Any future buyer will want to see that this has been done so take the plunge and get everything sorted at one go.

For advice and guidance on prices for restoring an old villa in Auckland, restoration specialists such as Repair and Restore Ltd can help.