Some years ago, I was working with a client who wanted to add some sustainability focused features to their new build, something that was not common at the time. We added rainwater storage tanks to the new build for rainwater harvesting and re-use, however the compliance pathway was complex and there were many regulatory barriers [...]
I was looking through some plans the other day of a house that I built around 1991. It is a straight forward single storey, 3-bedroom house on a concrete slab with weatherboard cladding, long run roofing, standard aluminium joinery and single glazing. While the house is simple and robust and still stands today, when [...]
I had the opportunity the other day to be involved with the installation of a Bailey Bazooka culvert. It's actually the first time I've ever installed a culvert and it was great to work alongside experienced contractors, familiar with civil drainage work, who were able to offer up some advice to ensure that it installed [...]
Author: Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp Date published: January 2023 Changes to the NZ Building Code regarding the energy efficiency of our homes were announced in 2021 and all changes will take effect by November 2023. When the H1 changes were announced, some of the public and construction industry responses were along the lines of “Why? [...]
When scenic Lake Ohau Quarters needed wall lining options, they searched for a product that was not only appealing to the eye, but one that would blend in with the stunning alpine backdrop. Triboard TGV was the premium solution with its unique tones and natural patterns. The warm tones of Triboard’s TGV finish in the [...]
Bryce McDermott from Resene Paints, has kindly provided some additional tips on storage and cleaning of brushes and rollers: BRUSHES Brushes should be cleaned after each use. If I am using water based paint I have two brushes. I use one and when I see a build-up of paint on it I put it in [...]
These are very interesting times right now. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a pandemic and there is increasing fear and concern, with stockpiling occurring as we start our lockdown 4-week period and isolate within our homes. We are now being encouraged to practice ‘social distancing’. This is to avoid close contact – avoid shaking hands [...]
Last year this Resident Builder forged a new working relationship with Easy Access Co. Most Tradies would know Easy Access for their range of ladders, scaffolds and edge protection, widely available from trade stores throughout New Zealand. Since working with the Easy Access over the past few months, I have discovered that there is more [...]
The outward facing image of NZ men is one of strength, resourcefulness and the ability punch well above our weight. Think the All Blacks and Ed Hillary, number 8 wire and Rocket Lab. These are the kind of icons Kiwis are known for and identify with. Our construction industry is full of men like this [...]
The reality of life on a building site is that much of what we need to do, we need to do at a height that is out of reach. Nogging out a midfloor, fixing down trusses and working in stairwells are the types of jobs that have us searching for a safe and stable platform [...]
