| 95 T T Kelly Deeks Renovation experts offer valuable advice Renovation Builders has a focus on energy efficiency and high-quality craftsmanship in all of its renovation projects. Renovation Builders BUILDING Renovating a home is an exciting yet complex endeavour for homeowners looking to transform their living spaces, and good advice on how to balance their dreams with costs, efficiency, and sustainability can often mean the difference between triumph and disaster. Zane Raphael, owner of Renovation Builders, is an expert in the field, and offers his clients valuable insight into the renovation process, with a focus on energy efficiency and high-quality craftsmanship. Zane’s own home renovation project in 2016-17 set a new benchmark in New Zealand’s building industry. The home earned a prestigious 10 Homestar rating, making it the first standalone house in the North Island to achieve this for a renovation. “It’s a pretty good feather in our cap for a company that calls itself Renovation Builders,” Zane says. The Homestar rating, an independent assessment by the Green Building Council, measures the warmth, efficiency, and overall sustainability of a home. The journey to achieving a 10-star rating was both challenging and rewarding. Zane collaborated with a designer seeking Homestar accreditation, and together they explored ways to maximise the home’s energy efficiency. Initially, the design was projected to reach only eight or nine stars, but through continuous improvements and strategic partnerships with suppliers, they achieved the highest rating possible. One of the most significant upgrades was the implementation of high-performance windows. Using Vantage Aluminium’s APL suite, the renovation included low-e glass and argon gas-filled, thermally broken joinery, features that were ahead of their time. Today, similar windows are now standard under New Zealand’s updated H1 building regulations. In addition to high-performance windows, insulation played a critical role in the home’s transformation. Mammoth insulation, known for its superior thermal properties, was installed to ensure maximum efficiency. This, combined with a SmartVent ventilation system, means the home maintains a steady indoor temperature of 22 degrees Celsius year-round, significantly reducing heating costs and improving air quality. One of Zane’s key pieces of advice for homeowners is to consider the house as a whole, rather than focusing solely on the extension or single-room upgrades. “Many homeowners build a new, energy-efficient lounge or bedroom, but neglect the rest of the house, leading to thermal inconsistencies,” he says. “It’s important to evaluate the entire home’s insulation, joinery, and ventilation to create a cohesive, energy-efficient environment.” Another practical and affordable tip is placing polythene sheeting under a house to prevent rising damp. “It’s a simple DIY solution that can greatly improve indoor air quality,” he says. “For as little as $200, a young family can make a significant difference in their home’s health and comfort during winter.” Renovation Builders has completed more than 150 residential projects, ranging from new decks and retaining walls, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, to large-scale home extensions and full re-cladding. With more than 30 years’ experience, Zane and the Renovation Builders team specialise in high-end, high-quality renovations that stand the test of time. “We’re not just a kitchen and bathroom company, we provide a full-service renovation experience,” Zane says. “From concept to design and construction, we ensure every project is executed with precision, transparency, and a commitment to excellence.” Whether tackling a leaky home repair, extending a growing family’s living space, or modernising an outdated property, Renovation Builders offers homeowners expert guidance and innovative solutions for a better-built future. P. 09 213 8814 E. admin@uprite.co.nz www.upritesca olding.co.nz A professional and reliable service for all your scaffolding requirements Auckland wide Contact us Today Auckland’s Experts in Home Automation, Security and Residential and Commercial New Builds and Renovations Over 30 years experience Qualified Electricians Quality Workmanship Health & Safety Fair Pricing Master Electricians Contact Us 0800 385 586 (24/7) | accounts@fullvoltage.co.nz www.fullvoltage.co.nz
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