78 | Move to renovations, extensions Rolleston Homes,specialises in new builds, outdoor areas, and extensions and renovations. T T from page 77 Rolleston Homes BUILDING Rolleston had boomed over the years with a record number of houses being built. But this was coming back a bit, Phil said. Council building consents had nearly halved from what they were two years ago. “Interest rates were low and land prices were low as well. Both of them have climbed.” There had been a shift towards more renovations and extensions and fewer new builds as the economic environment affected lending. Many were now choosing to renovate or extend, investing in the homes that they already had. “The extensions we’ve been doing lately have been more high-end. “You probably wouldn’t get the return on what you put in, but the people doing it are because that’s where they’ve decided to stay. So, it’s a long-term investment in their home, especially if they really like where they’re living.” The last new build Rolleston Homes carried out was halfway through 2023. However, with interest rates easing and land prices coming back, combined with a change of government, interest was starting to grow again. Sections were coming online, although they were being released in smaller blocks at a time that previously, Phil said. With no natural barrier, more land would be released for development and Rolleston would continue to grow. Although there were plenty of construction businesses popping up in the district, there seemed to be enough work for everyone. “There’s a lot going on here, so there seems to be room for people to come into the market. “There just seems to be a constant trickle.” Having a wide scope of work, from highend new builds to renovations, was useful for apprentices to learn a variety of skills. Although he had never advertised his business apart from signage around projects, he would start to push for new builds. “More just because they’re a bit harder for a small company like myself to get.” With the industry recently battling a huge shortage in materials post-COVID, it was a relief to see things improving, Phil said. “Overall things seem to be easier at the moment. We were having problems getting materials, and prices going up on everything. (But) it’s really slowed down to a more sustainable level. “I can get materials relatively quickly and they are turning up on time.” Plumbing Gas fitting Solar hot water systems Property maintains New builds Renovations Finn Plumbing Ltd Nigel Patterson - Certifying Plumber and Gasfitter 022 099 2768 | finnplumbingnz@gmail.com PO Box 92001 Farington, Rolleston 7650 Servicing christchurch, selwyn and mid canterbury Need your tiles professionally installed? Call us on 027 611 5422. YOUR DREAM HOME DESERVES THE BEST YOU DESERVE ROMA TILING. We can give you a free, no-obligation measure and quote. All our work is guaranteed. www.romatiling.co.nz info@romatiling.co.nz
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