Adding insulation internally and downpipes externally will enable you to see and imagine just how warm you will be in winter. The bricklayer completes the exterior while the ground is prepared for landscaping.

While not as glamourous as wallpaper or vibrant paint colours, insulation is like the engine in a car – you may not see it working but it performs a vital role – in this case reducing the amount of heating you need to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Insulation in New Zealand homes was not mandatory until 1978, but nowadays there are many types of insulation on the market, ranging from pink bats (used by Generation Homes) to wool insulation.

Insulation acts as a protective barrier in the roof, ceiling, walls and floors to prevent heat loss in the winter and heat gain summer. For many Kiwi homeowners, insulation is the most practical and cost effective way to make a house more energy efficient.

Research shows insulation can cut the cost of heating and cooling a home by up to 40 percent, as it helps regulate internal temperatures. In addition, insulation reduces condensation throughout the house, which can provide health benefits by reducing mould and damp.

It is also an excellent material for absorbing sound, assisting in reducing noise transmission through walls, ceilings and floors.

Keeping a home warm is a priority for many families during winter and adding thick curtains or blinds over window openings are a great way to stop your house from losing heat. Curtains with thermal linings can be a relatively cheap option, but it’s important to ensure there are no gaps between the edges of the windows and curtains as heat will easily escape.

Next step is the interior linings and internal plastering that will enable you to visualise your true living environment. This step is when most people start to get creative with their interior colour schemes and design choices.

If you want to check out some of the latest home design trends and discover how you can easily incorporate them into your home, visit one of our architecturally-designed showhomes. For a full list and viewing schedule of our Show Homes click HERE.

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