Planning is the key to a successful renovation. A clear plan ensures your project stays on track, within budget, and meets your expectations. Here’s how the Refresh Renovations 5-step process helps guide your renovation from start to finish:
Your renovation journey starts with a consultation where we get to know your vision and needs.
This is the foundation of the project, setting clear goals for the renovation and ensuring we’re aligned on expectations. Our project managers work with you to understand your requirements and provide expert advice on the best approach.
Next, we move to concept design, where we create layouts and designs tailored to your goals.
This phase also includes assessing the feasibility of the project, ensuring the design works within your space and budget. Our project managers collaborate with the design team to ensure that everything is practical and achievable.
During this phase, we finalise the design, obtain any necessary building consent, and work with architects and engineers if needed. Our project managers oversee the entire process, ensuring the design is fully detailed and that costs are accurately estimated. This step ensures the project is set to move forward smoothly, with all approvals and plans in place.
Once the plans are finalised, construction begins. Our project managers ensure the build stays on schedule, coordinating trades and suppliers to keep things running smoothly. Regular updates and progress reports ensure you're informed throughout the process, and we aim to complete the renovation on time and within budget.
After construction, we conduct a final inspection to ensure everything meets your expectations. Our post-completion support ensures any final adjustments are made promptly, and we’re always available for ongoing assistance if needed.
At Refresh Renovations, we know that planning and project management are essential to a successful renovation. Ready to bring your renovation vision to life?
Contact us today on 0800-21-52-16 or email bronson.arter@refresh.co.nz to schedule your consultation, and let us guide you through every step of the process.
Check us out online at Refresh Renovations.
While everyone loves a big bathroom, the reality for many homeowners is that they will need to embrace a small bathroom layout. But with proper planning and expert advice, your small bathroom can still be fabulous – and functional!
The experts at Refresh® have picked five fabulous ideas to maximise your bathroom space, so whether you’re looking for small bathroom ideas on a budget, tips for creating a functional bathroom, or a space saving bath with storage, read on for advice and inspiration.
Don’t forget to check out our handy bathroom planning checklist, or for personalised advice get in touch with one of our friendly consultants for a free, one-hour consultation.
Keep the floor area clear and create the illusion of space by choosing wall hung designs for your bathroom renovation. Floating vanities, floating shelves, wall hung toilet suites, and even floating tall cabinets are all fantastic choices for small bathroom renovations.
Wall hung toilets not only provide more floor space, but they have an in-wall cistern that saves space and looks chic and streamlined. Floating bathroom shelves provide handy storage without the bulk of a cupboard, and floating vanities – especially slim line designs – feel less intrusive on the bathroom layout.
Your bathroom might be small, but that doesn’t mean your tiles have to be! Using large format floor tiles can trick the eye and make your bathroom look bigger than it actually is. This is because fewer tiles and grout lines make the space look less ‘busy’, which can make the room appear bigger. Less visual clutter will help the room to visually expand!
A small bathroom can feel even smaller if it’s dark and dingy, so lighting should be one of your top considerations when renovating your bathroom. Brighten up your space with modern bathroom light fixtures or take advantage of natural light with large windows.
Space constraints often mean you can’t extend the footprint of your bathroom but consider increasing window sizes during your renovation. The additional natural light will make your space feel brighter and bigger, plus it’s a great opportunity to add in some design flair. Think modern louvre windows to make a statement or consider casement windows that you can throw open to give your small bathroom a spacious and contemporary feel.
When it comes to bathroom ceiling light fixtures, recessed lights keep the space looking clean and clear, but don’t be afraid to add a statement look for visual interest. And don’t forget bathroom light fixtures above mirrors will maximise your light.
Installing a shower may appear straightforward, but it’s a good idea to spend a little extra time considering design features that can maximise your space. In-fold shower doors will fold into the enclosure of the shower to allow more space, corner showers can take advantage of curved sliding doors, and frameless glass will look minimalist while creating the illusion of a larger space.
Inside, make the most of unused space by creating recessed shelving to give you more storage and opt for minimalist plumbing fittings.
Making conscious choices about mirrors in your bathroom is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your small bathroom feel more spacious. They extend the walls, giving the illusion of more space, and reflect light to brighten up the room. Go large to make a statement, choose a mirror cabinet to provide storage, utilise LED lighting around the mirror, or make an impact with multiple mirrors in the space.
Article provided by Refresh® Christchurch. Refresh® Rodney can help with all your local bathroom renovations. Call Bronson on 0800 215 216 - bronson.arter@refresh.co.nz - https://bit.ly/refresh-rodney
For many, the idea of starting a fitness routine, especially when you're out of shape, can be intimidating. You might have a goal in mind, but where do you begin? How long should you walk or run? How fast? How often? Here are some tips and tools to help you kick-start your new fitness journey.
It’s natural to compare yourself to others who might be faster or more experienced, but don’t let that discourage you. Embrace your current fitness level and focus on making small, consistent improvements. Simply starting and doing more than you did before is a significant accomplishment in itself.
Wearing the right shoes is crucial when walking or running. Your shoes provide the foundation for your exercise, so it’s important to choose a pair that fits well and offers good support, especially around your ankles. If possible, seek advice from a specialty running shop, but at the very least, ensure your shoes are comfortable and supportive.
One common mistake is trying to increase both speed and distance simultaneously. Instead, set a clear goal for each workout: will you focus on going farther today or faster? Concentrate on one aspect at a time to avoid burnout and injury.
Exercising with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. Whether you’re walking or jogging, having someone to talk to can make the time pass quickly and turn your workout into a social activity.
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance. Training plans are designed to help you progress safely from your current level to where you want to be. There are many tools and apps available that can guide you through the process step by step.
It’s normal to have days when you don’t feel like exercising. Try not to let these days derail your routine. Reach out to a friend for motivation, join a group, or just push through, knowing you’ll feel better once you’ve made the effort.
If you really need to take a rest day, don’t be too hard on yourself. Use the break to recharge, and get back on track the next day. Sometimes, a day off can even boost your motivation for your next workout.
Starting a fitness routine is a journey, and every step forward is progress. Remember to be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process of becoming more active and healthy.
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To find a range of local businesses who can help you with what you may need to FIX check out our Local Business Quick Guide.
Networking is a crucial component of business success. It enables you to connect with people who can help you grow your business, gain insights into other industries, learn new ideas, and of course, discover potential customers. However, finding new clients shouldn’t be your sole focus when networking.
For shy individuals, networking can feel particularly daunting. The fear of rejection, lack of confidence, and feeling unworthy can make it seem overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can overcome these fears and recognize the immense value that networking can bring to your business and your personal development as a business professional.
Here are some tips to help you navigate networking with confidence:
Be Prepared: If you’re worried about freezing up or getting tongue-tied in social settings, prepare in advance. Think of a few ice-breaker questions you can ask people you meet to start conversations more easily.
Start with Familiarity: If approaching strangers feels intimidating, begin by seeking out people you already know. Familiar faces can make the environment feel less overwhelming.
Attend Events with a Friend or Colleague: Going to an event with someone you’re comfortable with can boost your confidence, especially if your companion is an extrovert. They can introduce you to people they know and encourage you to engage with others.
Don’t Continuously Apologize: Constantly apologizing can signal insecurity. Remember, you don’t need to apologize for seeking help or wanting to learn more about the person you’re speaking with.
Overcome Your Fear of Rejection: In networking, you may encounter people who are unable or unwilling to help. Don’t take it personally or dwell on it; it’s just part of the process.
Remember That Networking Is Two-Way: You might feel you have nothing significant to offer in return for someone’s help, but you likely have more to give than you realize. And even if you don’t, not every interaction needs to be a transaction—sometimes just building a connection is valuable.
Arrive Early: Don’t make the mistake of arriving late. It’s much easier to establish a presence in a room before it gets crowded and people start forming small groups. Arriving early gives you a better chance to mingle and make connections.
Create and Refine Your Elevator Pitch: Prepare a concise 15-30 second pitch that explains who you are, what you do, and how others can benefit from connecting with you. Having this ready can make breaking the ice much easier, but make sure it doesn’t sound overly rehearsed. Keep it simple, clear, and authentic.
Most importantly, be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. If you’re naturally humble and shy, embrace it—authenticity can be endearing. It’s okay to be a little awkward, just avoid over-apologizing for it.
By following these tips, you can navigate networking events with greater confidence and make the most of the opportunities they offer.
To find a range of local businesses who can help you with what you may need to FIX check out our Local Business Quick Guide.
Let’s face it, car tyres aren’t something most people think to budget for in their day-to-day expenses, but they are essential and important. So, should you invest in premium brands, or are budget tyres sufficient?
When choosing car tyres, it’s crucial to consider your driving needs before deciding on the type of tyre. Do you drive long distances on motorways? Or are you mostly a lower-speed, around-town driver? There’s a wide range of tyres available to suit nearly every type of vehicle and driving style.
When we think of premium tyres, names like Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, and Bridgestone often come to mind - brands that can deflate your bank account faster than your last blowout. Budget brands, on the other hand, are the most affordable options on the market and can be much easier on your wallet.
In New Zealand, all tyres sold are required to meet specific safety standards, which ensures a baseline level of quality and safety. Interestingly, many budget tyre brands are owned by the major players in tyre research, who are keen to capture a share of the budget market.
In reality, no one can definitively say that a budget tyre will fail or that a premium tyre will never fail. The performance and longevity of a tyre largely depend on your driving habits and how well you maintain them.
Buying a budget tyre doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality; in fact, many budget tyres are manufactured using the same techniques as their premium counterparts.
Some argue that budget tyres don’t last as long as premium ones, but there’s no fixed lifespan for tyres—it all depends on how you drive and care for them. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tyre pressure, which is usually listed on the driver’s door pillar, can significantly extend tyre life and save you money. Underinflated tyres increase road friction, causing them to wear out faster and your car to use more fuel. Additionally, it’s important to ensure all four tyres have the same tread pattern for optimal performance.
It’s also wise to consult with a tyre professional. They have the expertise to advise you on factors like wet and dry handling, tread noise, off-road traction, and more, helping you choose the best option for your driving needs.
In the end, budget tyres are not unsafe and can be both reliable and economical. As long as you’re not planning a high-speed tour around New Zealand, budget tyres can offer great value and make practical sense.
To find a range of local businesses who can help you with what you may need to FIX check out our Local Business Quick Guide.
When getting your home ready to attract potential buyers, there are several important steps you can take to maximize its appeal.
1. Start by emotionally detaching from the house. Shift your mindset from seeing it as your "home" to viewing it as a property that’s ready to be sold. If this is difficult, imagine yourself in the new home you’re hoping to buy, handing over the keys and moving on.
2. Depersonalise the space by removing personal items like family photos and mementos from visible surfaces. Creating clear and uncluttered spaces helps buyers envision their own belongings in the room, making it easier for them to imagine living there.
3. Don’t overlook the small details. Simple updates like replacing old kitchen cabinet knobs with modern ones can quickly refresh a space. The same applies to bathrooms - swapping out towel rails, toilet roll holders, and adding plush towels or decorative soaps can elevate the room’s style.
4. Invest some effort into deep cleaning. Ensure windows are spotless, cobwebs are removed, walls are wiped down, furniture is dusted, faucets are polished, and dirty grout is bleached. These tasks can make your home feel fresh and well-maintained, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, which are key areas of interest for buyers.
5. Enhance the exterior by adding a few brightly colored potted plants near entrances, on decks, or along garden edges. These touches can create an inviting atmosphere and can be taken with you when you move. Additionally, tidy the garden, trim hedges, and mow the lawn to boost your home’s curb appeal. If you need help or advice with this give Jake a call at Allout Hedge and Tree Maintenance Ltd and check out their landscaping support they can give you with that first impression!
6. Make sure the entrance to your home is decluttered and welcoming. Since this is one of the first impressions buyers will have of the interior, you want it to feel open and inviting, not cramped or cluttered.
7. Evaluate the overall curb appeal of your home. Consider if the exterior needs a fresh coat of paint, or if the deck could use some staining. Even small updates, like replacing house numbers or adding a new welcome mat, can make a big difference in creating a positive first impression.
8. Organize closets and cupboards, especially walk-in wardrobes, as buyers are likely to peek inside. Neat, well-organized storage spaces not only look more attractive but also make packing easier when it’s time to move.
9. If your home is crowded with furniture, think about renting a storage unit. Reducing the amount of furniture can make your home feel more spacious and appealing to a broader range of buyers. Decluttering in general will also help create a more open and inviting atmosphere.
10. Finally, after completing these preparations, take a step back and evaluate your home from a buyer's perspective. Drive up to the house and walk through it as if you were seeing it for the first time. If anything catches your eye in a negative way, address it before listing the property.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to present your home to potential buyers, setting the stage for a successful sale and paving the way for your next move.
To find a range of local businesses who can help you with what you may need to FIX check out our Local Business Quick Guide.
Transforming a plain deck or garden into a vibrant outdoor oasis can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. Here are some creative ideas to add color, texture, and personality to your space:
These ideas will help you transform your deck or garden into a lively and inviting outdoor space that reflects your style and enhances your enjoyment of the outdoors.
Hearing losses usually develop very slowly, so it is easy to not notice them creeping up on you. If you are concerned about your own hearing, or that of a loved one, you can run a self check to give you some ideas. Hear Again, in Whangaparaoa, have an online self-check test, you are welcome to run through.
If you determin that perhaps hearing is affected but it may not actually be hearing loss it may be a case of blocked ears. Did you know approximately 5% of adults and 10% of children deal with blocked ears at any one time! If you’re uncertain whether ear wax is causing your hearing issue or whether an ear wax removal service can help, drop into Hear Again and their experienced staff will take a quick look free of charge. Ear wax removal is quite a simple and painless procedure and you can read more about what causes it and ear wax removal online with Hear Again.
Another frustration you, or a loved one, may experience is that annoying ringing in your ears! So what is it?
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sounds that aren't present in the external environment. It can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, throbbing, booming, clicking, roaring, or a cicada-like noise. Tinnitus may consist of a single sound or multiple different sounds, and it can develop gradually or suddenly.
This condition is quite common, with most people experiencing it at some point, especially in quiet surroundings. About 20% of the population experiences persistent tinnitus, and for 4%, it significantly affects their quality of life.
Read more on what tinnitus is and how it can be combatted.
If you need support or hear advice remember Hear Again offer free hearing tests and also operate an in-home service if it's hard to get to their Whangaparaoa premises. The team are always happy to advise and help so you can "Rejoin the Conversation"!
Hear Again, Coast Whangaparaoa, 6 Main Road, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa
0508-432-724 - info@hearagain.co.nz - https://hearagain.co.nz
