Relocate or renovate?

Tired of staring at the same four walls? Change them!

You can go as far as buying a new home with new walls or, if the thought of changing address doesn’t appeal, a home makeover might be just what’s needed. It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint, different lighting, new curtains or fresh decorations can make.

Redecorating and renovating

Depending on the size of your project – whether you want to just paint the walls, replace the kitchen or bathroom or change the structure of your home and build a sunroom on your home – it’s important to get the relevant information. You may want to check with Christchurch City Council whether you require a building permit for your project. See our Building Guide for more information about negotiating the tricky world of building permits and standards.

It may also pay to visit one of the many DIY stores around Christchurch and search the library catalogue for books and magazines on DIY.

If you choose to do the renovation yourself, consider whether you have the appropriate skills and knowledge for the project, a budget for all materials, the tools and help you need, establish a suitable timeframe and put together a safe working plan. Also, if the job proves too much, know when to stop and call in the help of the professionals.

The internet is also a valuable source when it comes to information and www.nailed.co.nz is a vast resource on renovating and redecorating offering anything from tips to plan your projects to advice on how to carry them out, links to other relevant sites and more. localeye has comprehensive information in it’s Your Property section.

Buying a home

If you want a complete change and buy a home, whether it is your first, second, fifth or more, the first thing you need to do is work out exactly how much you want and are able to spend. Your bank will be able to help, but it may also pay to shop around for a good mortgage rate. On top of the house price, you will need to take into account any additional costs, for things such as surveys, legal fees etc.

Other things to consider are the area in which you would like to live, what your requirements are for the new home and whether you would be prepared to do any work to the property.

Once you have these established, the search can begin. Browse the local newspapers, the internet and special property publications to find the properties currently on the market and if and when they have scheduled open days.

Once you have found a property you like, make sure you go back to visit it a few more times at different times of the day, paying particular detail to the condition of the property and the area around it. Is it situated on a busy road? Are there adequate facilities and schools nearby?

The Consumers’ Institute website has a free house inspection check list to take with you when you view the property. If the house ticks all your boxes, put in an offer.

www.realestate.co.nz offers thousands of listings of properties around New Zealand and has practical information on the process involved with buying a house.

The library catalogue has various books with tips on house buying.