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Lincoln Oasis Step into a world of comfort and serenity with Fortified Homes' exquisite 231 sqm single-storey residence in the heart of Lincoln, a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. This captivating haven is meticulously designed to embrace family life, offering an inviting sanctuary that caters to every need. Recently announced as the winner of the up to $500,000 category in the Masterbuilders House of the Year 2023 competition for the Canterbury region, this achievement adds a gleaming feather to Fortified Homes' cap. This gold award recognises their dedication to the building industry. As you pass through the Eldorado stone-clad gabled porch, a spacious main living area welcomes you with an abundance of natural light. The elegant fusion of black and gold accents infuses a touch ofsophistication into this warm and inviting space. Slatted windows not only flood the room with light but also ensure your privacy, creating a harmonious balance between openness and seclusion. The living experience extends beyond the plush carpeted living room to reveal a functional kitchen and dining area. This culinary haven is thoughtfully designed, with easy access from oven to plate through bi-fold doors leading to the alfresco dining and barbecue zone. The heart of the home, the kitchen boasts ample storage, an induction hob, an easy-clean splash back, a double farmhouse ceramic sink, and bespoke tapware. Its seamless connection to the outdoors provides a refreshing vista that complements the culinary journey. A large sliding barn-style door beckons you into a second living area, a versatile retreat enhanced by a log fire with a tiled hearth and a stone-clad mantel. This cozy nook is perfect for unwinding, inviting you to curl up on the couch and lose yourself in its charm. The main bedroom opens up to a covered spa area, offering a secluded spot for tranquil nighttime soaks. A spacious walk-in robe and ensuite provide a private haven, completing the experience of luxury and convenience. Fortified Homes' creation in Lincoln not only showcases exceptional design and craftsmanship but also a dedication to providing a harmonious and functional living space. It's a place where every detail is meticulously crafted to nurture a sense of tranquility and belonging. This residence stands as a testament to Fortified Homes' commitment to creating homes that truly resonate with the essence of family life while reaching new heights of recognition in the industry. Ready to Make Lincoln Oasis Your Home?If you're ready to experience the blend of elegance, functionality, and serenity that Fortified Homes' Lincoln Oasis offers, we invite you to take the next step. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and embark on a journey to discover your dream home. Your oasis of comfort and excellence awaits.

In this article, we outline the key contacts and contractors in the home building process, plustips on finding the right professionals for your build. Choosing Your Home Building Team There are plenty of people involved in building a new home, and if you haven’t built before it canbe tricky to see where everyone fits in. Here’s a quick overview of your core building team: thekey people you’ll work with throughout the build process. We’ve also included some tips onfinding the right professionals for your project. Your Lawyer There’s plenty for your lawyer to do during the home building process, from explaining land memorandums to reviewing contracts. It’s best to engage your lawyer right at the start of the process, before you’ve even chosen your section. Some sections have specific building requirements, and a good lawyer can decipher any conditions that apply to the section you’re considering. You don’t want to end up purchasing land that comes with hidden costs, or isn’t suitable for the home you have in mind! Your lawyer will also review the purchase agreement, check over your build contracts, and make sure you’re legally protected and set up for a great project. So what should you look for when you’re choosing a lawyer? You’ll need someone you can trust, who communicates quickly and takes the time to explain things in language that makes it easy to understand. Your Mortgage Broker We generally suggest that first home builders use a mortgage broker. Brokers can access finance from all of the major lenders, unlocking interest rates and loan structures that you may not be able to find elsewhere (or may not get directly from the bank). As well as getting you the right rate, mortgage brokers are helpful as they know the ins and outs of KiwiSaver and can find out if you’re eligible for the HomeStart Grant. Mortgage brokers also apply for finance to on your behalf, which is a major time-saver! You can spend your time out looking for sections, not filling out loan application paperwork. Your Home Designer Your designer is responsible for creating a house plan that makes the most of your section, meets building codes, and - most importantly - will be a home you’ll love to live in! Fortified Homes offers a complete Design & Build service, so you can work directly with the house designer and have a seamless transition into the build process. Our expert design team can adapt one of our existing plans, or start from scratch to come up with something new. It’s important to give your designer as much information as you can, so they have a clear understanding of your budget, and can see what’s in your ‘mind’s eye’ for your finished home. When you’re planning your design, think about how you’ll be using the space in day-to-day life. Are you a keen cook who needs plenty of kitchen space and storage, or would you rather have a roomier lounge for entertaining? If you’re a lover of backyard BBQs, is your deck designed to soak up the afternoon sun? Even small things - like the material used in your kitchen bench or your choice of tapware - can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your finished home. Our team can take you through the options and make sure you end up with a plan that suits your lifestyle and budget. Once you’ve briefed your designer, they’ll create a customised plan before taking you through the design in detail to make sure everything is covered. Your Builder Your builder is the most crucial person in your home build process - and we’re not just saying that because we’re builders! It’s the builder’s job to deliver a high-quality home, to schedule and on budget. Many builders (including Fortified Homes) will also project manage the build for you, so you have a single point of contact and can trust that everything is taken care of. As well as completing the build and managing the construction process, your builder will provide a contract, plan, and timeline for you to take to your lawyer and your mortgage broker. Your first home is a major project and represents a significant time and cost investment, so you need to be confident that you’re working with a capable, experienced team. When you’re choosing a builder, look for someone you’re comfortable with and can easily chat to - you’ll be talking to them a lot during the build process. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions, and ask if you can see some of their previous builds or current projects. We’ve outlined some questions to ask your builder in this previous article. Once the build is underway, you’ll receive regular progress updates from your builder; they’ll be your main point of contact to make sure everything is on track. Again, it’s essential that you feel comfortable asking your builder questions: they’re the one building the house, but it’ll be your home. Behind-the-scenes There are plenty of other people involved in your project - even if you don’t get to meet them! Your builder will spend time talking to the team at your local Council, making sure your plans are approved and securing a Code of Compliance once your build is complete. During your build, your builder will also organise a small army of subcontractors. They’ll need specialised teams of tradies for all sorts of jobs, from laying the foundation right through to putting on the downpipes. Fortified Homes has a regular group of ‘tried and true’ subcontractors that we use on all our builds. They’re local, reliable teams that we can trust to get the job done to a high standard.

First home buyer Millie was so happy with her first home build that she and her partner arenow building their second house with Fortified Homes. Read about her experiences in thiscase study. Case Study: Millie Eaton “Everyone was trying to convince us to buy… we just went ahead and built it!” Millie Eaton and her partner were ready to buy their first home, and were tossing up between buying an existing property and building from scratch. Friends recommended looking for a house instead of tackling a new build… but when a Fortified Homes plan popped up on her Facebook page, Millie was intrigued. “I felt like it was the dream home for what we could afford,” she says. “Comparing it to any other house on the market, it was just such good value for money.” The plan was an exciting starting point, but like any sensible buyer Millie did her research - and she found that Fortified Homes stacked up. “I found that they had the best value for money, and because it’s so direct and there’s no overheads, they were the best fit. They were the most affordable, yet didn’t skimp on any appliances - everything was still really well-done. It was just a no-brainer.” Mike’s thorough approach made the build process easy; he provided clear guidelines at every stage, and talked Millie and her partner through all the available options.Communication during the build was also simple, with Mike in direct contact with the building team. “There’s actually not a whole lot of difficult decisions to make,” Millie says. “Mike knows what’s happening onsite, so you can just talk straight to him.” With the build complete, it was time to move in and make the house their own. Millie and her partner felt the house was a perfect fit for their section - and they weren’t the only ones impressed by the warm and sunny home. “My parents saw our first house and how nice it was, and now they’re building with Fortified as well,” Millie says. “They were excited about their building process […] because they loved our home, and theirs is quite similar.” It’s been a couple of years since their first home build, and Millie and her partner recently found a new section in Rolleston and started building their second house with Fortified Homes. While their first house was built to one of Fortified’s existing plans, this time around they’ve brought in more customisation to make the most of their section. “The north-facing is on a different angle, so we tried to utilise the space so we can make it really sunny,” Millie says. “It’s only got the roof up at the moment - but it looks like it’s got a lot of sun!” Other than the house shape and design, Millie has stuck with Fortified Homes’ standard suppliers for fittings and appliances. “The showers and appliances were great with the first house so we haven’t changed much - it’s been easy.” With the build process well underway, Millie’s excited to see the new house complete. She’s confident that she and her partner will be just as happy in their second home as they were in their first. “Every house [from Fortified], we’ve loved so much.”

When you’re building a new home the resale value might not be the first thing on your mind, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner, or on a tight budget. Making a few small changes during the build process can make a huge difference to your home’s value when it comes time to sell, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out our top tips to add value during your build. Your future self will thank you! 1. Keep it light, open and versatile Think about the last time you walked into a home you loved; chances are it felt open, light and airy. Buyers also love this feeling, and it’s easy to build into your new home with some smart design choices. Higher ceilings and well-placed windows let in plenty of natural light and make the house feel bright and welcoming throughout the day. Open-plan living spaces – where one area flows naturally into the next – add to the feeling of openness, and are super-versatile for buyers who want to make the home their own. It’s also important to design with the sun in mind! We always recommend finding your section before finalising your plan, so your house is built to make the most of the sun throughout the day. 2. Build sustainably Sustainability and eco-efficiency are increasingly important to home buyers, so it makes sense to consider these during your build. As well as giving the environment a helping hand, sustainable building choices make your home more affordable and comfortable to live in. You don’t need to build a full passive home to make an impact; choosing high-quality insulation and energy-efficient appliances (especially your inbuilt kitchen appliances) makes a big difference. Solar energy is also becoming an increasingly popular option for Kiwi households, and solarpanels are worth considering if your budget will allow it. 3. Make the most of your outdoor space Maximising the amount of usable space in your home is a great way to add value, and that includes the often-overlooked backyard. A well-designed deck, patio, or conservatory puts your outdoor space to use, adds value and provides entertainment options all year round. This is a great option for smaller sections, where a functional, stylish outdoor living area can make a big difference to the home’s overall appeal. Depending on your budget and section size, a separate sleep-out or home office is another big value-add for the backyard. 4. Boost your kerb appeal When you’re selling a home, first impressions count! Great landscaping, fencing and paving choices all increase your home’s kerb appeal and make it stand out to potential buyers. It’s worth professionally landscaping your new home, as a well-planned garden and an outdoor space designed to suit your home’s style, design and character will extend your home’s appeal. Starting off with a professionally designed space also makes it easier to keep on top of garden maintenance. 5. Storage, storage, and more storage “I love this house, but I wish there was less storage!” … said nobody, ever. Buyers are always looking for homes with plenty of storage, and for a busy family the amount of storage space can be the ‘make or break’ factor when deciding which property to buy. As well as making sure you have enough storage in the kitchen, wardrobe and laundry, consider areas where you can add some less traditional (but very useful) storage options. Think about adding inbuilt shelving or a mezzanine storage area in the garage, or a tucked-away outdoor storage area. 6. Choose quality flooring They might not be the first thing you look at when you walk into a house, but the floors of your home see a lot of use. Choosing quality flooring when you build makes sure that when you’re ready to sell, the new owners aren’t going to be put off by the cost of upgrading worn-out carpet or peeling lino. 7. Finish with quality fixtures Quality fixtures instantly give your home a premium feel, and are a clear signal to potential buyers that the house has been built with care, to a high level of quality. This is more important than ever in the kitchen, which is often the space that ‘sells’ a buyer on a new home. Small touches – like soft-close cabinets, quality benchtops, inbuilt water filtration or a waste disposal unit – make a minor difference to your overall build cost, but a major impact to your kitchen’s appeal to the next buyer. You don’t have to use all those tips in one build, just a couple of minor changes can make a bigdifference when it comes time to sell. Have a chat to our team for more ideas on how to add valueto your build, at any budget.

Have you ever wondered what TC1, TC2 and TC3 means for you? You finally find a section that you love but you do not know how the technical category will affect your build. Well here it is in a nutshell…. Technical Category 1 means that future land damage from liquefaction is unlikely. You can use standard foundations for concrete slabs or timber floors. For TC1 foundations we use a NZS 3604 ring foundation which is the most economical. Most builders base their costs on this type of foundation  Technical Category 2 means that minor to moderate land damage from liquefaction is possible in future significant earthquakes. You can use standard timber piled foundations for houses with lightweight cladding and roofing and suspended timber floors or enhanced concrete foundations such as a waffle slab/Ribraft foundation. These foundations are typically more expensive than a standard foundation. Technical Category 3 means that moderate to significant land damage from liquefaction is possible in future significant earthquakes. Site-specific geotechnical investigation and specific engineering foundation design is required. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for homes in Technical Category 3 (TC3) that require repairs to foundations or need to be rebuilt. Foundations designed for homes in TC3 will be site specific and may involve deep foundation piles. Site-specific geotechnical investigation will identify the best foundation design for your property. It is not uncommon for TC3 foundations to cost upwards of $60,000 or more than your standard foundation. There you have it…. TC1 will have a standard foundation which most prices are based on, TC2 requires a waffle slab which is more expensive than a standard foundation and TC3 requires deep geotechnical investigating and a specially designed foundation for each site which can cost $60,000 or more. If you need some help deciding on which how the technical category will affect your build. Get in touch with Mike today. mike@fortifiedhomes.co.nz

Have you ever wanted to build but you think buying would just be easier? Think about it… all those earthquakes and dodgy repairs, maintenance due on the house. How well insulated is an existing house anyway? Guess what?! By reading the following, you will have an insight into reasons to build. Here is a list of reasons You get to style your home your way – the number of bedrooms, the colours and the size that suits you perfectly. There are no dirty renovations to be done over a number of months which may never get finished. There is no uncertainty around if your home has been repaired after the earthquakes. Your new build will be solid from the foundations to the roof! There is very minimal maintenance on a new home and if the maintenance is kept in check, there will be no hidden surprises. On an existing house there will be maintenance due soon for something – whether it be the roof repairs or windows to re paint, it is an endless battle that could cost you more after you move in. Most of our builds see an increase in value from what they pay as soon as they move in! that means you make money and who doesn’t like that? In some cases, it has been up to $70,000! If you buy an existing house it you have usually already payed top dollar and you have to wait and see what the market does after that to see if you have an increase in value. You have the satisfaction of designing your home specifically built for you, so it has your taste. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you can stand back and look at your new Fortified home and be proud of what you have achieved. Could you say the same for an existing house that you buy?? These are but just a few in a long list of positives for building. Personal styling, sound construction, minimal maintenance, increase in value and satisfaction are all very worthy reasons to build a newhome. Do they sound like good enough reasons for you? We are here to help realise your dreams; all you have to do is send us a message to get your newhome started. Mike@fortifiedhomes.co.nz

Buying a section – here is what you should know It can be a hard job looking for the right section. Which one to pick? What do I need to look for?Why is the section across the road cheaper? We are going to let you know a few things to look out for. 1. As always knowing your budget is the first step… no point in looking if you can’t buy 2. TC1 land is always preferable but not necessary, you will just have to pay more for foundation costs if the location is more important. Here are the Technical categories explained. Technical Category 1 (TC1, grey) means that future land damage from liquefaction is unlikely.  Technical Category 2 (TC2, yellow) means that minor to moderate land damage from liquefaction is possible in future significant earthquakes.  TIP: some developments have site specific Geotech reports available to view before buying so it is best to get that to your builder early so they can give you an idea of cost if you are unsure. Technical Category 3 (TC3, blue) means that moderate to significant land damage from liquefaction is possible in future significant earthquakes. 3. The best sections to buy are always on the west side of a north – south running road because you can have sun to your living room all day and have private outdoor living. These sections are usually the first to be sold and are generally the most expensive with other sections the same size. Sections on the south side of an east -west running road are also a good option as the sun will set in the afternoon into a private outdoor area. 4. You also want to make sure there are no trees, lights, power poles or power boxes or anything else that will impede on your future design. For example, there could be a light where you wish to put your driveway… these are costly to move. Other things to look out for is what kind of sewer and storm water systems are used. If you need a sewer pump or a soak pit, these increase the build price. 5. A good lawyer is a must for buying sections as they should look into if the section has anything else the LIM (land information memorandum) might show things such as easements or if the section has a cross lease or any other special conditions. Lastly, you want to ask if your section comes with boundary fences or if you have to organise to put them up yourself. The extra money can make a difference towards your build or landscaping budget. So things you have to look for are: price, technical category, section in relation to the sun during the day, things that will effect the design, having a good lawyer and who is paying for the boundary fences. With these in mind you can have more confidence in buying a section! If you would like any other info, just get in touch with us here at Fortified Homes as we are here to help you with a stress free build! Mike@fortifiedhomes.co.nz

If you’re a first home builder, learning about the construction process can feel overwhelming.This article takes you through the key planning stages, from budget to design. Understanding the Build Process There’s more to building a house than finding a section, a builder, and a plan! If you’re a firsthome builder, learning about the construction process can feel overwhelming.Set yourself up for success with a read through these key planning phases, and get familiarwith common budget blowout areas to avoid. Setting Your Budget One of the quickest ways to get your build off to a great start is by having your budget sorted from the beginning. Start by figuring out how much you’d like to borrow, then work backwards from there. For example, if you’re looking to borrow $850k in total, you might set aside: $350k for your section $500k for your house build Once you know your budget, you can start to think about your home’s size and features. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ pricing system, but allowing for around $2,400 per square metre is a good starting point. If you’d interested in how your budget will translate into a finished house, get in touch with us for an initial chat. Choosing Your Section Choosing a section is one area of the build where, if you aren’t careful, hidden costs can raise their head. Keep an eye out for these commonly underestimated costs: Site preparation Depending on your section’s location and condition, you may need significant excavation, demolition or site clearing before you can build. The amount of work required will vary from property to property based on the soil type, the slope of the land and the house design. Once you’ve purchased a section, we’re happy to come and view it, and advise on excavations. Earthworks can quickly impact your project’s timeframe and cost, so it’s important to have an understanding of how much work your section needs. While you’re considering site preparation, also check the existing features of your section to make sure nothing needs to be removed. You don’t want to get halfway through your build and realise you have to take out a large tree or move a lamp post! Site-specific regulations and restrictions The specific details of your section - its boundaries, land stability, and the location of water and waste services - have an impact on what you can and can’t build. This information is available in a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) and/or Land Information Memorandum (LIM), which you can get from Council prior to starting your project. Your lawyer will be able to talk you through the details of these documents, and advise how they might affect your build. While we’re on the topic, it’s a must to work with a good lawyer right from the start! They’ll know what to look for, help you ask the right questions, and make sure you’re aware of any special conditions. For more information, check out our section buying guide:https://www.fortifiedhomes.co.nz/buying-a-section-here-is-what-you-should-know Designing your Home Designing your home is one of the most exciting parts of the process - and it’s another stage where it’s important to get it right! A high-quality house design will… Make the most of your section, maximising the sunlight and the space Become the blueprint for the home and lifestyle you want, while meeting your budget Contain all the information needed for Council to approve your Building Consent Fortified Homes offers a complete Design & Build service. Our team works with you to draftthe house plans, then you have plenty of time to review and make changes before we prepare the plans for Council approval. You don’t need to engage an independent architect or designer, and we’ll know the plans inside-out when we start the build! Good home design is all about sharing information: the more we can learn about what you’re looking for in your new house, the better the end result will be. A thorough design process also decreases the likelihood of modifications during the build, which are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to blowing out the budget. We’ll go through the design in detail, so you can see what happens at each stage of the build and make choices about everything from cladding to fittings. Our team’s experience comes in handy here: we can give you all the advice you need to make the right choices for your lifestyle and for your budget. Adding the finishing touches In the excitement of designing your house, it can be easy to overlook the finishing touches. Decking, fencing and landscaping make a big difference to how you use and enjoy your home, and can be an unexpected extra in your budget if you don’t include them in your initial planning.

There is so much to work out! How do I buy a section? When do I contact Kiwisaver? Who can help with finance? How do I purchase a section? We are going to run through where to start and what order you need to take those steps! How to get started The first step of any project is funding, you need to find out how much you want to borrow and work backwards from there. Example: budget $850k - 350k (section) = $500k for a house build. If it is your first home, we recommend using a mortgage broker as they can help with the ins and outs of getting the Kiwisaver grant if you are eligible. Mortgage brokers also help with the best deal on interest rates at the end of the build. The second step is to find a good lawyer if you don’t already have one. You need to be able to trust that they can do a good job at looking after you from a legal standpoint. Lawyers will help with land and build contracts but also suggest things like wills at the same time as getting your first home. Start looking and talking to builders – just research for now… Now it is time to look for a section! Ideally you want to pick your section before you decide on a design because you want to design your home to maximise sun during the day.Questions to ask yourself when choosing a section:Is the land TC1, TC2 or TC3?Can the neighbours build me out?(design or position their house so that it will impede sun and view etc?)Are there any restrictive covenants (design rules) for the section? What are they?Can the neighbours put a relocatable house next to you?Is the boundary fencing included in the price?Are their any street lights or anything else in the place I would want to put my driveway?Where and when will I lose sunlight? Are there any trees which may effect this? The last step is to find a builder. You want a builder with good reviews and a proven track record of delivering homes on time and on budget. You also want a builder who you feel you can trust throughout the process. They need to be upfront about all the costs and potential challenges with the build. Your builder will be able to provide you with a contract, specification and plan for you take to your mortgage broker, lawyer and Kiwisaver .Some questions you may want to ask:How much experience do you have?What is the typical build time?Are you Master Builders?What is your payment schedule?Can I see one of your builds in progress?What is included in the cost?Do you have a guarantee? Last but not least, you want to do some research into how much your house will cost vs how much similar houses are selling for in the area. You want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. Now you are in the know so you can make a start on your new build. Simply broken down – 1.Finance, 2, Lawyer, 3. Look for builder, 4. Choose section, 5. Choose builder How easy is that? Would you like any other info on what to do?It is as simple as getting in touch with us to have a friendly chat. We are here to help! Mike@fortifiedhomes.co.nz

Choosing external cladding is a critical part of your new home build. From timber to EIFS, we take a look at the pros and cons of common New Zealand cladding types. Choosing the right cladding for your new build Choosing your exterior cladding is one of the most important decisions in the home building process. As well as making a huge difference to how your home looks, your cladding choice has an impact on your build cost, long-term maintenance requirements, and even your home insulation - so it’s important to get it right. In this article we’ve outlined the main factors to consider when choosing cladding, plus an overview of some of New Zealand’s most popular cladding materials. Main factors when choosing cladding Lifetime cost There’s more to cost-effective cladding than picking the cheapest option for your initial build. The amount of maintenance required varies significantly depending on the material you choose, and a low-maintenance option with a higher initial cost could end up saving you money in the long term. Insulation rating Think about a light summer jacket, versus a ski jacket - they’re both outer coverings, but they provide a very different degree of warmth. Your home’s cladding is the same, and different cladding types provide different levels of insulation. Check the insulation rating (R-value) of your cladding to make sure you’re choosing the right option. Climate and weather Your cladding’s performance will be impacted by the climate your house is in, so take the weather into account when making your choice. Natural timber is one example; it looks stunning when first built, but doesn’t hold up well after years under the harsh sun. Structural integrity and design suitability If your preferred cladding doesn’t have the right structural properties for the design you’ve chosen, we may not be able to use it to cover the whole house exterior. Don’t worry - we can work with you to incorporate a feature panel or element in your preferred style. Timber Great for…A striking natural finish and high versatility. Be aware of…Regular maintenance requirements, and sensitivity to the elements. Timber cladding is popular on modern Kiwi homes, and it’s not hard to see why! Timber is lightweight, beautiful and versatile enough to suit a modern or classic design. The natural wood grain adds interest, and it can be stained or painted in exactly the right shade for your colour palette. As a natural material, timber requires a significant amount of ongoing maintenance; it degrades more quickly than most other cladding types, and needs regular re-staining or repainting to keep it weathertight and looking fresh. You can expect to repaint or re-stain your timber cladding every 7-10 years (potentially more frequently if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions that speed up the fading process). Wood can also move and warp, which needs to be taken into account in your design. If you love the look of timber but need more durability, man-made weatherboards can be a good option. They provide a lot of the charm and classic look and feel of timber, but are more durable and budget-friendly. Stone Great for… A premium finish that requires little ongoing maintenance. Be aware of…A high price tag. Stones or stone panels are a visually stunning cladding choice, and give your home’s exterior an upmarket look and feel. Using locally sourced stone is also a beautiful way to celebrate New Zealand stonemasonry, and tie your home in with your natural environment. However, stone comes with a hefty price tag; stone cladding (where pre-cut stone pieces are installed onsite) is cheaper than full thickness stone, but can still be out of budget range for many first home builders. If you love the look of stone but it falls outside your budget, we can incorporate a stone feature into your design - like a pillar, fireplace or porch - that ties in nicely with your main cladding choice. Artificial stone cladding has also come a long way in recent years, with some products now on the market that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Metal Great for…Durable, cost-effective cladding with little on-going maintenance. Be aware of…Reduced insulation properties. Metal cladding gives your home a sleek, modern look and feel. It’s also relatively low-maintenance - just needing a good wash each year - and will arrive in your chosen colour with no repainting required. It’s one of the most cost-effective cladding options when you consider lifetime cost. The two most common types of metal cladding are aluminium, and steel. Steel, while generally the more expensive option, is highly durable - it can last up to 80 years, even in tough environmental conditions! Aluminium is easier to fit into your budget, but also more lightweight (weighing a third of what steel does) and therefore prone to being damaged in bad weather. Metal doesn’t have the same insulating properties as most of the other options on this list, so if you’ve fallen in love with this style make sure you do your research into keeping your home at the right temperature. Plaster and concrete Great for…A wide range of choices, and good insulation properties. Be aware of…Regular maintenance requirements. Plaster cladding is versatile and has good insulation properties, but will require regular maintenance against cracks and chips, along with regularly scheduled checks to ensure it retains good weather-tightness. Plaster cladding is a broad term which covers three main systems: EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finishing System, a composite rigid insulation board), traditional stucco finishes, and texture-coated fibre cement sheets. EIFS is particularly durable and energy-efficient, and can be incorporated into a range of designs and easily combined with other cladding types. Plaster cladding does have an ‘elephant in the room’ - poorly installed monolithic claddingwas a cause of the leaky homes epidemic, which discourages some people from using it intheir new home. However when applied correctly and regularly checked for watertightness,there are no additional risks to using plaster cladding. Concrete is an increasingly popular option; while your parents wouldn’t have dreamt of aconcrete-clad home, there are a surprising amount of attractive, modern options! Concreteoffers excellent insulation properties and some truly unique finishes (think textured, polished, or sandblasted), and is often featured in modern architectural homes. It’s also low-maintenance, durable, and largely weather-resistant. Brick Great for…A reliable option that ages beautifully and requires little maintenance. But be aware of…Limited colour choices and a slightly higher initial cost. The ‘old faithful’ of home cladding, brick has been used for centuries and is one of the most reliable cladding materials on the market. As well as being durable and having good insulation properties, it’s fire-resistant and has a low rate of moisture absorption - so your home stays warm and dry. Brick does have a higher upfront cost than some other options, but ages beautifully and requires little maintenance over the years. Combination Cladding Don’t feel limited to just one cladding choice - while we wouldn’t recommend using every different type of cladding at once, combining two or three different materials adds an interesting design element to your home. Combining different materials is also a great option if you love the look of a certain cladding style, but it doesn’t fit with your budget or build requirements. We can work with you to add a feature to your home, like stone entranceway pillars or a cedar feature panel. During the design and build process our team will provide guidance on the best cladding choice for your new home. Every build is different, and we’re here to help you get it right!

Statement in Style We are honoured to have received a Gold Award in the 2022 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards for this stunning home in the under $500,000 category. Designed with exquisite attention to detail, the elegant black-and-white exterior, featuring cedar twin gables offers a timeless design that continues through to the interior. The open-plan living area includes a sleek, modern kitchen complete with a waterfall island bench and walk-in pantry. The additional living area can be closed off from the central living, perfect for large families or entertaining guests. These sunny, north-facing living areas seamlessly flow out through the French doors and sliders, allowing a perfect retreat for alfresco living. The hallway has been kept free from storage to allow for a generous walk-in storage room as well as expansive accommodation featuring dual walk in wardrobes in the master suite. A true bonus of this thoughtfully designed build is the spacious, purpose-built garage which provides ample room for projects or for storing the family car (or three).

If an investment property is part of your long-term plan, have you considered building instead of buying? New builds make great rental properties and can help to reduce your initial costs and ongoing maintenance. Building an investment property For many Kiwis, an investment property is an important part of their long-term financial plan. While purchasing an existing property might seem like a quick and easy option, there are plenty of advantages to building instead of buying.  The advantages of building to order When you build a new property, you can choose the perfect size and number of bedrooms for your budget and your ideal tenants. This helps to keep costs down, as you aren’t paying for space you won’t use. There’s also still significant value in building compared to buying, even when you take increased land prices into account.  Building also removes the risk of purchasing a property, then discovering costly issues in the future; you’ll know exactly what you’re getting, from Day One. Healthy Homes compliance New Zealand’s Healthy Homes standards are designed to ensure that rental properties are warm, dry, and safe for tenants to live in. Older properties often need significant upgrades in order to meet the standards, and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to cover the costs. Today’s building standards mean that all new homes are built to meet the Healthy Homes requirements, so you won’t need to spend additional time and money getting your property up to scratch. Lower maintenance costs Maintenance is one of the biggest ongoing costs for investors. New homes require less ongoing maintenance in general, and you can also make some smart choices during your build to keep your long-term costs down.  Choosing durable appliances, fittings, and finishes throughout the house will reduce your maintenance costs over time. Here are some key areas where your build choices can have a significant impact on your long-term costs.  Appliances Your appliances don’t have to be top-of-the-line, but we also don’t recommend choosing the cheapest option; instead, go for a mid-range brand that’s known for reliability and won’t cost too much to repair. As an added bonus, your appliances will be under warranty for the first few years, providing another opportunity to save. Bathrooms The biggest decision in the bathroom is choosing between a tiled shower, or an acrylic and vinyl option, and both have their advantages. Tiled showers will last longer, but will be relatively expensive to repair or replace. Acrylic and vinyl showers don’t have the same longevity but are much cheaper to replace.  Carpets We recommend choosing a good-quality, medium-spec carpet - ideally a solution-dyed nylon, which will stand up to wear and tear better than wool or polyester. Avoid a high-weight carpet as it will show patches over time.  Cladding Cladding is an area where you can make some significant savings, without impacting the overall value of your property. Brick cladding is a good option for investment properties; it’s low-maintenance, and still looks good without frequent cleaning (unlike plaster or linea painted houses). Brick is also more durable than timber cladding, and more affordable than stone.  Door handles Door handles are often overlooked, but they get more use than almost anything else in the house! Don’t skimp on your door handles; choose solid handles that you won’t have to replace every few years.  Kitchens Kitchen benchtops will see frequent use, so you’ll want to choose a durable option. Stone and stainless steel are both practical choices that will last longer than laminate equivalents.  Outside areas While it can be tempting to add decking to your outdoor areas, concrete is a better option when it comes to managing cost. As well as reducing the initial build cost, concrete is incredibly low-maintenance, with no restaining required. If you’re considering building an investment property, browse our plans or get in touch. We’ll work with you to design and build a property that is a great investment now, and in years to come.

Classic, eye-catching design We were proud to receive a Silver Award in the 2021 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards for this sunny, thoughtfully designed family home. This four-bedroom house was successful in the New Home up to $450,000 - $600,000 category. This home was built by the Fortified Homes team as a move-in-ready home (a build where the house is almost completed before being made available for purchase). The modern design and spacious interior layout immediately appealed to the couple who purchased the property. “When we first saw it,” they said, “we just loved it straight away.” A sharp black-and-white exterior and raking entrance gable create a striking and modern entrance, and classic monochrome interior colours give this property a timeless appeal.  The interior colour scheme ensures that the house looks and feels clean and fresh, gives the owners plenty of opportunities to add their own personal touches, and won’t date over time. Soaking up the sun The main design consideration was maximising sunlight in the kitchen and living areas to create a warm, sunny space. The Fortified Homes team designed the plan to suit the layout of the section, and the final home includes a north-facing kitchen and living area that maximises the sun. Large windows in the bedrooms and living areas bring in natural light throughout the house.  “The open plan living with all-day sun is really good to live in,” the owners said. “It’s a really, really lovely home for entertaining, [and] the opening doors out to the outdoor living area are great too.” The master bedroom also opens to the outdoor living area, perfect for enjoying the fresh air on a warm summer evening.  The kitchen is the focal point of the main living area, with a striking granite bench top on the central kitchen island. There’s an open flow between the kitchen and living areas, creating a natural space for friends and family to socialise and prepare meals together. The owners find the kitchen very easy to work in. “Everything’s very accessible, there’s plenty of storage, and all the appliances are great,” they said. Generous storage options This property has been designed for the practicalities of family living, and that means including a lot of storage! Each double bedroom has a double wardrobe, and the master bedroom provides additional storage in a wardrobe that leads through to the ensuite. The owners particularly appreciate the walk-in pantry - which provides space to tuck away appliances that aren’t in use - and the generously sized linen cupboard.  “It’s one of those things we loved when we first looked through the house; this really big, walk-in linen cupboard with a huge cylinder and lots of racks.” A smooth project and an impressive result This build was a great example of what can happen when smart, practical design is combined with a smooth and straightforward build process. We’re proud of the team’s hard work on this project and are delighted that the owners of this property are enjoying living in this home. 

There’s a lot to think about when you’re building a house, from your section and suburb right down to your kitchen fittings. With so many choices to consider, interior design isn’t always at the top of the list!  That’s why Fortified Homes makes it simple, including interior design as part of our building process. All of our clients have a consultation with interior designer Meisha Campbell, who uses her expertise to guide clients through the design process and give them the confidence to make choices that improve their experience of living in their home.  In this article, Meisha explains how interior design fits into the build process, and shares her recommendations for effective design at any budget.  How does an interior designer help during the build process? Meisha works with Fortified Homes clients to help them choose their interior and exterior colours, and also helps with kitchen and bathroom design. Meisha’s expertise means each finished home looks cohesive, and will remain fresh and relevant as styles change. “[Interior design] is so beneficial if you’re building,” she says. “I can’t stress it enough. There are so many things that we can tell you to do that will help your home, aesthetically, but also every other way. You can drive by a house and tell which builder’s included this service, and which hasn’t.” As well as providing guidance during the build, Meisha can work independently with clients to help them choose and style the furnishings for their new home. Design solutions for every home Interior design is often perceived to be expensive, and that’s a misconception Meisha is working hard to correct. With a bit of creativity and the right advice, you can add your personality to any property, at any budget. “I like to work with any budget and not say no,” she says. “Having these little tweaks that soften a space… it’s simple and affordable.” If you’re building intending to sell within a few years, you’ve probably heard that it’s best to keep your design neutral to maximise resale value. Meisha does recommend using a neutral colour palette for your main exterior and interior colours to appeal to as many people as possible when it comes time to sell - but that doesn’t mean your home should be boring. “Bring in some interest through the time you’re there through your removable items,” Meisha says. “Visual texture and removable items are the simplest way to add some fun without making it a permanent feature. We’ll do something simple, and include things which are really funky, but easy to change when you need to.” If you’re planning to live in your home for a longer period of time, it makes sense to spend a bit more on your interior design features while still making sure you can change your decor as your own tastes change. “Keep your big-ticket items neutral, but your under $5,000 bracket funky and easy to change when you’re sick of it, and you want to freshen up,” Meisha says. Meisha’s top design tips: Add interest with colour and textureWithout a pop of colour or texture, neutral or monochromatic rooms can look flat and cold. Meisha recommends softening your spaces by adding points of interest for the eye to land on, like metallic lighting pendants, textured curtains or rugs, and faux throws or cushions. Be realistic about your budgetMeisha recommends thinking about your interior design budget in the context of how long you intend to stay in your home: “It’s about being clever and thinking ahead the whole time.” If you’re planning to spend many years living in this home, it makes sense to spend a bit more on pieces you’ll love to see every day. If you’re getting ready to sell, there are plenty of lower-cost options to refresh your home without needing to make significant changes. Don’t go overboard with your researchChecking out Pinterest and asking friends and family for recommendations can be tempting, but Meisha cautions new home builders against doing too much research. “It’s the worst thing you could possibly do,” she says, “because everyone’s experience is different.” Get an idea of what you like, and let Meisha help you find the right options for your space, budget, and how you like to live. 

In before Christmas When Cam secured his section, he was looking forward to building his first home but was also slightly apprehensive about the process. Cam had spoken to a few different builders before talking to Fortified Homes and hoped to get some guidance on the best ways to make the most of his build budget. “[Mike from Fortified Homes] was so down-to-earth, so humble, and so approachable,” Cam said. “We felt like going through Mike was the only option.” The main aim of this project was to deliver as much as possible from the build, without going over the $550,000 first home budget and without overcapitalising on Cam’s first home. This meant making sure that any additional features would add value if Cam decided to sell in the future. There was an additional complication; Cam and his partner were staying with family and hoped to be in the new house by Christmas, giving the Fortified Homes team just 13 weeks to complete the build. “It was coming up to August when we got our title sorted,” Cam says. “We asked Mike how fast he could get the build done for us so that we could get out of the in-laws’ hair!”  The Fortified Homes team started with an existing plan and tailored it to suit Cam’s section, providing guidance on where to add value and where to save costs. The majority of the upgrades were in the kitchen, improving the day-to-day experience of living in the property while also adding value in the long run. “We’d been told multiple times that [building] can be quite stressful,” Cam said. “The way Mike laid everything out for us on a plate was just so helpful, from colour schemes to consultations... he had everything laid out in pictures for us and just made choosing a house so much easier.” The build went smoothly, and the handover was completed on December 19, meeting Cam’s goal of being in their new home by Christmas. Cam and his partner are enjoying the house so much they’re now considering a second Fortified Homes build. “After completing the build and finishing up with Fortified Homes and Mike, we’ve just been so blown away with the quality of work and just the general service that they offered,” he said.  “We’re actually looking at doing a second build through them again. I cannot recommend them enough; from communication to workmanship, everything was just so, so good.” Thanks for choosing to build with Fortified Homes. We look forward to working with you on the next build!

Case Study When the Alvarin family got in touch with Fortified Homes, they’d already purchased the section for their first home and had been browsing plans online. They’d found several Fortified Homes plans with the features they were looking for, and they were keen to make the most of their first home build budget. Due to short section boundaries, the Alvarins’ preferred plans weren’t quite the right fit for their land. They worked with the Fortified Homes team to modify an existing design and add in a couple of extras that weren’t included in the original plans. The final three-bedroom home design provided the biggest possible living space for their section and budget. “We chose Fortified Homes because we liked the plans from the website,” the Alvarins said, “then they provided a better space for our budget.” The Fortified Homes team got hands-on with the project before the build even started, when an initial hiccup meant the Alvarins were left with several packs of old weatherboard sitting on their section. The Fortified Homes team helped smooth the communication process with the developer who owned the adjacent section, and also reconfirmed the property boundary when they discovered a missing survey peg.  As first home builders, the Alvarins had plenty of questions and were pleased that Fortified Homes made them feel comfortable and kept them updated throughout the build process. “This was our first home, so we had a lot of worries,” they said. “We asked Mike a lot of questions and he was able to answer them without any problems. He helped ease our worries, and we are very glad that we chose him to build our first home.” Since moving into their new home, the Alvarins have welcomed some familiar faces to the neighbourhood; their friends have built a Fortified home on the section next door! If you’re considering a new home build and have already secured your section, have a chat with our team about what we can achieve with your space. Our plans are flexible and often provide a great starting point for new design ideas and added features, especially if you’ve purchased a smaller section or a section with unconventional boundaries. We’re experienced in designing for sections of all shapes and sizes, and will work with what you’ve got to create a home you’ll enjoy living in for years to come.

Storage might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re building a home, but it’s an essential part of the design process. Maximising your storage space makes your home more pleasant to live in and adds value when it comes time to sell.There’s an additional benefit to building with storage in mind: knowing your storage options before moving in makes it easier to stay organised and keep your house tidy from Day One. Here are our room-by-room suggestions for maximising the storage space in your new build. Living areas Inbuilt shelving is a popular storage option for main living areas. Recessed bookshelves and cabinets are becoming increasingly common as they increase your available storage without taking up usable space in the room. Floor-to-ceiling recessed shelving adds an upscale look and feel, while providing plenty of places to display decor or keep useful items close to hand.  Hidden storage is also an excellent option for living areas and means you don’t need to fill your lounge with bulky furniture pieces. Consider a window seat with built-in cupboards, or pop down to a homewares store and pick up a couple of storage ottomans. Kitchen storage Kitchen storage is a major consideration in any house design, from ensuring there’s enough cupboard space through to the design and layout of your pantry. If your plan includes a smaller kitchen, overhead cupboards can provide a good amount of storage without compromising the amount of usable bench space. Kitchen islands can provide additional storage, with cupboards tucked away under the countertop, while vertical pullout cabinets come in handy for designs that don’t include a walk-in pantry.  Hanging or wall-mounted pot and utensil racks are another good option for smaller kitchens, providing an eye-catching feature while keeping your kitchen tools right where you need them.  If your space and budget allow, consider a walk-in pantry with inbuilt shelving, or a butlers’ pantry (which is similar to a walk-in but usually includes some food preparation areas - it’s where you might have your coffee machine and toaster).  Entranceway  The entrance to your home is a natural magnet for clutter, with shoes, keys, bags and sports gear often dropped higgledy-piggledy just inside the front door.  Adding a ‘mudroom’ at your front entranceway is a great way to increase storage space, as well as encouraging family and guests to keep the hall tidy! A mudroom is a small area at the front door, which often includes coat racks or a small closet and built-in seating with storage compartments. It’s the perfect place to keep muddy gumboots, work boots, umbrellas, and sports kit. Bedrooms Bedroom storage might seem simple, with the wardrobe providing the majority of your storage space. However, the type of wardrobes you choose will make a difference to the look and feel of the room, as well as your amount of functional space. Walk-in wardrobes are a popular option in the master bedroom, as they give you more than enough room to keep everything organised! Your walk-in wardrobe can include inbuilt cabinetry, rails and shelving customised to suit your needs. If you have a sizable bedroom but would prefer not to include a walk-in wardrobe, a floor to ceiling partition behind the bed is a modern way to create a separate closet space. Guest bedrooms and kids’ rooms might be better suited to a smaller inbuilt wardrobe, but there’s still room to add extra storage through smart furniture choices. Beds with under-bed drawers can effectively double your storage space in smaller rooms and are perfect for holding toys, spare linen, and winter clothing. Outdoor storage The outdoor living area is often overlooked as a storage space - but if you’ve got plenty of room outside, why stop at a garden shed? Bench seating with inbuilt storage is a perfect spot to stash gardening tools, cushions for your outdoor seating, and blankets for staying warm outside on cooler evenings. Options include permanent benches that match your decking or durable outdoor storage boxes that you can move as required.  If your outdoor living area includes a fire pit or chiminea, or if your home has an indoor fire, don’t forget to include a covered area for firewood. Garage storage A well-designed garage provides a lot of storage, but it can quickly attract clutter without a sensible system. Maximise your garage space with inbuilt shelving, then add in the storage systems that match your family’s needs. If you’re a keen DIYer, a wall-mounted tool rack and a dedicated workbench help to keep everything in its place. For outdoor enthusiasts, overhead pulley or rack systems keep bikes, kayaks and accessories out of the way - and open up more floor space for car parking or working on projects.  Our in-house design team can provide all the guidance you need to maximise the storage space in your new home build. Get in touch

Case Study When Lisa and Gerald decided to sell their home of 20 years, they were ready to upgrade to something new. Their daughter had recently built with Fortified Homes, and while they were choosing their section they stayed in her house, and loved it! When it came time to start their own build, Lisa and Gerald got in touch with the Fortified Homes team and selected a similar plan.  Their build ran smoothly, and when a minor hiccup with Council popped up, the Fortified Homes team were able to resolve it quickly and keep the project on track.  “Working with Mike was wonderful because every week you got a progress report, which I loved,” Lisa says. “Everything was always on time.” Lisa kept a close eye on the financial side of things during the build and really appreciated the clear pricing structure and regular reports. “Everything was priced accordingly, so you knew where you were going,” she says. “There were no extras on top of the whole thing.”  The subdivision where the couple chose to build had a requirement that any new home with a fireplace needed to have a chimney, not a standard metal flue. The plan that Lisa and Gerald had chosen didn’t include a chimney, and adding one would typically increase the build budget by $5,000 - $10,000.  However, Lisa and Gerald were able to work with the Fortified Homes team to adjust their plan and include the chimney at no extra cost. The original plan included a tiled ensuite shower, which wasn’t a feature that really mattered to the couple - and it definitely wasn’t important enough to sacrifice a cosy fire! So the tiled shower went out of the plan and the chimney went in, all without impacting the total budget. When it came to making the most of their investment, there was some debate about where to upgrade and where to save. “Because Lisa was so budget-orientated, I had to push her a couple of times to get the extras,” Gerald says. “I said, just do it!” The areas where they decided to upgrade paid off, Lisa says. “Six months down the track, you’re pleased you up-specced.” Their choices have added value to the home if they decide to sell in the future - but for now, they’re just enjoying day-to-day living.  “Our last home was lovely,” Gerald says, “but with [our new Fortified house], we haven’t missed the last one at all.” Lisa and Gerald are happily settled in their new home, but they’re not ruling out another Fortified Homes build down the track. “This might be our ten-year plan,” Lisa says, “but we’d definitely go back to Mike and build our next home with him.” We loved working with Lisa and Gerald and hope they enjoy living in their new house for many years to come. 

Lifestyle living on a first-home budget We were proud to receive a Silver Award in the 2020 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards (New Home up to $450,000), for this timeless family home with plenty of interesting design tweaks. Our clients wanted something a bit different for their first home, something that delivered more bang for their buck than a standard build! We’re delighted with the finished product; this was a project we enjoyed working on, and we hope our clients had as much fun as we did. Here’s a bit more about the project, our approach, and what our clients wanted to achieve. Taking a collaborative approach When we first sat down with our clients, they had plenty of ideas and weren’t afraid to make some bold design choices. We set out to build a home that delivered on our clients’ vision while keeping plenty of resale value in the property and sticking within a first home budget.  Our first consideration was coming up with a design that worked for our clients’ unique section. The property is in a cul-de-sac, with a curve at the front of the section; our clients wanted their living area to look out over the nearby reserve, with plenty of space for entertaining. With that in mind, we incorporated a north-facing outdoor area at the front of the house, making the most of the space and leaving plenty of room for the BBQ! After we presented the clients with our initial plan, they sat down with our draughtsman to work through the small changes that would make the home their own.  Making the most of a first home budget Allocating your build budget is always a balance between section size, house size, and the spec of the fittings and finish. We think these clients got the balance spot on!  They’ve ended up with a generously sized first home at 208sqm, while still having plenty of outdoor entertaining space and high-quality fittings. We were pleased that they thought about all the little touches that make a home great to live in, not just building the biggest house or finding the biggest section. A stand-out entertainer’s kitchen The kitchen is one of the most exciting and impressive spaces in this home. Our clients took a bit of a design risk by including an extended island bench, and it’s paid off with an area that’s perfect for entertaining.  The kitchen island is a natural congregation point for guests and a stunning visual feature that makes the space feel modern and chic. Double bi-fold doors to the deck create amazing indoor-outdoor flow, and the use of easy-maintenance hardwood floor means there’s no dramas over a spilled drink or a dropped chip! Smart choices for great spaces Fortified Homes offers plenty of client choices during the build process; we know that things which might seem small - like colour choices, tiling, or fittings - make the finished house feel like your own. The clients for this build had great taste, and their carefully selected fittings create an executive feel throughout the home.  The bathrooms are a highlight, with fully tiled showers and floors for a clean, modern finish. The master ensuite bathroom also includes two showerheads: great for a luxurious shower, and a nice addition to the resale value.  The home also includes some smart colour choices, including using darker paint on the walls of the separate lounge. The space is still light and airy, while the darker colour means it can easily transform into a media room. Every room in this build has something slightly different, even down to the exterior cladding, where the added rebate to the floor meant we could achieve a flush plaster finish all the way down to the foundation. An enjoyable process and a successful project The Fortified Homes team really enjoyed our work on this project - and while we’re proud of the House of the Year Award, we’re equally as pleased to have brought our clients’ first home dream to life. Our clients were awesome to work with and helped to make the process smooth and easy from start to finish. We enjoyed their willingness to make some brave design choices, and it was exciting to see these coming to life in the finished product. What did our clients think?

Article from Stuff.co.nz Graham McGregor • 12:00, Nov 12 2020 OPINION: Many years ago I discovered a simple business success strategy. Talk to successful business people and ask them two things: What did they do to build their successful business and how did they handle the many challenges along the way? Whenever I do this I’m amazed at the terrific ideas I get and that’s the purpose of this new series, Real Life Business Lessons. I’ll be interviewing a wide range of successful business people around the country and finding out what worked well for them and how they solved big problems along the way, with the goal of uncovering some helpful ideas that you can use in your own business. One of the good things about business success is that often you don’t have to super clever to build a successful business. In fact, if you can just be brilliant on the basics that can often work very well to create all the business success you want. In this edition of Real Life Business Lessons you’ll see some great examples of being brilliant at the basics to build a successful business. I was chatting recently with Mike Kidd, the managing director of a successful new home-building company in Christchurch called Fortified Homes. Mike is 30 years old and has been in the building game for 10 years. He was 20 and on his OE when he got an opportunity to come back and work with his dad doing building (Mike’s dad had been a builder for 40 years.) Mike knew it would not be easy as his dad took a lot of pride in being a builder and worked really hard. In fact everyone that knew Mike’s dad said he was the hardest working and best builder they had ever seen and that showed in his workmanship, how tidy he kept jobs and how well-organised every building job was. It was from his dad that Mike first learned the importance of becoming brilliant on the basics. Mike remembers as a building apprentice with his dad he had just finished nailing some ceiling battens off. His dad walked over and said: “Come with me”. They walked to the end of the house where Mike could see the ceiling battens were nailed at the correct spacing’s but didn’t line up with the rest of the house. His dad pointed to the room Mike had completed and asked: “What do you think of that?” Mike replied: “Doesn’t look great”. His dad nodded and went back to his work. Structurally the work Mike had completed was sound and it would never be seen.But that didn’t matter to his dad. He wanted the work to be 100 per cent right. Through his apprenticeship these values of high quality and hard work were strongly instilled in Mike and this is how his business runs today. After a number of years working with his dad, Mike decided to start Fortified Homes. He spent a lot of time thinking about what to call his new building company and had a light bulb moment while on his honeymoon in Bali. At the time Mike was really into reading historical fiction books about kings and queens of medieval England and was thinking along the lines of ‘Every man’s house is their castle’. Mike got thinking about castles and wondered – how do you make a castle strong? You fortify it. Mike got really excited about this as he knew he had found the name he wanted. Initially when Mike started Fortified Homes they did subcontracting work for other building companies. But after a year or two that work dried up, so they decided to jump in the deep end build their own homes and sell these homes to clients. Now they were new home builders and no longer sub-contractors. They did some brainstorming and had a planning session and decided that first home buyers would be a good target market to build new homes for as they got a bit of help from the government. Mike realised they needed some plans to sell at the right price and got their draftsman to create these plans. They then started advertising their home building services on Facebook. Mike told me they built their business on Facebook. They just kept pushing the fact that they offered a great product for a great price (that’s a basic message, but very powerful). They didn’t really know what they were doing but could see that their posts were reaching people and getting likes. They would spend between $50 to $200 per post to get their name out there. After some time they took some courses and got clued-up on how Facebook marketing actually works. This is another ‘brilliant on the basics’ strategy: Identify the skills you need to do well in business and if you don’t have some of these skills then learn them. Mike’s wife Courtenay is now their Facebook marketing expert and they use their money a lot more effectively on Facebook now. They do a range of things on Facebook – they offer info in the way of blogs on their website, and they give people handy tips they can use. They update people on the home building jobs they have currently and the progress of each job. People love seeing their handover posts where they can see the finished home after watching the progress shots of that house over the previous months. Mike finds that these posts are usually their most popular ones. Mike was very nervous about what other people would think when they first started promoting their house designs on Facebook. However, they started to get calls and messages from people enquiring about building. The next step from there was to actually sell a home to someone. In the early days Mike was not very good at selling. He didn’t take notes properly, he didn’t have his figures worked out for potential upgrades, and he didn’t have a set sales process to take clients through. Every time Mike had a rejection he had to go and analyse why he wasn’t getting the job. Mike wasn’t previously used to getting rejected. He was a builder doing subcontract work, and he didn’t have to do any selling. Now he was a business owner it was very different. Mike still doesn’t really know how he sold to his first few clients! But a few key basic things he had going for him were his knowledge about the products he was using, the best way to get ‘bang for your buck,’ and that he could also help out with almost any technical question the client had. So with these things and a truckload of enthusiasm, he got a few clients across the line. Mike then went to a few free seminars on how to talk to people, how to structure a simple sales process and just general business guidance which gave him a bit of a base which helped him to get a few more clients on board. From there Mike started to get into networking groups which was a big unknown for him at the time. He got in with The Networkers and they have been great connecting Mike with different professionals to help their business (this is where Mike managed to get a connection to build a website so that Fortified Homes could be found on Google). The key Mike found is that they kept investing in themselves with the money they made as they always wanted to be better. Today they still invest a lot of money in improving their business and their skills. All part of being ‘brilliant on the basics’. Mike identified the skills he needed to improve in and took action to improve his skills in these areas. Another basic business skill that is critical for business success is finding new ideas to improve the results you are currently getting. Mike found that he gets lots of good ideas from his own people. They have taught Mike how he can manage them better and stop and look at things from their perspective. Mike remembers when he had just employed his foreman Ryan. He was the first qualified carpenter Mike had employed which was interesting as he hadn’t been taught Mike’s way of doing things. This was a bit of a struggle for Mike at the start. Then Mike decided to listen to Ryan’s ideas and look at how he was doing things and was pleasantly surprised that some of those things were better than his way! Mike and his team now ask some very simple questions about every part of their business: Is it economical? Do we achieve the same or better outcome? Is the process easier? Is the process faster? Is it easier to understand? These questions help them to come up with lots of good ideas for improvement. As Mike told me: “Who cares where the idea came from? If it is a better idea that is great for everyone!” Mike also enlisted the help of Andreas Becker who is a business coach for builders. Andreas has been a great help in teaching Mike some of the in-depth keys to success in business with regard to sales, forecasting and tracking your numbers. He has helped Mike implement an effective sales process and helped them to put great lead generators into their website. One key take away from their coach Andreas is that they went from shotgun marketing to direct marketing. In other words they now do marketing to the people who were already looking to have a home built. This has produced a nice boost in the number of quality prospects they talk to each month. And they achieved this result with less effort and less money than they had previously been spending. They now track all of their marketing numbers, so they can see everything happening in real time. Mike made a great comment about business success that I really liked: “No-one in business seems to know it all and it seems to be a journey rather than somewhere we get to”. And a major part of the journey is learning how to improve your key business skills. Being ‘brilliant on the basics’ has meant the number of new homes that Mike’s company builds each year is steadily increasing. In 2018 Fortified Homes built seven new homes for clients. In 2019 that increased to 11 new homes built. In 2020 there were 15 new homes build. And it looks like they are on track to build around 20 new homes in 2021. When I interviewed Mike I discovered that his whole family was involved in the business. His mum and dad have been Mike’s rocks and mentors throughout the business to date and all major decisions still get discussed in depth with them and his wife Courtenay. His mum does all the accounts side of the business and Mike’s brother is their accountant. This meant the business has tidy books and good cash flow. His dad helps with costing all the jobs and does the project management of every job as well. And Courtenay does all their social media marketing. Mike found that the best thing about having family involved is that you can always count on them to do their share and if they aren’t doing something you like, you can always have a frank conversation about it. The worst thing about having family involved is that when you have a family tragedy, someone has to pick up the slack. Earlier this year Mike and Courtenay’s daughter Emily was born and through some complications, they had to bring her home on palliative care for three weeks. Four weeks after she was born, she died. This all happened just after lockdown finished which was stressful enough. Unfortunately, Mike’s parents had to pick up the slack and carry on the business while Mike and Courtenay got back into a space where they could function again. They were running on minimum capacity for a while and Mike told me they were very fortunate to have some understanding clients at the time. Every single business owner I have interviewed for my Real Life Business Lessons has had big challenges and hurdles to overcome in building their business. Sometimes the challenges are in the business side of things. And sometimes (like with Mike and Courtenay) they are in their personal lives. Whatever the challenges you face in business it is critical to have a good support network in place to help you through these tough times. One of the keys to success for Mike and his new home building business was their focus on a very specific market niche: First home buyers. Fortified Homes focus on building single story homes for first home buyers that are around $500,000–$550,000 (including the land). The homes they build are high quality, they can be customised for clients and are built on time. Mike knew they could offer a better quality at a better price for people. They had friends who had built with other builders, and he remembers thinking that we should be able to compete with a higher quality product as well as one that was bigger in size. They created a few set plans which could be paired with a section and come in under the $550,000 budget. Mike gave me a typical example of this type of home. A section in Rolleston is approx $190,000. You then add a 213m² home for $339k and allow $20,000 for landscaping and driveways. Total investment: $549,000. Because Mike’s company offered such great value they attracted a wide range of first home buyer clients. They had one couple who had put down a $1,000 non-refundable deposit down with another company and still came to build with Mikes company as they offered much better value for the same price and they got a customised home as well. They also have another couple who did a complete custom build and personalised their home to exactly what they wanted (Mike has this home entered into the Master Builders House of The Year competition currently so it will be interesting to see how that goes). Mike and his team love building for first homers as they are always so excited about the process and it is a real journey for them. Mike told me it feels great that they are actually making a difference to them and making their lives better. Mike had some great people who gave his business a go at the very start which he will be forever grateful for. Millie and James were one of their first clients a young couple in their early twenties. Mike and his team built them an awesome 213m² 4 bed first home in Rolleston for under the $550,000 cap. Millie kindly passed on Mike’s details to another couple who were looking to build which translated into work. They have since built for three people who they know and Millie’s parents. They are also currently building their second home for James and Millie as well! Mike laughed and said that if Millie ever wanted to give up nursing, he may have to offer her a job as their salesperson! MIke discovered in new home building there are four factors that are really important to customers. These are the four basics if you like. They are speed, quality, service and price. Usually most building businesses get three of the four basics right. Mike said that Fortified Homes is consistently hitting all four of these basics and not just three of them. Mike and his team have set the bar high which is stressful at times but worth it when they see how happy their clients are when they hand over a dream home at the end of the build. Mike has always had the approach that “we are just there to help the clients build their home, that’s it. If the client needs the time to digest what they are doing or get things to contract really fast, it doesn’t bother us because we are just there to help! That is our commitment to good service, just helping!” They have really good subbies who do a fantastic job consistently. Mike sets his quality standards really high for his subbies and they know it. Mike and Courtenay always do the final touch up clean on properties before they do a handover with the clients. Mike knows that Courtenay has quite an eye for detail when it comes to making sure things are as they would want a house handed over to themselves.. Mike summarised his ‘brilliant on the basics’ philosophy like this: “We are a small family run business; we use good quality products and awesome subbies who give us a fair price. We run the business as lean as possible so that the clients get huge value for the price they pay.” They also commit to building in six months and under (they average four and a half to five and a half months depending on the house size and specs.) They make sure that their clients get a tentative date at lock-up stage with that being confirmed a few weeks after that. How do they do this? Mike explained: “Our builders are awesome and we run a tight ship when it comes to timelines and schedules, so we consider it a failure if we don’t hit target dates. (They are so well practised in this now that they rarely miss dates.) The fastest new home build they did was 14 weeks – They started at the end of August and had their clients into their new homes before Christmas. One of the biggest business challenge for Mike has been this realisation: “We are running a business and we have to somehow get the message to people that we are here and not be the world’s best kept secret.” At the end of 2019, Mike went through a dry spell with sales. He was doing the same things that used to work but it didn’t seem to make a difference. Mike had the realisation that without sales, there is no business. Who was to blame for no sales? The salesperson. And who was that? Mike was! It was a hard pill to swallow that Mike was the weak link in the process, and he needed help! So he decided to get off the tools completely and concentrate solely on making sales and improving the business. And within a year of doing that it made a huge difference to their sales results. Now they are into a position where they have a great sales process so sales are easier to make and prospective clients are also a lot happier. I asked Mike what his clients really loved about his business. First Mike said his clients love being treated like people and not just another sales figure. Mike told me they also love the one-year inspection service after their home is built, the weekly progress reports while the house is being built and how they only deal with one person. I asked Mike how his one-year inspection service worked. One year on from the build Mike and his team come back for an inspection on the house. Anything that needs fixing they will fix and they will do any settlement paint touch-ups around corners of windows and doors where you are likely to have the most movement. They find this service is great because it gives them a chance to catch up with their clients. It also gives their clients a chance to bring up any small things that they might be unsure of. I asked Mike for any advice he would give other business people that would help them to do well in today’s environment. “Cash is king,” Mike said. “So many tradies have terrible bookkeeping and invoicing, so they always seem to have cash issues. Get every invoice out the next day at the latest and have a minimum number of days for clients to pay. Find a good mentor to help with the business side of things. We are usually awesome builders when we start out but apprentice business people.” I finished out interview by asking Mike what we he would do differently if he was starting his business again today. “I would bring in other mentors a lot earlier,” he said. “I would nail down the sales process earlier. Without sales, you have no business.” Summary The big takeaway I got from talking with Mike is the reminder of being ‘brilliant on the basics’ in business. Learn how to promote and market your business and put in place a proven sales process. Continually look for good ideas that can improve your results. Identify the key skills that will help you to build a successful business and spend money and time to learn these key skills. Get good mentors. And focus on delighting your customers (because delighted customers lead to a huge amount of very easy and highly profitable repeat and referral business). See original Stuff article here.

We know Kiwis love outdoor living, from enjoying a morning coffee on the deck to having friends around for a summer BBQ.  Creating an enjoyable outdoor space is all about making the most of what you’ve got, and including your outdoor living area in your plans (and budget) right from the start. With some careful planning you can incorporate a great outdoor living area into any build, even with a smaller section or a tighter budget! Here are our tips to get it right. Start by deciding how you’ll use the space Thinking about how you’d like to use your outdoor area is an inspiring way to kick off the process, and will help you provide the right information to your home designer and landscaper.  A few quick questions to get you started: What kind of outdoor living do you and your family enjoy? Will you be spending quiet summer evenings outside with a book, or inviting plenty of people around for a backyard brunch? For most people, backyards centre around a mixture of entertaining, cooking, and relaxing. Determining how you’ll use the space will make sure you’ve got the right priorities in mind during the design process.  If you have children or pets, how will they use your outdoor space? Do you need extra storage, highly durable materials, or room for activities?  If you’re a regular entertainer, how many people are you expecting to host, and how much seating will you need?  Are you a keen gardener, who needs plenty of spots for fruits, veggies, and herbs? Or would you prefer a low-maintenance garden that just needs the occasional tidy? Would you like to include any sculptures, water features, or outdoor art in your space?  Make the most of what you’ve got From sprawling rural sections to smaller urban areas, every space has the potential for amazing outdoor living. This is where our design service really comes in handy! Here are some of the things we can help with. Designing your home so your outdoor living space soaks up the sun, and is protected from the elements (because nobody enjoys a BBQ in a wind tunnel). Visually maximising your space; for example, did you know that cleverly placed decking can make your backyard look larger? Taking advantage of any natural features of the section, like a great view or a sheltered corner. We’ll also help to minimise any features that you don’t want to bring into your outdoor space, like popping in a trellis to provide privacy from the neighbours. Planning how your exterior and interior spaces work together, and creating ‘indoor-outdoor flow’ for a seamless transition to your outdoor entertaining area. Think of your outdoor area as an extra room of the house When done well, an outdoor living area functions as another additional room in your home. Outdoor living spaces share the same essential functional elements as any other room, and thoughtful design choices will give you an ‘outdoor room’ that you can enjoy year-round. FlooringFlooring creates a defined area for your outdoor living space, separating it from the rest of your backyard. There are plenty of options, from timber decking to paving stones or stamped concrete. Walls and boundariesThe general idea is to have three ‘walls’ in your outdoor space. We’ve put that in quotation marks because often these walls are actually trellises, railings, or vertical planters! Your ‘walls’ don’t need to be tall, but should be high enough to create visual boundaries and make your space feel contained and private. Cover and shelterThere are plenty of options to keep your outdoor living area shielded from the sun and protected from rain. Permanent solutions like pergolas and louvred roof systems can be incorporated into your house design, or we can simply extend your roof to cover the area. If you’re on a lower budget, shade sails and cantilevered umbrellas are an affordable and practical option. HeatingKeep your outdoor entertaining going all year round with an outdoor heat source. Inbuilt fires can be a stunning focal point if space and budget allow, and are a good way to add value to your home. Alternatively you might prefer a sleek, slimline overhead heater, a standing gas heater than can be moved to suit individual guests, or a fire pit or pizza oven that provides a rustic look and serves as a social gathering point. LightingYour outdoor lighting should combine practical solutions (like path lighting, and task lighting around the BBQ) with feature lighting that adds ambience. String lights and solar lights are both affordable, attractive options to make your outdoor space a little more special. Solar lights, in particular, have improved a lot over the last few years, with an ever-increasing range of high-quality options. StorageStorage is often overlooked when planning an outdoor area, but you’re going to need somewhere to keep your BBQ tools, cushions, Frisbees and other bits and pieces. Bench seats that double as storage boxes are an easy and affordable choice. Landscape for the perfect finish Landscaping puts the finishing touches on your outdoor space and ties it in with the rest of your property. A landscaper or landscape architect can help you with: Choosing the right materials from a functionality and maintenance perspective, as well as recommending materials that will look great with the rest of your garden. It’s all about the visual details: think about the difference between a path made of neatly trimmed grass and stone pavers, compared to a bark or gravel path surrounded by wildflowers. Choosing the right plants. You’ll want plants that are beautiful and complement the design of your house, and will thrive in your conditions. Landscapers will also be able to let you know how your plants will look as they grow and mature, and what your space will look like after 10, 20, or 30 years of growth. Helping to design additional usable spaces in your garden. You might do the majority of your entertaining on your deck, but also plan a sheltered, private seating area at the bottom of your garden. We hope these tips will help you to create your ideal outdoor living space! Our team is dedicated to creating beautiful, functional spaces throughout your new home. Get in touch and let’s make your first home dream a reality.