5 Must-follow tips for starting a house renovation in Christchurch

31 July 2023

Are you at the start of your renovation journey? Whether you are adding more space to your home, enhancing its functionality, or elevating the aesthetic, undertaking any house renovation in Christchurch is a mammoth task, even if you are a seasoned pro and have previous experience.


Many homeowners jump into the process without having an adequate way to manage the day-to-day of the renovation which can lead to additional challenges. To make life that bit easier, here are 5 essential tips to starting and surviving a successful house renovation.


1.   Research luxury home builders Canterbury

Invest time to thoroughly research the best builders for Christchurch renovation projects. There are vast differences in the level of service and the delivered results between businesses. Cost is one factor to consider, but there are other areas to assess before making a decision:


  • Are they high end builders who have a reputation and track record of delivering outstanding and quality results?
  • Do they provide project management?
  • Is there a portfolio of completed renovation projects you can see?
  • Are they master builders in Christchurch who possess the expertise and experience necessary for executing complex renovation projects?
  • Which other Christchurch businesses recommend them, and who do they partner with to complete works?
  • Do they work within agreed budgets and timelines?


Researching builders is critical to ensure a stress-free and successful house renovation. Identifying who is best placed to turn the vision of your home into reality is the most important house renovating decision you will make.



Christchurch home renovated by Shaun Bradley Builders

2.   Create a file and email address exclusively for the building project

Rebuilding or renovating a property creates a large amount of communication between the various parties. Depending on the scope of your renovation, copies of permits and permissions from local authorities in Christchurch, building contracts and insurances need to be easily accessible.


Create an email address for project communications and have a folder for hard copies of documents. If challenges arise information can easily be accessed for a swift solution. A project email address is particularly helpful when there is more than one of you managing the build.


3.   Instal a key lockbox

High end residential builders arrive on site early to make the most of the day If you are not going to be living in the property or plan to be away during the renovation, consider getting the builders to install a key lockbox so trade staff can access the site as and when required without you having to be there. so this easy hack saves you time, stress and fuel having to commute.


4.   Inform your insurance company

Regardless of the type of work you are having done, it’s wise to let your insurance company know you are having work done to the property. While house insurance policies may cover you for non-structural work, most don’t cover major renovations, so it’s a good idea to check your current policy to confirm its limitations. They may agree to maintain the cover, or you may need additional insurance.


5.   Keep your neighbours informed

There’s no escaping the fact that the early stages of renovation work can be noisy, especially if parts of the property are being demolished in the process. It’s important to keep your neighbours up to date with the schedule of work so they know how long they can expect a level of noise and disruption.


Shaun Bradley Builders collaborate with clients to ensure the renovation project goes above and beyond their expectations. With over 80 years of experience, the homes we create are crafted with exceptional quality, exquisite finishes, and attention to detail. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, our team is committed to ensuring a seamless and stress-free building experience for both you and your community.


If you would like to find out more about our builds and renovations and how we can help you with your project, please do contact us, click here or call 027 284 5363.

A large white house is surrounded by bushes and flowers.

Restoring the Past, Building for the Future: Your Guide to Period Restorations & Historic Home Renovations in Christchurch

by Shaun Bradley • 4 June 2025
There’s something undeniably special about owning a historic home in Christchurch. From the intricate woodwork and high ceilings to the stories etched into every brick, period homes are a unique part of our city’s character. But maintaining or restoring these beautiful homes requires care, expertise, and a deep respect for their heritage. At Shaun Bradley Builders, we understand the importance of preserving the past while ensuring your home meets the needs of modern living. Whether it’s a full-scale period restoration or a sensitive renovation of a heritage property, our team has the experience, craftsmanship, and passion to help Christchurch homeowners breathe new life into their historic homes. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities of restoring period homes, what you should consider before starting your project, and how our team can help you protect your investment while honouring your home’s history. Why Period Restorations Matter in Christchurch Christchurch is home to a wide range of architectural styles, from Edwardian villas and bungalows to character homes from the 1920s and 30s. These homes are more than just bricks and mortar—they’re a part of the fabric of our local communities. But after years of wear and tear, earthquakes, and the demands of modern life, many period homes need thoughtful restoration to bring them up to today’s living standards while retaining their original charm. That’s where we come in. Shaun Bradley Builders specialises in sensitive, high-quality renovations that respect a home’s history while making it fit for the future.

Simple and functional: Designing a home for minimalist living

1 December 2023
When you first read the term ‘minimalist living’ what image came into your mind? Contrary to misconceptions, minimalist living as a design aesthetic is not tantamount to residing in a harsh, stark characterless 2d world. Rather, minimalist living is using every inch of space with intention by keeping simplicity, functionality, and purpose in mind. It is not exclusively an aesthetic choice; it is a profound lifestyle philosophy. Are you ready to rethink your home ? The core features of minimalist home design Understanding minimalist home design involves delving into its key features, all rooted in the principle of reducing elements down to the essentials. The core features of minimalist design include: · Simplicity: clean lines, uncomplicated finishes, restricted palette Minimalism places significant emphasis on clean lines, uncomplicated wall finishes, and a restricted colour palette. Neutral tones, such as whites, greys, and beiges, dominate the minimalist colour scheme, creating an atmosphere of calm and simplicity . This is the ideal backdrop for statement art, luxurious textures and warming tones of natural materials and fabrics; pops of colour for contrast which contribute to a gentle and inviting atmosphere. · Functionality: every item serves a purpose In a minimalist living space, every item has a purpose and a designated place. The design rejects unnecessary clutter or decorations, fostering efficiency and organisation. This emphasis on functionality enhances the usability and aesthetic appeal of the space. · Uncomplicated cladding and detailing: smooth textures, neutral tones Minimalist design favours simple and clear details over complex patterns. Cladding styles often showcase smooth textures and neutral colours, contributing to the overall sense of simplicity and purpose. Do not confuse uncomplicated with basic. Luxury home builders in Canterbury , Shaun Bradley Builders affirm this quiet luxury is about the subtleties, refined details and elevated materials, where the emphasis is on allowing superior quality to be the defining element of the room.
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