This is the team making this renovation journey possible. I’m using local professionals where possible, and natural products where feasible.
Construction
Carpentry
Doors
Double glazing
Electrical
The first name that came to everyone’s lips when I asked about local electricians was Alex Hakaraia. He runs a tight crew that does very tidy work with great customer service.
Flooring
Heating
Insulation
I’ve chosen to use Green Sheep wool insulation where I can. I’ll use fibre glass insulation for the places it won’t fit or meet the minimum code.
Joinery
BespOak NZ are supplying the joinery for the kitchen and bathroom. I was delighted to discover their product range via Trade Me.
Paint, waxes and wood oils
As someone who is very sensitive to paint fumes, I was looking for a product that I could tolerate a few days after application. The Natural Paint Co. offer a range that I can live with. They even provide you with a customised, hand-painted colour ‘chart’!
Plumbing
Kelly O’Brien came highly recommended from my neighbours Janelle and Austin who used his services for their own character property.
Roofing
Security
Alpine Security Services have been absolutely awesome at getting my security system up and running. They’ve installed a system that can be adjusted throughout the various construction phases as my needs change.
Solar energy
I’m planning to install solar panels as part of phase two of the project.
Structural engineering
Structural framing
Windows
Design and Planning
Architecture and drafting
Design ideas
Church conversions aren’t exactly mainstream in New Zealand. I was surprised how many ecclesiastical buildings are for sale when I started looking. I started a Facebook group for other owners of ecclesiastical buildings to share ideas on preserving the architecture and history of the buildings.
Planning and consents
Ruapehu District Council have been more than helpful. They might be small as far as territorial authorities go but they have a big ‘can-do’ attitude.
Enabling
Finance
Historical records
Ruapehu District Council had limited information on the building due to a fire which destroyed many historical records. My first port of call was Papers Past which is our digitised newspaper collection.
I also tried the Presbyterian Church Property Trustees and the Presbyterian Research Centre – the latter were very helpful in providing me with extracts from session minutes. The local parish office had some more recent records, but many of the historical plans and records from the parish and presbytery are missing.
I’ve also contacted historical societies for the local area and district. Community groups such as those on Facebook and Neighbourly are other channels to use to make requests for information.
Insurance
I’ve been with insurance brokers Crombie Lockwood for nearly twenty years. They’re my ‘go-to’ team for protecting my assets, and have worked hard to find me the best solution for my unique situation.
Legal
Katherine Mexted and the team from Convex Legal Ltd have helped me navigate my first property purchase. Outstanding service!
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