Architectural design is meeting the expectation.
When building my first two-bedroom house down a steep slope on a third of a section, I complained to my dad how expensive new houses were to build.
He explained that when he brought our family home, a villa in Epsom, there were no carpets, no drapes, single glazing, no fridge, one single bathroom, and one toilet for five boys – so thank God for the garden! The shower was over the bath, the gas hot water cylinder meant a cold bath for the youngest, and just one single power point per room and one central light fitting per room – with no dimming. Plus, no insulation under the floor, in the walls or the ceiling, and no garage.
In short, you got very little for your money a generation ago.
At one stage my brother and I shared a bedroom on an enclosed veranda. I believe the exterior wall was only hardboard, with no internal lining. There was only enough room for two beds and walking room between. I can’t remember where our clothes were. And yes, it was cold, but we survived.
Today the expectation of the homeowner is a fully insulated house, doubled glazed, with heat pump, two living areas, designer kitchen with dishwasher, children’s bedrooms the size of the old master bedrooms, with power points and light fittings to Africa, alarms, CCTV and internet, drapes, carpet, more than one bathroom, with under tile heating, and a garage.
Add to that the ever-increasing government code requirements and council fees and compliance costs (health and safety on site I agree with, most old builders have had injuries on site). The government has just significantly increased the insulation requirements, so we can stay warm when it’s snowing in Auckland.
When people tell me building is so expensive, I agree, but you are getting so much more for your money.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz
021 894 895
leuschkekahn.co.nz
