By their eighth renovation, Alice and Caleb should definitely be considered reno-experts. Here they share some of their hard-won reno secrets
Meet + Greet
Caleb Pearson, 32, and Alice Pearson, 31 (directors of Pearson + Projects), Alek, 4, and Mika, 2.
Budget
Total renovation spend: $480,000
Decor tips
Find ways to inject personality – for example, the ‘Be still my soul’ artwork in the family room. It’s the little details that sometimes make a big impact.
- Don’t avoid colour. Add colour that is soft and complementary to the space.
- Find various textures and patterns. Elements like the living-room rug or beams bring energy and depth and make a space feel inviting. The hide chair in the living room and the layers on the beds also do this.
- Invest in plants and take the time to keep them alive! A pot plant in a few places can visually fill a space and give an earthy feel to a room.
Reno tips
Always get at least three quotes from tradespeople. It also gives you a chance to meet potential contractors and work out if they are right for your renovation.
- Consider the longevity of the products you use. Ask about how long a product is under warranty for as it will give you a great indication of its quality.
- To avoid over capitalising go along to open homes in your area to give you an idea of what a renovated home in your market looks like and what it’s worth.
- Don’t underestimate the value of your own time. Doing it yourself is less expensive but it comes at the cost of your time, energy and leisure.
Contact list
- Architect Stuart Huggett
- Builders QBS
- Furniture Harvey Norman
- Paint Resene
- Blinds Santa Fe
- Engineers Chester Engineering
- Switches and sockets Legrand
- Wardrobes Wardrobe World
- Concrete Allied Concrete
- Carpets Cavalier Bremworth
- Repiling House Lifters
- Doors and windows Rylock
- Kitchen cabinets Kitchen Mania
- Plumbing Auckland Plumbers Group
- Timber flooring repairs South Pacific Timber
- Deck balustrades/shower glass NZ Glass
- Real estate Mike Pero
- Mortgage broker Mike Whittaker
- Building equipment Kennards Hire
Words by: Esther Gordon. Photography by: Helen Bankers.
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