Home reno adds to Nelson couple’s festive cheer

The couple has moved back into their one-bedroom home in Nelson in time for the festive season, after almost four months temporarily living in another Kāinga Ora house while renovations were carried out at their place.

“We try to use the deck as much as we can,” explains Ivy. “We make the most of it at breakfast time and try to get out there as much as possible. We are so spoilt here.”

Ivy and Glynn have lived in their home for eight years. While they were happy with the way it was before the renovations, they say it’s been wonderful to return to their home after it was given a new lease on life.

“It’s fresh and I love the new carpet. They’ve also made a good job of the bench in the kitchen,” Glynn says.

“I love it all!” Ivy adds.

Ivy and Glynn’s home was among 10 units in their housing complex that have been significantly improved as part of a programme that renews the life of a home for up to 50 more years and ensures they are warmer, drier, healthier and more energy efficient.

The homes have been freshly painted inside and out and new carpet and vinyl laid. New double glazing, insulation and heat pumps have been installed to make them warmer and drier. The homes also have new bathrooms and kitchens, and their layout has been changed so they now have an open-plan living space.

Julia Campbell, Regional Director Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast, says upgrading older homes has many benefits.

“We support our customers whose homes are undergoing work to move into other accommodation, and they get to move back into their homes after it’s completed. We know what a difference having a warm and dry home can make to people’s mental and physical health, which is why we’re focussing on improving many of our older homes in Nelson,” she says.

“We’re focussed on helping to support the local workforce, so aim to use Nelson contractors where we can – in this case, we’ve worked closely with a local contractor, Scott Construction, to complete the work on the homes in this development.”

And not only have the team finished the work – but they got everything done ahead of schedule.

“Scott Construction finished the work ahead of schedule, which means our customers have been able to move back into their homes sooner than they expected. We’re really pleased that our customers will be able to enjoy this Christmas in their much-improved homes,” Ms Campbell says.