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Kitchen Planning
Enquiry: Please advise where I can find information on regulations when planning a kitchen - for example - how far away should the fridge be from the oven, the rangehood from the window etc? L.A
Answer: Right - have checked with my expert panel of architects - and unless you're changing the plumbing the only thing you need to be aware of is that you have an extraction fan. I would still strongly advise you to check with your local council.
Plumbing work will require a full building consent. If it's just a cabinet replacement then my advice is that you don't need a consent.Regarding the kitchen layout, it's advisable not to put the fridge next to the oven but purely because the heat will make the fridge work harder. Ovens and fridges are both well insulated these days and using your oven won't defrost the freezer.
Generally, try to keep to the triangle work area - your fridge, sink and cooktop/oven should be in an easily negotiated triangle. Keep the fridge where it's easily accessed - especially if you have kids, and don't be scared to make your benches bigger, rather than smaller. It's pretty hard to have too much benchspace!
Mark Graham
Second Hand Windows
Enquiry: We are in the process of extending an old state house and would like to use the old windows and buy additional secondhand windows. Do we need to get the old windows certified and if so what is involved in this process? Thanks U.M
Answer: Hello, I have checked with a couple of architect friends working in the office next door and it would seem that the Auckland council, at least, is not keen on using second hand windows at all, though I'm checking exactly what their policy is. I'll follow this up with
the Auckland City Council and get back to you soon.
Mark Graham
Follow up:
Auckland CC do require secondhand windows to be certified but so long as they're passed there is nothing wrong with using them. Check with your local Council on their policy.
Building Paper Under Concrete Tiles
Enquiry: Are tiled roofs required to have building paper (or the like) under the tiles the same as steel clad roofs?
Answer: Hello, the answer is that concrete tiled roofs don't need building paper, although it is often offered as an extra - wouldn't hurt to have a bit of additional insulation, for whatever it may be worth and help prevent moisture underneath the roof from dripping down into the ceiling cavity.
Mark Graham
Roof Colour
We are building a new house and are now discussing about the colour of the roof. We so much prefer the dark colours but are concearned about heat storage in the house (our house is on a very sun exposed position) and damage of the steel roof (I heard there could be some problems with dark colour roofs cause they expanding much more). Now we are unsure if we should choose nevertheless a very dark roof (ironsand for example). Do you have a tip that would make our choice a bit easier?
Thank you very much in advance
Hi - Bearing in mind I'm a publisher, not a builder or architect or house painter...
We went through a similar process and ended up with a light roof! However, we did that because we couldn't see it (our roof is a monopitch with the slope away from us). If you're looking at your roof on a regular basis, then go with the colour you want - I can't imagine the roof manufacturers would make something that won't last and installed correctly you shouldn't get problems with movement and damage - there are things to watch out for in the installation - check with the manufacturer. Also, you could consult any architect friends you might have - or architect friends of your friends.
cheers and good luck!
Mark Graham
Sourcing Shingles
hi there. We are renovating our 1880's cottage and want to re do the front face of the house with wooden shingles or shakes. Where can we find these in nz?
Hi - here you go...
Sth Pacific Shingles: Phone: 09 573 3017; www.southpacificshingles.co.nz