Following the September 4th, February 22nd and June 13th series of most damaging earthquakes, home owners across Canterbury will now be looking to repair, and in a number of cases, rebuild their family homes.  When repairing or rebuilding a home, there is the opportunity to upgrade and make changes.

And while upgrading will not be covered by the Earthquake Commission, or your private insurance company, a few extra dollars spent wisely can make your home warmer and more comfortable.

Household Repair Guide

Build Back Smarter Guide

Spending a few moments to read through these booklets presents a unique opportunity to make houses better for you, better for the environment and cheaper to run.

Repairing earthquake damage is the ideal time to consider improving your home and the benefits it can bring:

The purpose of these guides is to help you when talking with builders and in making decisions about repairing your home. It provides tips for repairing your home and gives indicative costs and savings that could be made for an average sized, three to four bedroom home.

In most cases you, as the homeowner, will have to fund the additional cost of the improvements set out in this guide. The good news is that government grants are available for insulation, clean heating, solar and heat pump hot water, and chimney replacement. Plus, best of all, you can enjoy the benefits of these improvements.

Beacon Pathway Incorporated Society

June 2010, Beacon Pathway Ltd completed its research contract with the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST).  This brought to an end six years of research and activities aimed at improving the performance of New Zealand’s homes and neighbourhoods.  An end-of-term review by FRST commented on the success of Beacon’s research programme in terms of both research advances and driving change.  However, under the terms of the Shareholders’ Agreement by which Beacon Pathway Ltd was set up, the end of the contract also brought to an end   the company.   Despite the progress made, the job Beacon Pathway Ltd started is not finished. The step change required to transform New Zealand’s costly, inefficient and poorly performing housing stock has not yet occurred.acknowledging the change required to transform New Zealand’s costly, inefficient and poorly performing housing stock has not yet occurred.