Blog
Monday, January 20, 2020 - 11:00am
A floor plan is a great way to start visualising your new home. Showing a view from above, a floor plan lets you begin to imagine the relationship between rooms, spaces, flow and how it might suit the way you love to live.
Our top 5 plans of 2019 all came from our Aspiring Collection. Let’s take a look why they are such hot property.
#1- TAKAKA
Clever and compact, this 97sqm flat-roofed design features a central open-plan kitchen, living and dining space which flows seamlessly via large glazed sliders to decks on both sides. Two double bedrooms, each with an ensuite, neatly bookend the home. Explore the Takaka here.
#2- MT ROSA
Ideal for entertaining and everyday relaxation, this 133sqm design features three bedrooms, one bathroom and a separate laundry. The open-plan kitchen, living and dining domain flows to wraparound decking. Generous storage and an outdoor shower complete the package. Explore Mt Rosa here.
#3- MATAPOURI
Positioned on stilts, this 184sqm four-double-bedroom home (master with ensuite) is the height of relaxation. Glazed doors fold back, eliminating boundaries between the deck and open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. The main bathroom boasts a bath, separate shower and double vanity. Explore the Matapouri here.
#4- WAIHEKE
This spacious 177sqm gable home boasts four double bedrooms with wardrobes, two bathrooms and separate living spaces, all arranged over two storeys. Downstairs, the open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area flows to a welcoming deck. Mezzanine living awaits above. Explore the Waiheke here.
#5- RAGLAN
An open-plan kitchen, living, dining domain is central to this 145sqm three-bedroom design. The living space opens on both sides, flowing to a large outdoor space, which is bordered by the master and second bedrooms. The master is equipped with ensuite and walk-through wardrobe. Explore the Raglan here.
Striking yet understated architecture is the perfect foundation for personal touches. Each design can be customised with a wide range of interior and exterior finishes. Whatever the setting – city, sea or somewhere unexpected – there is an Aspiring home for you.
Other popular plans of 2019 included:
AUSTRAL & MACAULEY
These 3-4 bedroom homes are from our Pacific Collection. Flexible and functional, Pacific homes are an ideal starting point for creating your perfect family home. These plans fit the bill as they include all the features that kiwis are looking for in a home these days- plenty of bedrooms with two or three bathrooms, zones for all the family and great indoor/ outdoor flow.
Weka
Hailing from our Smart Collection this 177m2 plan packs a punch. Three double bedrooms plus study/fourth bedroom, ensuite and walk-in wardrobe for the master suite, open plan-living and a double garage with internal access, this Smart home promises everything you are looking for in a new build. Explore the Weka here.
Moturiki
Another Aspiring Collection plan, this 100sqm home consists of two gable volumes, neatly split by a central, external walkway. Open-plan living, kitchen and dining dominate the first wing, while the second features two double bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry. The living area opens to a spacious deck. Explore the Moturiki here.
If you already have an idea of your perfect home in your head or sketched somewhere then our Design & Build service may be for you. We can help Design & Build your dream home from scratch or follow your existing plans. This is a great option if you’re after something a little different or have a tricky site.
Monday, December 9, 2019 - 10:15am
#1: MAKE YOUR OWN WRAPPING
Get creative with items around your home rather than buying over-priced wrapping paper that inevitably ends up in the rubbish bin. Add texture to your gift by wrapping it in fabric or use your children's artwork, it's guaranteed to make someone smile.
#2: TURN COOKIE CUTTERS INTO ORNAMENTS
Choose your favourite Christmas coloured ribbon and wrap around each cookie cutter, loop some rustic twine around the top of each and just like that you have new tree decorations. Or spray paint white for a stylish look. You can also tie the cutters to a string of wooden beads to create a funky garland.
#3: PERSONALISE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS BY MAKING YOUR OWN
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the snap of a cracker. You can ensure yours look great on the table and the goodies inside are exactly what you want by making your own. Find a simple how-to here.
#4: CREATE A STATEMENT ENTRANCE WITH YOUR OWN WREATH
The possibilities are endless for a Christmas wreath, use traditional twigs, foliage, pinecones and red berries, or mix it up with fresh blooms. If you would like your wreath to withstand the test of time, then felt flowers are a stylish choice. You will need a florist hoop and wire to the tie your goodies on, the rest is up to you and your creativity.
#5: KEEP YOUR TREE LOOKING FRESH FOR THE 25TH
When you get your tree home be sure to cut the trunk on an angle, place it in a base that you can add water to (frequently!) and try position it out of direct sunlight and the aircon.
Better yet get yourself a baby tree that you can use year after year as it grows, species to try include:
- Macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa)
- Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menzieii)
- Norweigian spruce (Picea abies)
- California Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
- Lawson's Cyprus (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 - 1:45pm
At Signature, we know how exciting building a new home can be. We also know that the process can be daunting if you haven’t built before.
Whether you choose from our range of House & Land Packages across the country, Design & Build your new home from scratch or utilise our Knock Down & Rebuild or Subdividing services, building with Signature means stress and a drain on your time won’t factor into your new build experience. Learn more here.
Before you embark on your build journey, make sure you check out some tips and tricks from those who have recently built with us.
ANDREW & EMMA: Built their dream home, Tamahere, on family land in Matangi, Waikato
+ Work out what areas of the house are important to you and don’t compromise on them
+ Take your time with planning and make sure you have allowed for everything in your budget, including curtains, furniture and basic landscaping. Attention to detail in the planning process will pay off in the end
+ Choose spec quality over house size if you are on a budget
DEAN & EMMA: Built their dream home which was rightfully named Motueka after the location of the land
+ Have a clear idea of what you want before you start, and stick to your guns
+ Know the site, where the sun comes up and goes down and what you want your focal points to be inside and out
+ We saved on flooring using vinyl planks in the laundry and WC
+ We splurged on the concrete chimney and the solid oak barn door
MEY & ROBERT: Built their dream home on their existing site via Signature’s Knock Down & Rebuild Service. The plan was named Te Atatu after the suburb where the family lives
+ Spend plenty of time getting into the detail, specific dimensions; make sure it’s going to work. It’s very difficult looking at pieces of paper which are one-dimensional. We got a walk-through video done by Signature Homes which really helped
+ Upgrade where you can, especially things like lighting, power sockets, TV/data points etc. These are very difficult to do once the GIB is on
+ Have plenty of storage space. We love our huge linen cupboard (room) and storage cupboards in the garage
+ We love our internal air-conditioning throughout the whole house and definitely recommend it
More hot tips on building your new home:
+ Trust your gut and don’t overthink a decision. We wasted time going around in circles on a few things, invariably you end up back where you started
+ Do lots of research and create a moodboard to help decide what style you want to go with
+ More often than not your budget doesn’t stretch to everything, but little luxuries go a long way
+ Check sizes of rooms against existing ones to get a feel for what the home you’re designing will feel like
+ Go with the process and be open-minded. Often things you end up loving weren’t planned for
+ Buying good quality pays dividends in the long term. Also, buy less but buy right
To learn more about how we do things at Signature Homes check out our series of videos here or get in touch with your local team here.
Monday, November 11, 2019 - 1:15pm
Turnkey means exactly what it says; you only have to worry about turning the key to open the door of your new home on moving day. The rest is taken care of.
It's a simple, stress-free way to build, and you’ll enjoy all the benefits of living in a brand new home with less of the financial worry. Stop searching for an existing home and save yourself the stress of time-consuming open home visits, negotiating with real estate agents and trying to find a home to suit your lifestyle by buying a Signature Homes turnkey package.
Here are 3 reasons why a turnkey home may be a great solution for you.
1. YOU ONLY NEED A 10% DEPOSIT
To secure a turnkey package you’ll pay just a small deposit of 10% up-front before the build starts, then no further funds are required until the build is completed.
You won't pay the balance of your fixed-price contract until construction is complete, which means your mortgage payments will start after you move in. This frees you up financially while we build your new home, so you can save or pay your existing mortgage or rent.
2. YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL FOR A FIXED PRICE
Building a home is a big step for anyone, especially those who are stepping onto the property ladder for the first time.
Buying a fixed-price turnkey House & Land package takes away any element of surprise and ensures you and your family can budget in exact detail.
3. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING
Signature Homes brings together a block of land and a home design that perfectly suits that site for a fixed price. It’s an easy and secure way to buy a home. Everything is sorted right down to the letterbox, fences and landscaping.
Before you buy, you can visit our showhomes across the country to experience first-hand the quality you can expect from our builds.
Contact your local Signature Homes team today to discuss available turnkey homes in your area.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 - 12:00pm
Visiting a showhome gives you a chance to look at different home designs in living colour. You’ll be able to explore the layout, run your hand along the finishes, soak in the space and imagine what it would be like to live there.
It is an exciting experience and one that allows you to figure out what matters most to you and what features of a new home will best enhance your lifestyle.
Here’s our guide of things to consider when visiting your next showhome, which you can download and print here.
YOUR LIFESTYLE
- How do you live? What matters most to you?
- Does the design suit the way you live?
- Do you spend much time outside? Is indoor/outdoor flow important to you?
- Do you have a preference for single or double storey?
- Are you looking for zones/separate areas?
- How long are you expecting to live in the home?
- Do you require space for visiting friends and family?
- Do you entertain? Do you need a butler’s pantry or an outdoor entertaining area?
YOUR STYLE
- What are you drawn to in the showhome? Colours, textures, finishes.
- Are the materials used classic and timeless, or modern and dramatic?
- Does the roofline appeal to you?
- Are you impressed by the cladding?
- Does the home stand out from the crowd?
- Does the home have an inviting entry?
FLOW OF THE FLOORPLAN
- Do the rooms have connectivity, providing a sense of space?
- Can you spread out as your family grows?
- Can you open up or divide rooms as needed?
- Kitchens are often referred to as the heart of a home. Does this space work for you?
- Will you need a walk-in wardrobes or internal access to the garage?
- Will the home provide sufficient storage?
- Is the home situated to maximise the sunlight/warmth?
QUALITY/FEEL
A showhome is a good indicator of the quality you can expect from the home builder, so make sure it meets your standards.
- Is the home inviting? What are your first impressions?
- Does it stand out from the crowd?
- Is the home built using quality materials?
- Can you customise and personalise to suit your needs?
- Do you like the style of the fixtures and fittings used?
- Did you feel the ‘wow’ factor?
THE COMPANY
- Were they approachable/friendly?
- Were they the kind of people you would like to work with?
- Did they answer your questions?
- Did they follow-up with your requests/requirements?
- Did you understand their process of designing and building?
Keep these questions in mind when looking at showhomes, it will ensure you feel confident in your decisions. Remember to take your time, do as much due diligence as you feel you need and enjoy the process of planning your dream home.
Visit one of our showhomes today or connect with your local team here.
Have you ever considered investing in a showhome? Many investors are seeing the benefits of buying a showhome and leasing it back to the builder at a favourable rate for up to 24 months. Read our blog post to learn more.
