Trends New Zealand Volume 33 No 7 | Page 31

prove costly and beyond the skillset of owners. The design of your interior plays a role in maintenance time, as well. Simplifying design elements can result in easy to clean areas, while plentiful storage options can declutter a home of dust-gathering items, again saving on cleaning. And the size of your home is important, too. Often New Zealanders want the largest home possible. However, well-designed smaller homes can offer maximum required functionality with minimal upkeep and will save money too. The landscaping of a home can add value and aesthetic appeal. But at the same time, large sections with beautiful landscaping often translate into weekends dedicated to gardening. Smart choices of lawn types, paths, and features, along with the right decking and plant species help ensure a garden stays beautiful with less input. An experienced builder like GJ Gardner Homes will help you design a home that suits your lifestyle, taste and low maintenance needs. To contact GJ Gardner, phone 0800 42 45 46 or simply head online: www.gjgardner.co.nz save and share online: search 49971 at Trendsideas.com Above left: Uncluttered interiors on this GJ Gardner family home mean less cleaning while the right choice of decking and fence also keeps maintenance needs to a minimum. Top: Cladding choices not only affect the look of your home, they also make a difference in terms of the labour and cost of maintenance. Above: Selection of the right grass type minimises mowing – and the same goes for plants and pruning. search | save | share at