Empty Nesters Archives | Build Right Homes

Future Living: Designing Your Next Stage in Style, Part 2 of our series

Posted on September 9, 2025October 21, 2025 by Karen Foreman-Brown

Your Home’s Next Story Is Waiting To Be Written!

You’ve worked hard. You’ve built memories. Juggling busy schedules, and making do with spaces that didn’t always fit our lifestyle.

Retirement, and the years leading up to it, is the perfect time to take stock and consider Planning for the Next Stage of Life: it’s about finally living in a home that feels just right.

With fewer daily demands, now is the perfect moment to plan your space for comfort, ease, and the things you truly enjoy.

From smart layouts to future-proofed features or adding those little luxuries you’ve always dreamed about, your home should be designed to work for you and the life ahead – not the other way around.

At Build Right, we specialise in helping homeowners plan for the “Next Stage” of life. Whether that’s retirement, downsizing certain spaces, or simply creating a home that supports your lifestyle, we’ll guide you through every step – from concept to completion.

Does My Home Truly Work For Me – Or Am I Working For It ?

Many people worry a bigger home will mean more upkeep. The truth? A well-designed home can be easier to maintain than an older, smaller one – giving you more time for the things you love.

For others preparing for retirement is about creating a space that’s easier to maintain, more efficient, and perfectly suited to a slower, more relaxed pace of life.

Style and Comfort

Picture a home with clean lines, natural light flooding every room, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Imagine technology working quietly in the background — automated lighting, climate control, and security systems — so you can focus on enjoying your day.

Your Next Stage of life deserves more than practicality — it deserves beauty, flow, and a touch of luxury. Today’s home design offers the perfect blend of style and functionality, making it possible to have both.

We’ve invited Ann-Marie Appleton from Frobishers to share with us her experience in helping homeowners transform their spaces into something smarter, easier, and infinitely more enjoyable.

Making Life Easier and Smarter – Time to Invest in Technology

Preparing for the next stage in life also involves considering which aspects of your home need replacing to ensure you have current appliances and systems that will last you for the years ahead and require less maintenance and energy than what you might currently have in place.

With the rapidly increasing price of power, home heating and hot water heating are two of the biggest considerations.

Research shows that Smart Home Technology can not only make everyday life easier and safer but also more enjoyable – especially for those preparing for retirement or wanting a future-ready home.

We’ve invited Anthony Sapsford from GoFox Electrical to talk about future-proofing your home with energy-efficient systems, installing smart home technology and more.

Making it Happen

At Build Right, we help homeowners turn these ideas into reality. We start with conversations — understanding your lifestyle, your priorities, and your vision — and then design a plan that works from day one through to completion.

Our business is set up to work with home owners like yourselves where we take time to discuss with you the things that are important to you in your home; the things that don’t work now and changes that you might like to consider moving forward in planning for the next stage in your life.

For us, the next stage isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what matters, better.

Get in touch with Build Right – The Home Renovation Specialists and let’s make your next stage your best stage yet.

Let’s chat about how we can help create a home that works for the next chapter of your life.

Explore Build Right’s Portfolio
Schedule Your Consultation: 03 323 5771

Read the first blog in our Empty Nesters series where we have covered some of the things to consider when planning to futureproof your home.

A Guide for Empty Nesters Planning Ahead, Part 1

Posted on August 12, 2025September 8, 2025 by Karen Foreman-Brown

Rather than rushing into a smaller property, many empty nesters are choosing instead to “age-in-place” and future-proof their homes for the next chapter of life.

This blog explores why staying put can be a great option, what empty nesters typically look for in a home, and how to make smart, retirement‑ready improvements that will keep your home safe, comfortable and enjoyable for years to come.

We’ll draw on research and practical advice from government agencies, Age Concern and renovation experts to help you stay and continue to enjoy your home.

Why stay in the home you love ?

Many older adults choose to remain in their long term homes because familiar surroundings, social networks and community support contribute to better physical and mental wellbeing.

Age Concern New Zealand notes that staying in your home allows you to maintain established friendships and recreational activities, which can make adapting to changes in older age easier.

For empty nesters who are still active, leaving an established neighbourhood might feel like more of a loss than a gain.

Read more about Trudy’s story here …

The downsizing myth

A common assumption is that empty nesters need less space and should downsize to a smaller property once the kids leave.

However, many modern 50‑ and 60‑somethings are healthier and more active than previous generations – they’re pursuing hobbies, launching second careers and welcoming extended visits from adult children and grandchildren.

Empty nesters often need space for home offices, exercise areas, craft rooms and guest accommodation.

Downsizing may ignore these lifestyle goals and can be expensive when you factor in real‑estate commissions, moving costs and the premium for a smaller, move‑in ready house.

Instead of seeing extra space as a burden, think of it as an opportunity to create the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.

Reconfiguring existing rooms, creating zones for different activities and focusing on low‑maintenance materials can make a larger home easier to manage than an older, smaller property.

What empty nesters want in their home

Empty Nesters – typically couples or individuals whose children have moved out, often reach a point where their priorities shift from raising a family to enjoying comfort, simplicity and lifestyle in their home.

Here’s what many ‘Empty Nesters’ typically look for in their home to prepare for the years to come:

Low Maintenance Living

Easy to maintain property
Modern fittings and fixtures for their comfort, including replacing higher budget items like appliances (ovens, dishwashers, laundry machines etc) and heating to ensure they will last well into the future
Ensuring plumbing and wiring are up to date to avoid the need for repairs

Future Proofing for Reduced Mobility

Ensure you have accessible bathrooms and kitchens
Walk in showers, wider doorways and hallways, minimising stair usage if possible – consider installing a chair lift for stairs if this is feasible and there is no room for bedrooms on the ground floor
Replacing hinged doors with CA slider doors to increase accessibility and maximise space
Relocating master bedroom and bathroom to the ground floor if currently upstairs

Comfortable & Accessible Spaces

Open plan kitchen/living/dining for entertaining and relaxing
Generous master suite with ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, easily accessible

Flexibility for Guests & Hobbies

Changing spare bedroom/s into a home office, craft room, gym or studio space, while still making them available as guest bedrooms if needed

Energy Efficiency & Modern Comforts

Installing double glazing, insulation, heat pumps, solar options to help reduce energy costs in future
Good natural light and ventilation

Smart Technology

Invest in smart home technology that future‑proofs your home with voice controlled devices, automated systems and security, including the ability to programme (set and forget) regular daily actions

Location, Lifestyle & Security

Close to shops, cafes, healthcare and public transport
Quiet, safe neighbourhood with like-minded neighbours
Lock-and-leave potential for travel and peace of mind

Build Right: Taking The Next Step

If you are an empty nester and planning ahead for the ways you could optimise your existing home, Build Right can advise on the most effective way to ensure your home is well prepared for the changes ahead – while you still have the income to invest in renovations.

Our design team will walk you through everything and ensuring you are 100% comfortable before any work begins, while Sam as your project manager will ensure the whole job goes smoothly and with as little disruption as possible.

Want to Future-Proof Your Home?

Let’s chat about how we can help create a home that works for the next chapter of your life.

Explore Build Right’s Portfolio
Schedule Your Consultation: 03 323 5771

Look out for our next “Empty Nesters” blog where we will dig deeper into some of the specifics around how to focus on to prepare your home for the long haul.

Timber flooring provides effective contrast with the white finish — Choose drawers in your kitchen for storage rather than cupboards to improve access. A wall mounted oven also improves access and minimises the need to bend to take food in and out.

Good lighting is even more essential as we age. A well-placed skylight ensures the kitchen area is light filled

How Build Right Transformed a Christchurch Townhouse with a Stunning Conservatory

Posted on July 4, 2025October 2, 2025 by Karen Foreman-Brown

Why Build Right? More Than Just Builders

Build Right stood out for Maggie after her extensive research. Founded in 2004 by Rex Lawrence and led by a team of Registered Master Builders, their reputation for blending architectural vision with practical craftsmanship resonated.

As Maggie says: “From the first consultation, they listened. No pushy sales tactics—just honest, creative solutions tailored to my townhouse’s constraints and my vision.”

Their design-build approach meant Maggie worked with a single team from sketch to completion, removing the stress of co-ordinating architects, engineers, and builders separately.

The Vision: A Conservatory That Feels Like Home

Maggie’s brief was simple but profound:

Create a bright, weatherproof space for relaxation, reading, and indoor plants
Maximise natural light without overheating in summer
Ensure seamless integration with the existing townhouse architecture
Add value to her property without overwhelming the compact section

Build Right’s solution? A timeless glass conservatory with:

Thermally broken aluminium framing to prevent condensation—a must in
Christchurch’s variable climate
Low-E glazing to minimise UV damage while retaining warmth
Sliding bifold doors opening to the courtyard, blurring indoor/outdoor boundaries

The Transformation: More Than Just Square Metres

Today, Maggie’s conservatory is the heart of her home. The results exceeded her
expectations:

“It’s not just a room – it’s my mental health sanctuary. On rainy days, I listen to the droplets on the glass. In winter, I’m warm without the heater running constantly.”

Feature	Impact
Year-round usability	Ambient temperature maintained via passive solar design
Space amplification	25% increase in functional living area
Lifestyle upgrade	Winter coffee with frost and rain views, evening wine to relax
Property value	Conservatory additions yield ~10-15% ROI in Christchurch’s market

Why Build Right Excels at Complex Urban Projects

Maggie’s project underscores Build Right’s unique strengths in Christchurch’s rebuild landscape:

1. Collaborative DNA
Build Right prioritises client partnership. Maggie’s input shaped material choices, sightlines, and ensured 100% satisfaction with the end result.

2. Golden Thread” Communication
Maggie never dealt with subcontractor confusion. Sam Harris served as her single point of contact – a policy Build Right enforces to reduce stress .

3. Sustainable Sensibility
Low-E glass and thermally efficient materials align with Christchurch’s push toward resilient, energy-smart homes .

Your Invitation: From Vision to Reality

Inspired by Maggie’s experience? Build Right offers free home consultations to explore how intelligent design can transform your Christchurch property. Whether it’s a conservatory, kitchen, or full renovation, their team blends local expertise with genuine craftsmanship.

“Don’t compromise – build once, build right.” Rex Lawrence, Founder

Explore Build Right’s Portfolio
Schedule Your Free Consultation: 03 323 5771