A little compromise can go a long way

[Homed header] Hi {NAME}, As the weekend draws near, I confess I am a little envious of the people who have scored a ticket to tour through the latest Superhome projects in Christchurch - [here’s one we featured last week](. For those of you who may be new to the concept, these are highly energy-efficient homes built way above building code standards. These homes stay warm, dry and healthy right through winter, and occupants hardly ever have to turn on the heating - maybe just for an hour on a very frosty morning. So they have very small energy bills. [Superhome founder Bob Burnett took the opportunity this week]( to talk a little more about the need for government to further improve building code standards. And, as usual, many readers expressed their concern about the increased cost of building healthy homes. His answer is simple: You don’t need to spend more if you compromise on other areas. What if you made your home 10 per cent smaller? What if you sacrificed a fourth bedroom, or just trimmed the size of everything? We also have some nostalgic properties listed this week, including [this 1960s beauty in New Windsor, Auckland](. My parents had the same pink and green bricks around their fireplace, and I don’t think it ever occurred to them that they could paint them. And then there’s [the tiny workingman’s cottage in Parnell]( the ultimate do-up. These are not energy-efficient homes. But let’s hope that the purchasers who take on these projects grab the opportunity to retrofit and insulate their homes above code minimum. The benefits are immense. In the meantime, keep warm and healthy. [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Colleen Hawkes Senior Homed Journalist [Kylie Klein-Nixon] Colleen Hawkes Senior Homed Journalist   Enjoying this email? [Check out Stuff's other daily and weekly newsletters.](   [timer][trk_px] [timer][trk_px] opportunity knocks     [Parnell cottage 'do-up' is prime real estate]( Surrounded by pricey homes and backing onto a reserve, this neglected wee cottage is a "worst house, best street" opportunity. [timer][trk_px]   first time buyer's pick [Original '60s gem up for sale]( There are some who want to flip it, and young buyers desperate to claim it for a family home. Who will win the New Windsor do-up? [Read more →]( tiny inspiration Which prefab pod is best? There is almost no location a prefab pod can’t be plopped onto if you have the time, money and perseverance to get it done. [Read more →]( building standards 'Super versus stupid' "It's not just older housing causing health problems for our families. The majority of new homes built today are sadly adding to the problem," says Superhome founder Bob Burnett. [Read more →]( green thumb The healing power of plants Emily Lloyd’s love for houseplants was kindled by a tragedy five years ago when her father died in a drowning accident. "They give you something positive and beautiful to focus on.” [Read more →]( If you find Stuff's Homed useful and inspiring, please consider becoming a supporter. [I'd like to contribute →]( [Discover more at Homed]( You are receiving this email because you are opted in to receive the Stuff Homed newsletter. [Unsubscribe]( [Manage your profile]( [Privacy Policy]( Did a friend forward you this email? [Sign up to get the Stuff Homed newsletter in your inbox.]( Stuff, 4 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [TikTok](