Rob Lyon Builders

04/06/2026

What is a Homestar rating? 🏡⭐

You've probably heard the term, but what does it actually mean?

A Homestar rating is an independent assessment of a home's health, comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability. Homes are rated on a scale from 6 to 10 stars, with a 6 Homestar rating already performing above the minimum requirements of the New Zealand Building Code.

In practical terms, a higher-performing home is designed to be warmer, drier, healthier, and more efficient to run. Things like insulation, ventilation, glazing, heating, water efficiency, and overall design all contribute to the rating.

The key takeaway? Building a great home isn't just about how it looks - it's also about how it performs for your family every day.

If you're planning a new build, it's worth considering these features early in the process, as many are easiest and most cost-effective to incorporate from the start.

03/06/2026

Building a great home isn't just about how it looks - it's also about how it performs for your family every day. In practical terms, a higher-performing home is designed to be warmer, drier, healthier, and more efficient to run. Hit the link below, to find out more about the Homestar Rating.

When building a new home, many New Zealanders are looking beyond the minimum requirements of the Building Code and thinking more carefully about how their home will perform long term. Comfort, energy efficiency, running costs, and indoor health are becoming increasingly important considerations for homeowners wanting a home that not only looks good, but also feels good to live in every day.

One of the best-known ways to measure this performance is through the Homestar rating system. Developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council - NZGBC, Homestar provides an independent framework for assessing the health, efficiency, and sustainability of homes across New Zealand.

Learn how Homestar improves comfort, efficiency, and health, and how NZCB Studio’s Homestar Ready plans make building a high performing home easier 👉 https://www.nzcb.nz/what-does-a-homestar-rating-mean-for-your-home/

29/05/2026

Building by the sea comes with a few extra considerations - especially in steep, remote, hard-to-reach places in the Marlborough Sounds.

Salt air, strong sun, wind exposure, access challenges and the coastal environment all play a part in how a home should be built and maintained. Material selection becomes especially important, from exterior cladding and fixings through to windows, roofing and paint finishes.

Positioning also matters - making the most of the views while still creating shelter from the elements and comfortable outdoor living spaces.

With plenty of experience building and renovating in the Sounds, we understand the practical side of coastal building and the importance of getting it right from the start.

Thinking about a coastal build or renovation? Get in touch with Rob for a chat, or check out some of our recent projects on our website for inspiration.

21/05/2026

Building on a slope comes with its challenges - but with the right planning, it can lead to some incredible results.

From site access and retaining work to foundations, drainage and positioning the home to make the most of the outlook, hillside builds require careful thought right from the beginning.

Not impossible by any means - just a project where experience, planning and good communication really matter.

These framing shots give a glimpse into the work that happens before the views, outdoor spaces and finished home come together.

13/05/2026

Love a good before and after - the best way to appreciate the time, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that goes into every project. From the early groundwork to the finished result, there’s a lot behind every build.

07/05/2026

Winter’s on the way - and a few simple checks now can help prevent bigger issues later on.

Before the colder, wetter months settle in, it’s worth taking a quick walk around your home:

• Clear gutters and downpipes so water can flow freely
• Check the roof for any loose or damaged areas
• Trim back trees or branches close to the house
• Test heating systems before you need them - and don't forget to get chimney swept
• Look over exterior paint and sealant for cracks or wear
• Make sure water is draining away from the house properly
• Keep an eye out for any early signs of damp inside

A bit of maintenance now goes a long way in keeping your home warm, dry and trouble-free through winter.

If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always worth getting it looked at early.

30/04/2026

Rob Lyon on site, on the tools, every day.

Not just running the job - building it.

20/04/2026

Solar in Marlborough – 5 Things to Know ☀️

Thinking about installing solar? Here are a few key things to keep in mind, according to the team at Goodyer Solar :

• Marlborough’s sunshine makes it ideal for solar
• It can significantly reduce your power bills
• Planning early (especially for new builds) makes a big difference
• Modern systems are efficient and built to last
• You can track your energy use in real time

If you’re building or renovating, it pays to think about solar from the start - getting the orientation and layout right can really maximise the benefits.

Thanks to the team at Goodyer Solar for sharing their local knowledge.

09/04/2026

How good does this grooved ply sheeting look? Absolutely love this product. It’s cost effective and easy to install, once it’s painted is going to make this garage interior look very sharp indeed.

01/04/2026

Quick catch up with Rob and the team this morning, who are full steam ahead on this new build in Bartlett’s Green off Batty’s Road, in effort to have it ready for the owners who move in a couple of months.

Love the unique look of the exterior? Alongside the brick (which is also featured inside the home), is the TMT Taxon thermally modified timber, which originates from the Tulipwood tree in North America. This sustainably sourced, easy to work and maintain timber cladding offers enhanced durability and stability, and looks stunning too! With cedar soffits and kwila decking, this home will be a showcase in natural timber claddings - we can’t wait to show you the finished result.

The interior is shaping up nicely too - more to come!