More New Zealand homeowners are discovering the appeal of louvre roofs and aluminium louvres for their outdoor living spaces. These versatile systems offer the perfect blend of functionality and style, transforming patios and decks into year-round entertainment areas. However, when building costs start mounting up, louvres often find themselves on the "we'll add that later" list.
While it makes sense to prioritise essentials during construction, deferring your aluminium louvre installation without proper planning can lead to expensive surprises down the track. The truth is, adding louvres later is absolutely possible, but only if you've laid the right groundwork during your initial build.
At first glance, removing louvres from your build seems like a smart financial move. After all, a quality louvre roof represents a significant investment, and spreading costs over time feels more manageable. Many homeowners believe they can simply bolt on their aluminium louvres whenever their budget allows.
Unfortunately, this approach often backfires. Without proper preparation, future installation becomes a complex puzzle involving structural modifications, electrical retrofitting, and potentially costly remedial work. What started as a money-saving decision can quickly turn into a more expensive exercise than installing louvres during the original build.
The reality is straightforward: get the work done that can't be done later. Make sure what's needed is already there during building, even if the actual louvres won't be installed for months or years. Download our louvre brochure to explore your options.
Smart homeowners who want to future-proof their outdoor spaces need to think beyond just the louvres themselves. Three critical elements must be addressed during construction: structural supports, drainage systems, and electrical feeds. Proper planning in these areas ensures your future louvre roof installation will be smooth and cost-effective.
Some louvre applications simply can't be retrofitted later. If your design includes louvres as part of balustrades or elements covered by resource consent, these need to be installed during the initial build. There's no "adding later" option for structural elements that form part of your home's approved plans.
Your aluminium louvre system needs solid attachment points, and these must be built into your home's structure from the beginning. Pre-installing fixings and cavity battens during construction is far more straightforward than trying to add them later when walls are lined and finished.
Attempting to retrofit structural supports often means cutting into completed walls, removing cladding, and potentially compromising your home's weathertightness. This isn't just inconvenient, it's expensive and risky. Proper timber blocking installed during framing provides the secure foundation your louvre roof needs without any guesswork about load paths or structural integrity.
New Zealand's climate demands proper water management, and louvre roofs are no exception. When louvre blades close completely, they create a watertight seal that channels considerable volumes of rainwater. This water needs somewhere to go, and that somewhere needs to be planned before your roof goes on.
Neglecting drainage planning early means you'll likely face significant modifications later. Installing proper water runoff systems and connecting to your home's existing drainage after construction often requires cutting through finished surfaces and potentially redesigning your gutter systems. In some cases, inadequate drainage planning can even affect your home's foundation drainage, creating problems far beyond your outdoor living area.
The demand for motorised aluminium louvres continues to grow, and for good reason. Automated systems offer convenience that transforms how you use your outdoor space, allowing you to adjust conditions with the touch of a button or even automatically based on weather sensors.
Installing electrical conduits and feeds during construction is incredibly cost-effective. Running power to your future louvre location when walls are open and accessible costs a fraction of what you'll pay for retrofitting. Even if you're not planning automation initially, installing the infrastructure now gives you options later without the expense of cutting into finished walls and running new circuits.
Think of louvres as an investment that enhances your lifestyle, property value, and home design. Even if installation happens later, planning now positions you for success. Your louvre roof will integrate seamlessly with your home's architecture rather than looking like an afterthought.
From a real estate perspective, outdoor living represents a major selling point in New Zealand's market. For Anthony Shaw, a real estate agent in Warkworth for nearly 16 years, a well-designed louvre system can significantly boost your property's resale value by enhancing both liveability and visual appeal. Shaw noted about a Snells Beach property sale, “the automated louvre system was a major selling point, acting as an all-weather ‘extra room for entertainment’.”
Modern louvre roof systems offer more than just weather protection. They provide natural climate control, reducing heat gain in adjacent indoor areas and potentially lowering your energy costs. With their sleek, architectural lines and variety of colour options, today's aluminium louvres complement contemporary home designs while requiring minimal maintenance.
The versatility of these systems means you can enjoy your outdoor space regardless of weather conditions. Whether it's managing harsh summer sun, providing shelter from unexpected showers, or creating a cozy space for winter entertaining with integrated heating, a well-planned louvre installation extends your living space into every season.
If you are planning future louvre installation, make sure you're prepared during the initial build. It won't affect your build in any way if you change direction, but it will save you significant time, money, and stress if you decide to proceed with your aluminium louvre project down the track.
Smart planning during construction means your future louvre roof NZ installation will be straightforward, cost-effective, and professionally integrated with your home's design. The alternative is dealing with complications that could have been easily avoided.
Download our projects brochure to see how proper planning creates stunning results and seamless installations.