Haydn’s Legacy: Building the Perfect Outdoor Space

Haydn’s Legacy Project: Transforming Outdoor Living One Phase at a Time

Haydn Clifford of Hire A Hubby St Heliers spent 14 months transforming a customer’s outdoor spaces into a seamless, functional, and stylish area perfect for entertaining and everyday living. Known as ‘Haydn’s Legacy Project,’ this undertaking showcased the expert craftsmanship, problem-solving, and dedication our Hubbies bring to every project. 

From decks and pergolas to balcony refurbishments and creative solutions for challenging terrain, the project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and skilled execution can elevate any outdoor space. 

Here’s a look back at the key phases of this remarkable transformation:

Phase 1 & 2: Decking Foundations for Function and Flow

The project began with a focus on creating practical, inviting spaces:

• Utility Deck: Replacing weedy concrete pavers with a flat, functional area for a pizza oven, BBQ, and fire pit. The goal? A space that’s easy to navigate, perfect for outdoor cooking, and low-maintenance.
• Main Deck: A 100m² lounging area designed for gatherings and seamless movement. Challenges like leveling the deck, avoiding underground pipes, and replacing old stairs were handled with precision, ensuring durability and a cohesive aesthetic.

Materials included Kwila hardwood and H3.2-treated pine for strength and longevity, complemented by framed glass balustrades for style and safety.

Phase 3 & 4: Pergola Overhaul and Balcony Steps

Haydn then turned his attention to improving safety and usability while enhancing the property’s aesthetic:

• Pergola Overhaul: Rotten rafters and overgrown bougainvillea were replaced with a clear acrylic SunTuf roofing system that allows sunlight in while providing weather protection. A new framed glass balustrade improved safety and modernised the look.
• Balcony Steps: Unsafe, overgrown steps were replaced with durable, elevated stair islands that provide functional landings and prevent debris buildup. This design also incorporated sculpture and seating areas, seamlessly connecting the utility deck to the upper pergola.

Phase 5: Final Touches and a New Challenge

The last phase tied the whole project together:

• Balcony and connecting stairs refurbishment: to match the rest of the outdoor transformation. With the existing structure sound, the work centred on resurfacing, applying protective oils and sealants, and installing modern glass balustrades that meet safety standards while complementing the overall design. Haydn replaced only the stair treads, delivering a fresh, updated look efficiently and cost-effectively, creating a seamless, durable, and visually striking finish that ties the entire project together.

Beyond the Project - Bushland Stairs Challenge:

The customer’s vision sparked a brand-new challenge: building stairs through steep bushland to connect an adjoining property. With no machinery access, every step had to be done by hand, requiring careful planning and expert craftsmanship to ensure safety and stability.

Using Wild Boar micro piles, each stair stringer is supported by four 2-metre stainless steel piles rammed into the hill and screwed off, with H4/5-rated timber providing long-lasting strength. Minimal tree pruning preserved the natural bush, creating a durable, functional staircase that blends seamlessly with the environment while extending the legacy of the original project.

Why Skilled Craftsmanship Matters
Haydn’s Legacy Project isn’t just about creating beautiful outdoor spaces—it’s a perfect example of what a skilled, local handyman can do when acting as your all-in-one property expert:

• Transform vision into functional, long-lasting results – from decks and pergolas to stairs and balconies.
• Coordinate complex projects across multiple areas of a property – managing trades, materials, and timelines so you don’t have to.
• Combine style, safety, and practicality in every phase – ensuring spaces are not just beautiful but also structurally compliant and low-maintenance.

The outcome? A home ready for summer entertaining, a family that can enjoy their space safely, and a project that showcases the Hire A Hubby difference: attention to detail, expert craftsmanship, and trusted service.

Selling Soon? We’ve Got You Covered
For homeowners, landlords, or real estate agents preparing a property for sale, having an expert on your side can make all the difference. From hands-on repairs to coordinating other trades, our team delivers complete transformations that maximise value, streamline the process, and make your property look its absolute best.

Need Help with Your Own Legacy Project?
Whether it’s decks, pergolas, stairs, plastering services, kitchen renovations, or ongoing property maintenance, our Hubbies tackle projects big and small across New Zealand. From initial planning to final touches, we coordinate trusted trades, manage logistics, and ensure your property is presented at its best.

Call us today on 0800 248 229 or book online to see how we can help bring your dream project to life.