118 | Mastering your craft is vital Smith & Sons’ target projects are bathrooms, kitchens and full scale renovations. BUILDING Smith & Sons - Whanganui T T Richard Loader “Getting out and working towards a trade was much more appealing.” Driven by a strong desire to be the master of his own destiny, Bradley McDougall took the bold step into business ownership in February 2022, buying the Whanganui rights for the Smith & Sons brand, which specialises in home renovation and extension projects. After winning his first project, work continued to pick up and by February 2023 that Bradley had taken on an apprentice. “We had a good run for about two years, with a mix of smaller and larger renovations, and the business has been growing ever since, though growth has slowed in recent times due to the current economic climate.” Servicing Whanganui and the wider region including Waverley, Maxwell, Brunswick, Whangaehu, and Turakina, Bradley says his clients are predominantly private home owners. “A lot of my work tends to be for retired couples looking to freshen up the kitchen or bathroom of the home that they have lived in for years. The home is freehold, the kids have left and they want to continue living in the home and location they are familiar with. Renovation is a great option.” Smith & Sons’ target projects are bathrooms, kitchens, full scale renovations and extensions, decks, retaining walls — everything except full new builds. “It can be challenging to align the new with the old, but that’s where the experience and craftmanship come into play,” says Bradley. “Often you don’t know what to expect until you get well into a project, particularly with older homes. Smith & Sons’ training and support in how to manage client expectations has been invaluable. We provide full project management, a friendly builder, a professional product and full schedule of the work that is to be done.” Bradley acknowledges that the craft of building became more of a passion for him as he progressed through his own apprenticeship, and particularly the latter stages. “I wasn’t made for school and was more of a hands-on learner. So, getting out and working towards a trade was much more appealing to me than going to Uni. As I got further through my trade I started to appreciate the work I was doing and that I was building people’s forever homes. It became a bit sentimental for me. I also became quite passionate about building client relationships, and that is one of the things I enjoy most.” Reflecting on the successful journey of his business, Bradley says being at home makes it easy. “I was born and raised in Whanganui, and love the place. It’s a comfortable place to work an there’s plenty of work out there, with lots of homes that could benefit from renovation. My apprentice also makes a big difference, and deals very well with clients, which is a must. As we continue to grow, I would like to take on another experienced and qualified builder to bring their own style of doing things to the business. We also have an awesome team of subbies, and I must acknowledge the support of my administration lady who keeps everything in check.” Contact Dan Bernard - Qualified Tiler P: 027 470 9655 E: bernardtiling@gmail.com Proud to be supporting Smith & Sons EXPERT PARTNER OF SMITH & SONS TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND WHANGANUI (06) 349 1919 Cnr Wilson & Guyton St BRYCE JELLYMAN OWN E R / O P E R ATO R M 027 220 5463 E b.Jellyman@hvacpro.co.nz
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