Business Central December 2021

90 | Hayden’s own home won a Gold Award and Category Winner in the Manawatu/Whanganui Master Builders House of the Year competition. BUILDING House of the Year 2021: Hayden Homes Working smarter works wonders T Sue Russell P utting in good long days Monday to Thursday means that Hayden Dam and the team at Hayden Homes can ease up on Friday afternoon’s most weeks. This ‘down-time’ from the tools at the end of the week gives Hayden the chance to take care getting things planned and in place to pick up again on Monday. He began his building journey back in 2007, working for another company, then, in 2014 decided it was time to step out on his own. One of the team, Mike, is working through his apprenticeship. “Having an adult apprentice works really well. They’ve got some life experiences be- hind them and more commonsense. “He’s about half way through and doing well.” Asked for his opinion on the apprenticeship pathway Hayden feels it works reasonably well. From time to time there are adjustments and these days geared more towards the younger age group, with on-line learning. “There is a good incentive scheme in place for employers with $1,000 a month for the first year and $500 per month for the second. I think that’s been a good move by Govern- ment as we really need to train up as many builders as possible with current demand.” It’s been a good year in terms of industry recognition, with Hayden’s own home receiv- ing a Gold Award and Category Winner in the Manawatu/Whanganui Master Builders House of the Year competition. He gained inspiration for the 300m2 home from another house he saw in Taupo. Well designed with a young family in mind. With four bedrooms and a separate wing dedicat- ed to the stylish home’s living areas Hayden says he wanted an ability to be able to relax or entertain away from where the children’s bedrooms are. Judges were impressed with the craftsman- ship and style of the home, with touches of luxury including beautifully appointed bath- rooms with marble tiling and striking black tapware. The home’s main suite has an impressive double shower. Settled in rural Palmerston North, there’s plenty of room for outside play and entertain- ing guests around the fireplace. “We moved in during the Covid lockdown with a small amount of work left to be done and have enjoyed the home very much.” Even through the various Covid alert levels experienced in the past 18 months or so, Hayden says they have been able to work through, except for the initial national lock- down last year. “It is worrying me about supply issues grow- ing weekly. Time delays and no reassurance when materials will be available and increases in costs all add stress to the current situation.” Having said this though Hayden says he has developed good systems and is confident that, in time, the construction sector will fall into a new normal. “I think the ripple effect of the strain on the supply chain will play out for some time to come and builders, clients and all those servicing the residential sector just have to get on with it. “We’re all operating under the same condi- tions.” 021 422 047 plastering.jh@gmail.com www.jhplastering.co.nz Proudly supporting Hayden Homes PROUD TO SUPPORT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS New homes • Renovations Heatpumps • CCTV 027 448 6841 • info@pcstechnical.co.nz HAYDEN HOMES