88 | Ambitious, challenging, enjoyable The original home had no outdoor area to the southern side where the views were, so the layout was turned around. Dougan Homes T T Sue Russell BUILDING Being awarded a Silver in the ‘Hawke’s Bay, East Coast & Central North Island Master Builders House of the Year Awards’ was a fitting gesture to Dougan Homes’ stunning complete renovation of a concrete block home, affectionately called ‘That 70’s Showcase”. Kane Dougan says the project was ambitious, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable; an amazing testament to the skills of the team and the craft work of the designer who reinvented an old home into something quite spectacular. “Working on The 70’s Showcase was a wonderful project. The owners were great to work for and they moved into their home just before Christmas last year,” says Kane. The company is a tight-knit team of seven now, though in the past has engaged more staff. Kane says this number is just about right for a company taking on mid to high-end residential projects so that each client gets his personal care and attention. Being of block construction also brought its fair share of challenges to work around. “That’s one of the things I remember enjoying; the problem-solving aspect to how we would achieve the desired internal spaces look and feel, while limited to a degree by the block work.” Kane says he’s very grateful to the owners and to the architect who displayed admirable faith in his ability to deliver the standard of work this project demanded. “The whole internal layout of the home was pretty well replaced. The original home had no outdoor area to the southern side where the views were, so the layout was turned around to open things up to an outside space which we achieved by building a deck on the hill face and adding large over wall sliding doors to take advantage of the views. That made a massive difference to how the house worked and was brilliant.” Kane started Dougan Homes 5 years ago, so has seen all the cycles. For the first few years it was really busy. Then the suppliers couldn’t keep up and it made it really difficult to get materials. Then rapid and large cost increases brought another challenge as he was, at that time, using fixed price contracts. “These days the cycle has moved on again and we are having to diversify the projects we take on and become more creative with how we get these projects as they are not just falling on our lap like they used to.” Dougan Homes has a couple of apprentices in the team at various stages in their training. Kane says its pleasing to see the attitude “The whole internal layout of the home was pretty well replaced.” people now have changing away from the assumption that anyone with some intelligence should go to university. “It’s something I feel passionate about. Getting right away from viewing the trades as the domain of those considered less capable. To be a great builder requires highly tuned skills, the ability to continually assess and problem-solve and a building career is a great career.” After Kane completed his own apprenticeship, he moved to the UK for a couple of years and always knew that when he returned, he wanted to establish his own business. With the number of staff engaged, Kane can operate with two teams of builders who can work on separate projects or come together for larger builds when required. “I move between jobs on the go, ensuring the teams have what they need so building continues without interruption as much as possible.” The cyclone has brought work Kane’s way. He says it is sad to see the havoc and damage it caused. “I just got out and helped in any way I could in those early days. My own home wasn’t impacted as seriously as some nearby, so I just wanted to provide myself in a way that helped others.” He describes it like ‘something out of a movie’ when he first saw what Gabrielle had left behind. When clients initially come to Kane, he can provide them, if they wish, with some concept ideas to begin the process with their designer. “It’s one way to start getting the creative juices flowing”. Based in Napier, Dougan Homes services the whole of Hawke’s Bay. Kane says he is pleased with the situation of the business after just a few years. “Hawke’s Bay is a wonderful region. There is growth and development happening in pockets all over the place and it offers an excellent lifestyle.” Call: (06) 843 6770 – (027) 286 1888 Email: dominatorhb@xtra.co.nz 31 Cadbury Road, Onekawa, Napier Dominator Hawke’s Bay Garage Door Centre Proud to be associated with Dougan Homes For all your domestic, commercial and industrial door needs. Servicing | Installation | Repairs “Thankful to be supporting Dougan Homes” All safety solutions for residential, industrial and construction requirements. Scaffolding, edge protection, safety nets and shrink wrapping. Safety at work. protrade.net.nz 0800 11 22 39 Your painting, tiling and masonry team www.hbpainting.co.nz Call or text Paul 027 666 6047
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