| 101 BUILDING Change brings a chance Onslow growing Covid shutdowns, materials and labour shortages, building downturns – the New Zealand construction industry has slogged its way through them all. But while other companies buckled under the weight of uncertainty, Built Solid’s Matthew Middleton saw opportunity. In a sun-drenched Hawke’s Bay paddock, the Built Solid team are working on a new build, a fresh start for a family whose home was written off by Cyclone Gabrielle. Around them, a throng of earthmoving equipment, vans and trucks evidence a business vision successfully brought to life. “Covid was tough and there was a lot of uncertainty,” Matthew says. “But the uncertainty enabled me to sit down and look at my business model, to think outside the square.” Matthew’s end-to-end, project managed business model substantially reduces the construction delays cursed by property owners and builders alike. Built Solid, with its subsidiary companies CHB Concrete and Hatuma Aggregates, along with a team of trusted partners including plumbers, roofers and electricians, allows for a smoothly run build from start to finish. “We used to have a lot of hold ups, but with all our equipment, we’re able to keep things rolling.” Matthew points out. “For example, when we got here on Saturday, the earthworks were okay, but not quite good enough. “We have our own diggers and roller, so I suggested to the owner that we tidied up rather than wait for a contractor. Job done.” The line-up is impressive. Hefty 1.7, 2.5, 5.5 and 12 ton excavators, a 10 ton tip truck, four This year marked 10 years in business for Chris Tombleson of Onslow Construction + Design based in Feilding. After establishing the company Chris contracted to a property developer who pioneered the relocatable homes sector in Palmerston North for about 18 months. “I then took my new apprentice to build an architectural home for a private client and things just developed from there,” Chris explains. Working with Chris is Marcel, who has been with him for about 3 ½ years. When Business Central spoke with Chris early September, he had just made the decision to start advertising for another carpenter, which he says, feels like a good place to be at. He acknowledges these past few months have been very challenging however, also feels the outlook ahead is somewhat more optomistic. Projects Chris takes on cover the full gambit, from new builds, renovations and alterations to fences and decking. In between taking on projects for clients Chris has also recently built his own home. He and wife Jessie had clear ideas as to how they wanted the floorplan to work. “We wanted something that would flow really well for a busy household and drew up the floor plan then gave it to our designer Marty to finalise. We wanted a very simple clean Onslow Construction + Design ton tip truck, a Bobcat and compactor bring the muscle needed to get commercial and residential projects underway quickly. The end-to-end, “one stop shop” approach is something Built Solid’s clients have welcomed. “There’s a real advantage for them in not having to broker individual build contractors, like civils or earthworks, a concreter, plumber, sparky or whatever,” Matthew explains. “My vision was to enable clients – whether they’re building a house or a shed – to come to Built Solid and get everything they need under one roof. They can supply their own plan, or we’ll work with them to find and architect or designer to create their dream home.” Matthew sources materials locally whenever possible, particularly those that offer more sustainable, durable and efficient ways of building. QPOD foundations are a case in point. Made in Hawke’s Bay from recycled material, they are 100% recyclable with zero landfill waste - perfect for the eco-conscious homeowner. “QPODS are quick to install and much easier to work with that polystyrene foam,” he explains. “They’re also incredibly strong. “A typical foundation using polystyrene means we’ll need four or five trucks to get it onsite. A house load of QPODs can be delivered on a single truck, with a lot less fuel emissions.” Both Licensed Building Practitioners and a member of NZ Certified Builders, the Waipukurau-based company continues to create an ever-growing footprint across Hawke’s Bay. Matthew’s eye for an opportunity remains sharp: “We are always looking to grow the business, and the way we do things.” light look. I am considering entering it in the Master Builders awards next year.” In 2021, Onslow Construction & Design received accolades from the awards, taking out Regional Category Winner and Gold Awards each for two projects entered. When Business Central spoke with Chris he was just waiting for a major extension/alteration to come back from Council. “We’ve also got a rather large pole shed in Himitangi which is being designed to be a two-storey residential dwelling as well, so that will be quite a cool project to undertake.” While Chris says he’s very much looking forward to taking on another person in the team, he understands this carries huge responsibilities in terms of ensuring sufficient work to justify this employment. “My intention is to employ an apprentice with a couple of years experience.” While Chris and the team have taken on projects as far away as Wellington he says for the most part the work is undertaken within a half hour or so distance from home-base. He also says he prefers renovations and alterations to new builds. “They are more engaging in a way as there’s always an element of problem-solving to them and thinking on the spot that takes place. It’s certainly a great environment for apprentices and those new to the trade to learn their craft.” Chris says after the challenges the last few years has brought he’s looking forward to a sustained period of more activity in the sector. “When you think of how many people work in and around the building sector, it’s a significant industry and when things are tough, a huge number of people directly and in allied services are impacted. It will be good to get beyond this and enjoy a growth period.” T T Sue Russell T T Lindy Andrews STRONG ALUMINIUM LTD - Rylock Hawkes Bay 31 Dunlop Road, Onekawa, Napier, 4110 T 06 8777270 E admin@strongalum.co.nz www.rylock.co.nz NewHomes Renovations QPOD & Rib Raft Floors Foundations & Concrete Placing Earthworks & Landscaping 027 967 0550 builtsolidhb@gmail.com www.builtsolid.co.nz 06 356 7901 info@aceelectrics.co.nz ELECTRICAL DESIGN & INSTALLATION SECURITY • INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL P O Box 51, Rongotea 4865 P: 06 3248887 | M: 027 4432 450 | E: LONGRUN COLORSTEEL ROOFING MEMBRANE ROOFING Built Solid
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=