116 | Form Building BUILDING Coping with the challenges Work hasn’t been flowing as freely as in previous years, but that’s a situation impacting many. T T Sue Russell “It’s going to be a really worthwhile centre when completed, and the whole project came about pretty quickly once discussions began. We expect to be able to hand this project over in February.” It’s been just over a year since Simon Watson decided to step out on his own and establish Form Building, a Whanganui company that concentrates mainly on the residential market. “It was a big step for me. I had been ops manager for another local company where we undertook a lot of custom builds. It just felt the right time to take this step,” Simon says. While acknowledging his first year has been a challenge, Simon also says it has been a positive experience. Work hasn’t been flowing as freely as in previous years, but that’s a situation impacting many in the industry, and one Simon feels is on the improve. “I was reliant on my reputation and for capturing some of the work other builders weren’t able to get to. It’s been a very full-on time for me as I work in the business and on it, focusing on finding new projects to take us well into this year.” Working with Simon is a team of three other builders, one qualified and two apprentices. That number, he says, has allowed Form Building to take on a good level of work as opportunities have presented. “We’re looking forward to a couple of new builds and a significant renovation. I’ve done all the plans for that renovation as well, working closely with a designer. Renovations are something that I enjoy and have done a number in the past and it means I’ve been able to get into the restricted building market.” Renovations always come with challenges and the first is to ground a project scope that’s realistic according to the budget available. This, Simon says, is a critical phase in the design and decision process. While new builds are great for their predictability, renovations are very worthwhile projects for the problem-solving opportunities they present, he says.. With renovations, Simon explains, there’s often a tight time-frame to work to, another challenge he enjoys in the programming of work and sequencing of sub-trades. He’s keen to see his team progress professionally, giving them more responsibility as they gain experience, something Simon believes is essential to help secure a healthy future for the building sector generally. “It’s quite a responsibility when you take on an apprentice. You want to devote good time to their learning, and to see them evolve and become more independent on jobs is a really great thing.” While he is currently looking for one more team member, Simon says he’s not focused on growing the business significantly in terms of scale, understanding that past a certain number of employees the structure of a company needs to change accordingly. “With the type of work I want to be doing I do need about five or six builders, but not any more, especially when that number includes apprentices. In 12 months time I would like to have four or five guys on the tools full-time.” Simon also understands that building is a team game. Trying to be an individual on a site only makes the project more challenging for the whole team. “So I’m looking first for someone who is a good team member and has a great attitude to work. The rest can be taught over time.” The large renovation coming up is an interesting project for Tuwharetoa Charitable Health Trust in Turangi. An existing building is being transformed into a health and welfare centre for the trust. “They actually reached out to me to investigate the possibility of being able to purchase the property. “It’s going to be a really worthwhile centre when completed, and the whole project came about pretty quickly once discussions began. We expect to be able to hand this project over in February.” Simon’s been in the construction industry for 15 years and believes the current training offered to apprentices through BCITO is well structured. “Because they work independently it keeps them accountable, and I’m able to log in and see how they are progressing. It’s a good scheme.” With work in the pipe-line through to midyear, the team are rolling their sleeves up and tackling some engaging projects. “I know the team I have enjoy the variety of projects that cross my desk,” Simon says. “There’s plenty of huge learning opportunities for those starting their building careers.” For all your interior & exterior painting, GIB stopping and wallpapering needs in Whanganui. Proudly supporting Form Building 027 277 7251 clint@swishdecorating.co.nz Providing Quality Plumbing and Central Heating Services in Whanganui dan@macsplumbing.co.nz | www.macsplumbing.co.nz PLUMBING & CENTRAL HEATING Your Local Whanganui Electrical Specialists PROUDLY SUPPORTING FORM BUILDING 0800 777 798 soundelectrical.co.nz office@soundelectrical.co.nz . . l i l. .
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