| 121 T T Kelly Deeks Three-step process is a real cost saver Smith & Sons Hutt Valley has the construction industry knowledge needed to understand the design-and-build process. Smith & Sons - Hutt Valley With our design, plan, and construct process, we have the ability to do a low-cost concept drawing in the design phase, and put a relative cost to the project.” BUILDING Now under the new ownership of Hutt Valley local and qualified builder John Manley, Smith & Sons Hutt Valley has the construction industry knowledge needed to understand the design-and-build process on a professional and personal level, and make the renovation process an enjoyable and successful experience for builder and client alike. John has been a builder for 24 years and has gained experience across new residential builds, light commercial, earthquake strengthening, and heritage homes as well as renovations and additions. He says it can get a bit isolating being in business by yourself, but when he joined premier design and build home renovation specialists Smith & Sons in early 2024, he found a whole lot of help, support, and resources to back up his lengthy experience and down-toearth approach. Smith & Sons’ simple, three-step process helps its franchise owners across the country to support their clients through their whole project, from design, to planning, then construction, and provides the solution for a common issue in the renovation market. “The design and consenting phase is expensive, with working drawings costing about $6000 and a council consent fee of $7500,” John says. “If plans get consented then come back outside budget, the client has nowhere to move. With our design, plan, and construct process, we have the ability to do a low-cost concept drawing in the design phase, and put a relative cost to the project.” The potential for unexpected issues or budget-busting surprises are identified during this phase and a contingency amount added into the budget. “I’ve worked for other renovation companies as a sole trader and seen many instances where poor planning has blown the budget out of the water. Once when we pulled the cladding off, the whole house was rotten underneath and the whole renovation budget went on fixing that. The person who owned that business wasn’t a builder. They had no experience of the building industry and didn’t have the ability to identify what could be an issue.” With the budget worked out in the design phase, Smith & Sons Hutt Valley then takes clients through to the planning stage, where the company takes care of finalising the plans, handling the consents, organising engineering aspects and subcontractors, and helping clients with their hardware selections and colour choices. At the construction phase, Smith & Sons Hutt Valley uses a team of expert builders and tradespeople to put the pre-organised plan into action. Dedicated project manager John is the client’s sole point of contact, saving time and miscommunication, as well as keeping the client fully informed about each step of their renovation or extension. While the construction industry nationwide has been in a downturn for most of the last year, Wellington was one region hit particularly hard, with extensive public service layoffs. Smith & Sons Hutt Valley is still ticking over nicely, and John’s attendance at multiple home and garden shows across the region has been a big provider of forward work. The market brings a cut-throat aspect to the industry and John prompts anyone considering a renovation to really get to know their contractor and what they will be getting for their money. His advice: “In this economy, the cheapest price probably isn’t going to be the best price.” DRIP ? CLOG ? LEAK ? Call us for your plumbing solutions. PLUMBING NEEDED! SOLVED! Contact Us : For superior sca old and edge protection hire that meets your exact requirements contact us for a free quote. 0508 DIRECT iain@sca olddirect.co.nz www.sca olddirect.co.nz Your go-to company for all your sca olding and edge protection solutions. Servicing the Greater Wellington Region with experience and reliability.
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