126 | Drinkrow Building Company has multiple strengths Drinkrow Homes, operated by Jesse and Michelle Drinkrow, has built a reputation for quality workmanship. BUILDING Based in Eskdale, Hawkes Bay, building company Drinkrow Homes, operated by Jesse and Michelle Drinkrow, builds homes mostly around Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, where it has built a reputation for quality workmanship. Jesse established the business back in 2010 with a builder friend, who subsequently left to pursue his own career a couple of years later. These days, with the couple running the business together, Michelle takes care of customer liaison through the sales process and pricing, then once a project has been confirmed it is handed over to Jesse to project manage along with the team. “We have structured ourselves now with site managers so Jesse can concentrate on the overall project management of a project and securing future project opportunities as these present. We also have apprentices at various stages in their training which works very well,” Michelle says. Apprentices are trained through EIT, an organisation that offers qualifying builders a solid level of support. “We also receive feedback from field assessors as to how our apprentices are going, which is really valuable for us as we want to support them as best we can.” At the size the business operates, they can easily accommodate up to four projects at a time. A site manager will generally have one other builder working with them, with Jesse ensuring each site has what it needs to continue to work efficiently. Once the actual construction work is completed, jobs are generally handed over to qualified sub-tradies Jesse and Michelle can call on. Michelle previously worked as a registered property valuer and this has provided her with a wealth of experience, which puts her in a great position to act as a conduit for information to clients. “This is definitely one of our core strengths,” she says. “We pride ourselves on our communication, and try to make the process as stressfree as possible. Building your own home is quite an aspirational goal, and we understand how being engaged in the process is so important to our clients.” The couple can also put clients in touch with the ‘right fit’ architect or draftsperson, and have established strong professional relationships with several they would recommend. “When it comes to architects we very much subscribe to the mantra ‘horses for courses’,” says Michelle. Adopting ‘Buildertrend’ project management software has been significant for the company, Michelle says. Plans and specifications for a build are held in a ‘cloud’ and are readily accessible for the building team to access. “It also handles timesheets and clients get their own portal so they can easily see photos and receive messages. “We have only really used the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the software can do, but it’s been a game-changer for us.” For clients having their own ability to access updates on the project and information also builds in further trust, she says. “They can see the whole building schedule from the get-go.” While traditionally new builds have featured more prominently in their array of projects, Michelle says of late that has changed with the team undertaking a number of extensions and renovations. Covid brought a definite shift in the market towards upgrading existing homes, and this trend has continued, she says. “I do think, though, that people are starting to look around at land options and it’s great to see we have a number of subdivisions coming to Hawke’s Bay, but people are also waiting for land prices to come back a little.” Michelle notes that the number of projects the business has on the go at any one time works well. “It means Jesse and I can concentrate on providing clients with a personalised touch. We think what we have is quite unique, and feedback we receive indicates how we engage with them is valued.” Looking back on their journey in business, Michelle says they are happy with what they have achieved and the situation of the company today. “We’ve built a very positive reputation as builders who provide a quality experience to our clients from the outset.” And as the New Year gets underway, Michelle says they have had strong enquiry and 2025 looks like it will bring some exciting projects. T T Sue Russell NAPIER PHONE 06 844 6464 8 Gloucester Street, Greenmeadows HASTINGS PHONE 06 878 3976 11 Karamu Road North p. 06 844 7111 e. info@nicholglassandaluminium.co.nz a. 163 Awatoto Road, Awatoto, Napier www.nicholglass.co.nz new aluminium joinery | glazing | mirrors | frameless showers | lead lights
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