128 | Tonks Residential Construction BUILDING Building it like it’s their own Tonks Residential Construction does both reneovations and new builds. T T Virginia Wright Sunnycourt Homes Having grown up on building sites accompanying his father Murray, and later joining him in the family business when it was still called MT Plumbing and Building, Kyle Tonks now runs the family-owned Tonks Residential Construction Ltd based in Waikanae. After attaining a diploma in quantity surveying straight out of school, Kyle undertook a formal building apprenticeship, which he completed in 2018. By this time, the company employed anywhere from six to eight builders depending on the workload, with Murray responsible for the plumbing. Then, when Murray became ill, Kyle stepped up and at the same time rebranded the company Tonks Residential Construction Ltd, reflecting the focus on building rather than plumbing. In 2022, Kyle formally took over as director when Murray officially retired, although he still does the occasional plumbing job for them. Working alongside Kyle is Josh Terry, who completed his apprenticeship with Tonks Residential Construction and is now training two family members as apprentices in his turn. Tonks Residential has a strong relationship with BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation), and generally T T Kelly Deeks Getting the simple stuff right For 30 years and counting, Sunnycourt Homes in the progressive town of Taupō has provided all the support new-home builders need to make their construction journey a truly exciting and enjoyable experience. Former Waikato farmer Doug Simmons touched down in Taupō in 1995, looking for a new opportunity. After teaming up with local architectural designer Ross McGowan, the pair bought a section, designed a house, had it built, and sold it. “What we did then is what we do now to this day,” Doug says. “If someone wants a home built, first we find a site to put it on, then we listen carefully to what it is they want in that house. “We find it is all the small things that suit the way people live and makes them enjoy living in the house. It’s simple stuff, but we’ve got to think about it all to get it right.” Once they have got the basics right, the budget has a huge impact on what can actually be achieved. “Whether we like it or not, the nice things in a house cost a bit more. Raked ceilings cost more, and nice big windows that don’t have aluminium all over them cost more. there are four apprentices working towards their qualification, carefully managed by Kyle and Josh between them. “We work closely with their training advisor and run a really good classroom situation where everyone’s getting that good knowledge and learning and being taught with a very hands-on approach,” explains Kyle. “There’s a process involving prior research around the specific task before we do it, which might be framing, for example, then we work alongside them so they learn as we go and we give them the tips and tricks so that next time they can be unsupervised.” While their bread and butter is maintenance and renovations, they do new builds and light commercial when they come up, anywhere from the Kapiti Coast to Wellington City. They recently completed an architectural new build on Pekapeka Beach in Waikanae. “It was new terrain for us compared to the hills of Wellington, so we worked closely with local contractors for the earthworks and slab, knowing they were used to getting things out of the softer ground,” says Kyle. The four-bedroom house clad in a mix of vertical abodo shiplap and horizontal charred abodo, combined with architecturally honed block work running from exterior to interior, is a statement piece they enjoyed working on. “Our architectural stage literally starts with a clear sheet of paper, and eventually we produce a unique design that maximises the natural attributes of the site, meets the lifestyle requirements of our client, and fits their budget.” Sunnycourt Homes’ project management service starts with site selection and moves through design and a comprehensive quotation with Registered Master Builder guarantees. Doug will give assistance with product selection and colour schemes, and will engage contractors from the proven and trusted network he has built up over the past 30 years. “I’ve been lucky enough to have always had good, fully qualified builders and subcontractors. We work together a lot. Everyone has their head on the same page and we achieve good outcomes that people like.” “We find it is all the small things that suit the way people live and makes them enjoy living in the house. It’s simple stuff, but we’ve got to think about it all to get it right.” Janet and Doug Simmons - loving life in Taupo. Contact Don: Ph: 027 454 8377 Email: donwatson.bnb@xtra.co.nz Licencsed Building Practioner 109132 Specialising in all things masonry, brick veneers, decorative brickwork, planters, BBQ's, fireplaces. Also Block structural and retaining walls, foundations and more. A friendly team with over 30 years experience. Proudly supporting Tonks Residential Construction Damon Vendt 0275216969 damonvendt@gmail.com Proudly supporting Sunnycourt Homes Visit us 43 Miro Street, Taupo Contact us sales@firstwindowstaupo.co.nz 07 378 9599 firstwindowstaupo.co.nz Contact us today for your window and door needs Richard & Louise Russell
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