| 73 Teaching the next generation of builders T Kelly Deeks CJ Ryan Builder has worked on anything and everything from fencing and decks, new kitchens and bathrooms, through to large extensions and new architectural housing. CJ Ryan Builder BUILDING Building a bright future for the local construction industry, Wellington’s CJ Ryan Builder is proud to be a teaching company, successfully seeing nine builders through their apprenticeships over the past 25 years. The latest apprentice to gain his qualification at CJ Ryan Builder is owner Chris’s son Nicholas, and Chris is happy to now have a succession plan in place. “We’ve all got to do our bit in terms of teaching the next generation,” he says. “I’ve been building for more than 35 years and I’m still learning.” Chris likes to be able to teach apprentice builders the way he likes things done, and to instill in them the company’s key principle - do it once and do it properly. “I tell the guys not to give anyone a reason to complain. Even down to cleaning up at the end of the day. We don’t cut corners, we deliver beautifully executed and lasting results, and a friendly service our clients can rely on.” CJ Ryan Builder has a well-established group of reliable subcontractors it has worked with for several years, many of them since the beginning, and Chris can depend on all of them to deliver high quality solutions for himself and his clients. “We’ve all sort of grown up together,” he says. “We know each other and we trust each other to do a good job.” CJ Ryan Builder’s trusted reputation has the company regularly returning to work for friends and family of satisfied customers. In 30 years, CJ Ryan Builder has worked on anything and everything from fencing and decks, new kitchens and bathrooms, through to large extensions and new architectural housing. Since Covid, the jobs have been smaller ones, and while there are a few new homes now in the planning stages, the current variety of work has been really good for developing skills amongst the team. Chris has been handling supply chain issues like a boss on these small projects, especially kitchen renovations where a product change doesn’t require a new consent. The Gib board shortage has seen Chris using Hardies Villaboard lining with full height tiles instead, keeping the projects moving and getting them completed. “We would normally put Villaboard in a bathroom, but it does the same job as Gib in a kitchen. It’s hardwearing and a lot stronger than Gib, and can handle a wet or dry area.” Chris says architects are now considering supply in their designs, and he is seeing plywood used for linings and battens for bracing. CJ Ryan Builder is a Registered Master Builder, with Chris joining the association before builder licensing came in, but when things were already changing in the industry. “I thought it was a good idea to jump on board with an organisation that could help me to learn and grow.” Chris still enjoys the contact he gets with like-minded business-people through Registered Master Builders, and the support the association gives to the industry. “Even now with materials shortages, they have come up with a marketplace online where you can sell your spare sheets of Gib or whatever. They are helping us to help each other, and we’ve got to do it, otherwise some builders are going to be doing nothing. Gib board isn’t coming any time soon, it will be another year before supply gets back to normal.” As a very long-standing business, CJ Ryan Builder still isn’t completely immune to the volatility created in the marketplace by materials shortages, but Chris finds some security in the fact that he has never overcapitalised on gear or materials. “Some builders are going to go under because of these materials shortages, and a lot of them because they have overcapitalised. I’ve never bought anything for the business unless I could afford it. I’ve been like that ever since I was young.” “We’ve all got to do our bit in terms of teaching the next generation. I’ve been building for more than 35 years and I’m still learning.” Brick & Block laying – We are reliable, consistent and experienced. www.ablemason.co.nz “Mortar with a difference” ABLEMASON S.P.L STECHMAN PLUMBING LTD Plumbing · Drainage · Gas Central Heating · Backflow 021 0231 5669 www.stechmanplumbing.co.nz info@stechmanplumbing.co.nz stechmanplumbing stechmanplumbing RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • LIGHTING • HEAT PUMPS • SECURITY • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE Intelect Solutions Ltd is your experienced electrician for residential and commercial work throughout the Wellington region. 04 232 4985 www.islnz.net 15/16 Jamaica Drive, Grenada North, Wellington
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