| 113 T T Rosa Watson Upgrading and improving NZ Proud takes pride in creating a sustainable and enduring homes. NZ Proud BUILDING A Wellington-based construction company is paving the way for upgrading and improving homes to be more sustainable and functional. NZ Proud are property improvement specialists that go above and beyond a basic renovation. Owner Johnnie Saunders joined the industry at the age of 16 and became qualified in the mid-2000s. He discovered a personal passion for renovations. “It had a skill set I thought I really want to pursue.” He started the business as a one-man band in 2016, and by the following year it had grown to three teams of six staff. He found renovations more of a challenge than new builds, offering a variety of work across the construction process. “Because it’s a renovation we do every aspect of the project.” A quality renovation to an existing home provided a viable alternative to a new build. “We not only improve properties but maintain a focus to create a sustainable and better-quality low maintenance home that will last the test of time and also create generational wealth.” According to Johnnie, the key elements to a successful renovation as well as broad functionality are external & structural integrity, thermal performance and energy efficiency to create longevity. It was rare that a home could not be renovated, he said. “It’s rare we would pull something down and build from scratch. Most old kiwi homes have great bones so why demolish the asset and destroy the existing character when you can restore it.” “We not only improve properties but maintain a focus to create a sustainable and better-quality low maintenance home that will last the test of time and also create generational wealth.” The company now has locations at Horowhenua, Wellington City, Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Porirua, partnering with carpenters that become part of the business. Across the group there are 10 carpenters,10 apprentices, two administration staff and two contracts managers. They have partnered with Pou Architecture in Wellington that has allowed them to deliver a completed design and build service. “It’s a real point of difference because if you’re a customer, now you can work with one entity that takes care of the whole circular build process.” While there were a number of firms carrying out renovations, NZ Proud took pride in creating a sustainable and enduring home. “It’s about being competitive but also delivering on that sustainability principle.” There had been a noticeable increase in renovations recently with the economic environment. “There’s no better investment than your home. If you’ve established your family in the community and neighbourhood, you kind of want to stay there. “If you have to shift around it’s just going to cost you.” There was a growing demand for energy efficient homes, and it paid to spend a bit more to achieve this. He said simply meeting government healthy homes standards did not go far enough, and added little value to a property. “The minimum standards NZ Proud achieve for our clients adds monetised value so when they go to sell it’s going to be worth a lot more. Spending a small percentage more on better home performance products than the bare minimum will likely increase your return.” The company works with staff from entering the industry and where possible promotes from within. “Most of our qualified carpenters came up through the ranks. “We’ll give graduate apprentices as much training as they need to decide whether its’s the industry they want to be in.” Qualified apprentices then go on to train as site supervisors with the support of the wider NZ Proud team, giving them personal and professional responsibility. While the company had felt the effects of the economic slowdown, Johnnie was positive for the future. “Hopefully we can thrive in 2025. “Our brand values are what’s got us to where we are, and we can’t really compromise on that.” Steve Rose and his team have worked on a wide range of projects with NZ Proud over the past six years, ranging from minor renovations to major alterations, and more recently new builds. Johnnie and his team are great to work with, thoroughly professional, well organised and excellent communicators. Besides that, they do a fantastic job, with innovative style and attention to detail. We hope to continue this working relationship as Entire Electrical Solutions Kapiti Coast Limited Phone 04 9056482 or 027 2936482 or email us kapiti@entireelectrical.co.nz Dolphin Showers is the proud supplier and installer of showers to NZ Proud 29 Riverbank Road, Otaki 06 364 0937 dolphinshowers@xtra.co.nz The Shower Specialists 04 902 8800 o ce@kleeplumbers.co.nz Pleased to support NZ Proud Ltd DRAINAGE • PLUMBING • ROOFING & SPOUTING REPAIRS • GASFITTING Servicing the Coast since 1970 ON CALL 24/7 - No call out fee! JUST GIVE US A WHISTLE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=