108 | Quality over quantity Pre-manufacturing either part or all of the home off site is the most cost effective way to build, says Supreme Homes’ Steve Hicks. Supreme Homes BUILDING T T Alexia Anderson Quality over quantity is key at Supreme Homes, a construction company that has the capability of producing a small home every two months. Owner manager Steve Hicks said over the past year the company had specialised in smaller homes, a concept which has allowed him to pre-build off site at his Upper Hutt yard. Pre-manufacturing either part or all of the home off site was the most cost effective way to build, he said. Although the work was still coming in, the wider building sector across the Wellington area had been quieter than in previous years, which Steve puts down to a settling in period around government departments and job certainty. “This will have a big effect on people’s spending and decision making for a while yet.” Enquiries he was receiving were mainly for small homes, or from people wanting to add to an existing property, either to benefit a family member, or to rent out as an Air B&B. However, not everyone was building a smaller home because they saw it as being on trend. For many it was their only option. “One of the main reasons people are building smaller homes is not by choice, but by necessity due to the cost of building being so high.” Steve has established a build yard, allowing him to easily produce a small home up to about 60 to 70sqm every two months. A short turn-around time did not mean cutting corners or low quality. For Steve, quality is key. He is also passionate when it comes to making sure his team is enjoying and showing pride in their work. “One thing I’m constantly saying to my crew is make out like you’re doing this for a family member, never take shortcuts, take pictures and have pride in your work.” Supreme Homes - and the construction of small homes - are not exempt from the pressures the industry is under. “Unfortunately, we have seen the introduction of more and more things being added to buildings over the years and not all of them make good economic sense,” Steve says. “We have a large number of councils across New Zealand and four in the immediate area of Wellington, all four have different rules, but worst of all, different insurers. Therefore, if a client came to us wanting to build in Lower Hutt, but we manufacture in Upper Hutt, we have to take out two building consents.” He said more “common sense policies” were needed to help stop the “forever” rising cost to build. One of the aspects that had pushed costs up “dramatically” was the regulations around insulation. And, the industry was “not done with the rising costs for this yet”, he said. “We are going to see the average cost to build rise even higher from insulating the exterior of a concrete slab, roofs being made larger to allow for thicker insulation [and] window and joinery factories investing in equipment,” he said. There was also talk of exterior walls being made thicker so higher grade insulation that was more expensive, could be installed. While there were challenges ahead, the year was one Steve was looking forward to. “I would really like this year to take off. We have the facility and capability, so I would love to make the most of it.” businesscentral Each edition priority delivered to your door. . Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, pro iling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 03 983 5525 Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Volume 6 | Issue 2 | April 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz ‘Excellence in Energy’ Taranaki’s Todd Energy will have a key role to play as New Zealand moves toward a low emissions economy. Page 8 Waikato farmers Dean & Ang Finnerty have expanded their dairy cow operation into a successful goat milking enterprise as well PAGE 10 Turning challenge into opportunity AUTUMN 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Volume 6 | Issue 3 | July 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Making waves Back on track New Zealand hydrofoil maker Armstrong is generating interest around the world with its high performance products. Work on the ambitious NZCIS facility in Upper Hutt is progressing well after Covid disruptions. PAGE 70 PAGE 10 Healthy delivery A new elective surgery facility in Hastings will provide a big boost to the region’s operating capacity. PAGE 52 Volume 6 | Issue 5 | December 2021 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Cheers Boys! YoungWellington irm3Māori Boys is creating a buzz with it’s ground-breakingWai Manuka natural beverage. PAGE 45 Passion and pride New Plymouth’s Energyworks has forged a strong reputation in 50 years of business. PAGE 64 Seaview upgrade CentrePort’s SeaviewWharf facility is set for a major upgrade to bring it up to international standards. PAGE 14 “One of the main reasons people are building smaller homes is not by choice, but by necessity due to the cost of building being so high.” PLUMBING GASFITTING DRAINLAYING Proudly Supporting Supreme Homes 0274 503 946 derek@dtplumbing.co.nz www.dtplumbing.co.nz QUALITY SCAFFOLDS Proudly Supporting Supreme Homes www.simmonds.net.nz 0800 SIMMONDS (0800 746 666) Info@simmonds.net.nz SIMMONDS S C A F F O L D TUNGSTEN ELECTRICAL HELLO@TUNGSTENELECTRICAL.COM Offering top quality residential, commercial and industrial electrical services throughout the wider Wellington region.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=