86 | BUILDING SJP Builders T T Kelly Deeks SJP Builders recently completed this stunning 271sqm home overlooking Kaitoke Lake in Whanganui. EXPERT PARTNER OF SJP BUILDERS TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND WHANGANUI (06) 349 1919 Cnr Wilson & Guyton St In business for seven years, Wanganui’s SJP Builders is now getting into some high calibre projects as the company’s reputation for affordable and timely high quality building outcomes puts it in competition with large and well-established local building firms. SJP Builders owner Scott Pedley has been building for 17 years, a little over half his life. He wanted to be a builder since primary school, when the caretaker invited a group of kids to try hammering some nails into a piece of 4x2. “If you got one in, you could have another go,” Scott says. “I got four in a row, and the caretaker said I would make a pretty good builder with a swing like that.” Scott has also trained other young school leavers as SJP Builders continues to grow in this tight labour market. SJP Builders has a staff of five, including a couple of tradesmen who have made their way through the ranks. Scott’s right-hand-man Liam started at SJP Builders six years ago as a 16-year-old, and now he’s running jobs. “He’s got a van, he’s got some responsibility. That’s how we grow the business - with young guys who are keen, like I was at 15 years old.” Now landing high calibre projects Growth has also come laterally for SJP Builders. As the company becomes more established and its reputation more well-known, the calibre of projects it wins is increasing. “Going up to 10 to 15 staff has never been my plan. I just want clients to come and ask us to build a house, and when I say they will have to wait for a year, for them to say they want to wait. You don’t have to be a massive company to do that, but you do need to have a great name and be up-front and honest.” Becoming a Registered Master Builder about five years ago has also been a key contributor to SJP Builders’ growth. “Master Builders is a good one for getting these high calibre jobs, and for having that reassurance for the client.” A recent project at Kaitoke Lake in Whanganui was a real head-turner, and also a bit of a head-scratcher. As soon as Scott saw the plans for this 271sqm lakeside home, he knew that it was one everyone was going to want to be involved with. With 120sqm of polished concrete floors, steel beams, wrap-around Fijiian mahogany decking, raking ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, a faux concrete fireplace surround, and some very obscure angles, the design got Scott very excited.
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