84 | DRD Builders Ltd BUILDING “We have complementary skills and building interests so it is a good combination and I think really underpins the success of our journey to date.” T T Sue Russell Experienced foreman on each site The steel beam for the deck at the back has been installed. Jesse Dyson and Hadleigh De Reus operate Wellington-based DRD Builders, a company that concentrates the bulk of its work around residential alterations, additions and landscaping. Projects extend around Wellington, Upper and Lower Hutt to the northern suburbs and currently the business engages a team of 18 builders and admin support professionals. “We have been at this size about 5 years now. It’s a good scale and means we can take on a number of projects at the one time, with an experienced foreman on each site,” Jesse says. Asked what is important to do really well and why the company has met with the success it has he is quick to say certain founding principles guide the company’s activities and engagement with clients. “To us, its all about transparency, quality of work over profit, being really upfront and available to clients to ensure everyone is on the same page. It must be working well because we have great clients and excellent staff retention.” Generally, at any one time, there will be four substantial projects on the go, with smaller ones fitted in. Jesse says this works well, providing the team, especially those newer to the trade, with plenty of building experiences and it also means that, as much as possible, DRD can meet customer demand. Jesse takes care of all the pricing, tendering, sales, pricing of variations and engaging clients leaving Hadleigh free to concentrate on the on-site programme, ensuring the teams on the ground have what they need to continue the work well. “We have complementary skills and building interests so it is a good combination and I think really underpins the success of our journey to date.” Building work in the Wairarapa and taking on projects as far north as Otaki, means there’s always plenty of work to engage the team. When Business Central caught up with Jesse work on an ‘interesting and challenging’ four storey new build in Central Wellington was well underway. Working on the steep site meant creating 20m deep cuts into the hillside. “It’s been very wet so we’ve had a few weather delays. We’re aiming for a February completion all going well and while the site throws up challenges its been a really engaging project.” Work generally comes by way of recommendations from architects, referrals and from contract through the website. A team of five apprentices are currently employed. Jesse says he looks for a positive attitude to work and dependability above everything else when considering taking on a new team member. “They’re the most important attributes. If those qualities are in place then the skills can be taught and we’re prepared to put in the commitment to support those new to the industry to gain the important experiences.” Looking ahead, Jesse says the building sector is in an interesting phase, coming out of COVID, with all the challenges this created to the supply chain and costs. “For us, we’ll look very carefully at how the future market is evolving before taking on more staff. It’s important to us there’s enough work to keep the team engaged but we’re certainly open to future growth as opportunities present. Both Jesse and Hadleigh are pleased with where DRD Builders is currently placed in the competitive residential construction market. “It’s a case of understanding what is important to do well, to ensure you have control over the factors that really matter and to not deviate from the high standards the company’s reputation has been built on.” Specialising in new housing projects Project management from plans to completion Commercial plumbing maintenance Backflow preventer testing, repairs & installation Rainwater tank supply & installation (06) 377 1331 | www.prestigejoinery.co.nz Proud to be a key supplier to DRD Builders Ltd KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS, WELLINGTON & WAIRARAPA WINNER — MASTER JOINER’S KITCHEN OF THE YEAR 2014 & 2018
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