| 85 Chad Niwa Building Ltd BUILDING T T Sue Russell Chad Niwa Building still very busy Today, the company engages seven staff, down a couple from recent times. New Plymouth residential builder Chad Niwa says the market he operates in is still very busy and that is a situation that he feel applies to many private building company’s in the Taranaki region. “We’re still playing catch up with last year. Due to COVID it kind of forced us to over-commit, in a way, given the uncertainties around materials supply that developed. To keep the team busy was a priority for me and we are still in that situation,” Chad explains. Knowing it doesn’t take much to be delayed on a job and with suppliers less able to commit to meeting delivery timeframes, having another project to fall back on was really important. Having said this though, Chad admits that demand and ‘busyness’ is definitely beginning to level off. Talking with designers, architects and business owners generally Chad says there’s a sense that a quieter time is ahead. “You get a mixed response but it would be prudent to approach 2024 with a degree of caution and care in my opinion. Architects and designers tend to be six months or so ahead of the game so if they are saying its feeling quieter for them, then that time is still in front of builders and allied sectors.” Today, the company engages seven staff, down a couple from recent times, however Chad says this is a good comfortable number and is working well. He’s also noticed that builders and tradespeople in Taranaki are quite willing to help each other out. Naki Tiling are key partners of the business, providing services such as tile install , waterproofing, epoxy grout, floor grinding, shower base screeding and install. “You know everyone through one or two degrees of separation. It is a bit of a ‘swings and roundabouts’ sector so if you’re willing to support another builder when they need it, that is a good thing, ensuring everyone has sufficient work to keep their businesses operating at a positive level through the ups and downs.” It was always in the back of Chad’s mind to take up building as a career and make a business of it. He established the company in April 2017, having completed his apprenticeship and cut his teeth on builds in London. When Business Central spoke with Chad he had three apprentices on the books, with one nearly fully qualified. He aims to take on a new apprentice every two years as the work demand allows. He is still on the tools these days and likes it that way. “I think it adds value for our clients to deal with me and to see me actively engaged on their project. For us it’s a bit of a point of difference. A client doesn’t get signed up then handed over to a project manager to engage with. I’m the name and the face of the company and I know my clients appreciate that direct contact.” Chad is also a member of Certified Builders and is the organisations current local President. It’s an organisation he believes does good for its members, offering start-up support and advice, sample contracts, systems and documents to use. “I was only 24 when I went out on my own. I didn’t have the ability to bounce ideas off my mates. Networking is incredibly valuable when you are starting out and all the way through the development of your business. The association provides so many useful tools you can use, especially when you’re finding your feet.” And when times get tough, advice as to how to adjust your business to get through it as well as possible is really important Chad says. “I haven’t been running my own business that long to know how best to navigate when the market gets challenging, so having the chance to talk with much more experienced builders helps a lot.” Chad says he really wants to put the message out to start-up builders to join Certified Builders, attend their meetings and get as much from meeting others in the trade as possible. AP Plasterers Quality you can trust AIDAN PRESTNEY | 027 328 6730 | applasterers@gmail.com Proudly supporting Chad Niwa Building Ltd 027 427 6233 broadmoreplumbing@gmail.com BROADMORE Plumbing & Drainlaying
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