Business Central September 2021

| 89 Staff welfare crucial as demand soars NZ Proud Property Improvements NZ Proud Property Improvements specialises in renovations, extensions and restoration projects. BUILDING T T Karen Phelps T he challenges and uncertainties due to Covid-19 are having a heavy impact on the building industry, says owner of NZ Proud Property Improvements Johnnie Saunders. “Covid-19 fatigue is causing heavy anxiety. I don’t know a builder that isn’t stressed and overworked at the moment,” he says. Material and supply delays, the housing shortage and a boom in the housing market due to low interest rates increasing demand are the key factors putting pressure on New Zealand’s building industry. Johnnie, who has over 20 years building experience, has coped by prioritising staff including a well-being package and putting on social events for his team. He also ensures his staff don’t work weekends or much overtime. He’d rather tell clients that they might have to wait a bit longer for their project to be finished than see a long-term impact on his team. NZ Proud Property Improvements specialis- es in renovations, extensions and restoration projects. It has two branches: Wellington including Porirua and the Hutt Valley and Kapiti-Horowhenua. From the inception of NZ Proud Property Improvements, which he started in 2016, Johnnie has always aimed to build a company people enjoy working at. It’s seen NZ Proud Property Improvements win the Employer of Choice and Business Excellence awards at the 2019 Electra Business and Innovation Awards. Johnnie says a key value of NZ Proud Property Improvements is to provide a distinct career pathway. This has led to NZ Proud Property Improve- ments formulating its own programme, which is tied into NZQA accreditations. Staff member Sophie Walker is a good example. She started as a junior apprentice and in around four years has progressed to currently undertaking her site supervisor training. “It’s about developing an inclusive, collabo- rative and progressive environment,” explains Johnnie. “Training staff is made a priority rather than a secondary consideration. Staff are learning every day and getting better at what they do every day. This means a better result for clients and is incredibly important as a lot of the work we do relies on true craftsmanship and skill.” Structure and leadership is also important with good governance and management plans. This is supported by systems and technology. Innovation is another value that underpins every aspect of the business. The results the company achieves speak for themselves and its win at the 2020 House of the Year Awards is a case in point. NZ Proud Property Improvements won gold and catego- ry awards for the Wellington / Wairarapa re- gion for renovations up to $500,000. The gold award signified that the project achieved 90% of points available and was at least 85% above industry standard. The project also made the top 100 nationally. The project saw a dilapidated ex-rental property transformed into a family home with a contemporary coastal theme. The renova- tion of the two-level house included a down- stairs space with two rejuvenated bedrooms, a large bright bathroom, storeroom, laundry and a media room with all the extras. On the upper level the new open-plan kitchen has been given lots of storage and a large island. French doors connect this space to the deck. The kitchen is open-plan and links to spacious dining and living zones. Johnnie says the project presented many challenges including a tricky steep site on a sand dune. This meant structural work need- ed to be undertaken which saw the team hand digging holes for piling 2-3 metres deep in “Staff are learning every day and getting better at what they do every day. This means a better result for clients and is incredibly important as a lot of the work we do relies on true craftsmanship and skill.” cramped conditions underneath the house. Other special features included a double shower with a glass back in the main bedroom ensuite so the vista was never missed, which was challenging to seal and required real craftsmanship and innovation clearly demon- strating the skills of the NZ Proud Property Improvements team. Johnnie says the business continues to grow and the team of 23 will shortly increase to 30. He says it is a great time for people to renovate. “Higher property prices have meant that if people want to move up the next step on the property ladder quite often it is cheaper to renovate or add to the home they currently have. They can also achieve equity by doing this. Low interest rates are another plus. De- mand for renovations is phenomenal.” Owner-operated by locals, for the locals. Come in anytime for a look around our amazing show room for free advice, quotes and guidance from our talented design team. p 04 2985860 w flooringxtra.co.nz e kapitiflooringxtra@gmail.com 27 Milne Drive, Paraparaumu Carpet • Vinyl Laminate • Timber • Tiles K AP I T I 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 Our phone numbers remain the same 04 9056482 or 027 2936482 or email us kapiti@entireelectrical.co.nz Entire Electrical Solutions Kapiti Coast Ltd – formerly Steve Rose Electrical