| 73 CONTRACTING Romanes Construction NZ Late last year Romanes Construction completed an important upgrade of the Kaituna Mole, at Maketū. Today, concrete has become a bespoke and fashionable material, often used in high-spec homes, commercial and civil construction to add a sense of lair to project inishings. For Garth Urquhart, fromTauranga-based Grindking, nothing could be more true as he describes the evolution of concrete technologies in what has evolved into a highly specialised and skilled construction sector. So when a new concrete surface was called for to ‘top-o ’ refurbishment of the Kaituna Mole, near Makatū, Bay of Plenty it was Grindking that was engaged to carry out the work, creating a beautifully crafted and hardy inishing for the public to enjoy walking on. Garth Urquhart started Grindking back in 2007, employing Phil Sanders as operations manager shortly after. “We’re about always building fromquality. There are somany di erent inishings in our trade and our endeavour is always to deliver the best. To do that, you need to build a team of skilled craftsmen around you and that’s what I’ve concentrated on since establishing,” says Garth. Today the team extends to 16 sta which gives them a range of expertise inmany forms of concrete inishes. Garth understands that when grinding, polishing and sealing being a stickler for detail and workmanship is irreplaceable. And it’s this philosophy that underpins their approach to every project they take on. Increasingly clients understand the environmental, cost and appearance bene its that come from choosing concrete, with thermal qualities second-to-none, easy to keep spotlessly clean and healthy. Adding flair with concrete “It’s very hard wearing and once laid and inished properly will virtually outlast any other looring option. We have many options of inishes for both inside and out to reallly create a work of art underfoot.” While the priority is to deliver impeccable service to clients in the Bay of Plenty region, Garth says increasingly word of mouth and reputation are pulling the team to work all over the country. And often a project comes along which is super-engaging given its complexities and potential. A Karapiro home well and truly falls into this category, as Garth explains. “The project consists of over 850m2 of super highend tilt panels taking some serious processes to achieve the right inish.” The striking concrete panels will present a range of inishes, from black grated to wash, with some ground to ultra smooth. “It’s really challenging and exciting and the inished result will be something quite remarkable.” Garth is also keen to see the sector become more credentialised, backed with industry-training quali ication pathways through BCITO or other providers. This, he says, will only impact positively on our sector, with training standards and quali ications that will evidence skill level. “I’m very keen to see this happen as soon as possible as there are too many one-man bands creating their own methods that are not proven. Quality is 100% for us. I would rather lose money on a job than cut corners, or rush things and deliver sub our high standard. I know this approach is why we have been so successful.” No.1 Floor Polisher in the Bay • Screeding & Levelling • Interior & Exterior Options
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