116 | Bringing new life to graceful old houses While bungalows and villas are the speciality, Justin says they also engage in high-end new builds. Bungalow and Villa Renovation Specialists T T Sue Russell “We sometimes find what starts out as a smaller job grows into something much bigger, like the recladding of the whole home.” BUILDING Justin Molloy of Bungalow and Villa Renovation Specialists has always been drawn to the grace and dignity of old houses, and is never happier than when he and the team are navigating a restoration or renovation on a home from the era of bungalows and villas. While based in Warkworth, Justin works all over greater Auckland. He says the kind of projects he takes on wouldn’t necessarily suit other builders used to working in more contemporary housing situations. “You have to have imagination and be a great problem-solver, because projects of the nature we get involved in are constantly evolving. It’s never fixed and absolutely certain, and you have to have the skills and attitude to be able to manage this,” Justin says. While being able to call on sub-contractors when demand calls for it, Justin says he enjoys the tight-knit team he works with day to day. “We’ll bring in more specialised contractors when called for, but my team all have the experience and skills to undertake work of the nature we do. We all enjoy seeing life brought back into an old home which has good bones.” Often, owners are interested in strictly preserving the look and feel of these grand old villas and smaller bungalows, while modernising them inside. It’s common for Justin to work alongside architects or draughtsmen in the initial design stages, bringing into the conversation an understanding of what does and doesn’t work in a practical construction sense. Sourcing materials in keeping with the era of build is a major component of the work, and Justin says this is something he enjoys. While areas such as bathrooms and kitchens are often chosen for major renovation, the work extends to all the finer details of joinery forms – upgrading old fireplaces, or strengthening decks and stairs, to name a few. While bungalows and villas are the speciality, Justin says they also engage in high-end new builds, and when Business North spoke with him mid-October, they were a few weeks away from completing a significant 18-monthplus build at Omaha. Along with restorations and renovations, the business also offers maintenance services. Asked how next year is shaping up, Justin says there are some projects in the planning stage but he is keen to find more work to extend further into the year for the team. “We sometimes find what starts out as a smaller job grows into something much bigger, like the recladding of the whole home. We are always careful when engaging with owners to point out there are uncertainties and things we can’t be absolutely sure of until we get into the project.” Demand for their skills has even taken Justin and the team over to Waiheke Island on a number of occasions, and generally the working footprint extends as far north as Waipu. Justin acknowledges that in this country there is a huge range of skills and capabilities of builders, and the work he and the team do demands a very high standard of quality, detailing and craftsmanship. It is these challenges Justin says he thrives on. “I just love seeing something old restored well and fit for purpose. People who are drawn to buying an old villa want to see it proudly preserved in keeping with the era and I find that aspect to our work very satisfying.” He says the biggest skill demanded of the types of projects he takes on is the ability to see 3D and to problem solve, not something every builder has the capability to undertake to a high standard. “From a training perspective for a new builder coming through, working on these old homes provides wonderful opportunities to acquire really valuable building skills, not necessarily demanded in the construction of a new, modern home.” Justin’s son Charlie has just qualified as a builder, working in the business, and Justin says this experience has set him up well for the future. Charlie is the company’s eighth apprentice to become fully qualified through the company. Justin explains that training is broad and passing on knowledge can help many. Teaching can be done both on site and through the company’s social media platforms where they often post nuggets of experience from real examples for both new builders and homeowners to be aware of. “Those that train with us acquire not only skills, but knowledge and understanding that there are no problems, only solutions. Theo Neumann, who completed his apprenticeship training with us through the BCITO two years ago, is an awesome tradesman and skilled at his craft with us.” Builds are often very demanding, requiring a lot of thinking through to bring to fruition – experiences that are invaluable to new builders as they gain their qualifications. Daniel Budgen: 027233772 | Pete Coombe: 0212965128 Email: admin@mce.co.nz www.matakanacoastelectrical.co.nz • Architectural Residential • Domestic • Commercial • Industrial • Mains Runs • Alterations • Repairs Proudly supporting Bungalow and Villa Renovation Specialists Covering Matakana, Omaha, Warkworth, Leigh, Kaipara, Mangawhai Telephone: 09 422 7804 Email: sales@matakanakitchens.co.nz Address: 50B Matakana Valley Road, Matakana Matakana Kitches & Joinery is proud to support Bungalow and Villa Renovation Specialists
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