98 | BUILDING Frontline Projects T T Russell Fredric Stunning projects built to perfection The Helena Bay Lodge projectinvolving not only the lodge itself but also several associated buildings. Known for building some of the more significant homes in New Zealand, Frontline Projects also happily handles smaller projects such as renovations, refurbishments, additions and alterations. A full-contract construction company, Frontline Projects was established in 2004, and is a platinum member of New Zealand Certified Builders. The company is headed by Ernie Hogg and Jarrett Howe, who together bring to the industry seven decades’ experience and a reputation of success. Frontline Projects’ portfolio of completed projects includes some of New Zealand’s most significant country estates, coastal retreats, lodges and lifestyle properties in terms of their scale and build cost, while smaller projects are generally undertaken for people they know or past clients. who Jarrett and Ernie refer to as “friends of Frontline”. Handling larger projects and clients’ expectations involves considerable complexity and forward planning; consequently, Frontline has developed some key processes to manage this, which is a point of difference, Jarrett says. “What makes us different than other builders, I believe, is that we will essentially build the project on paper first. “Quite often, we will introduce [the client] to an architect, sometimes they come with their own, but if we are brought on board early enough, we can make sure that the project’s going to fit within their budget from the outset, which is important.” This approach, along with their belief that “prior planning prevents poor performance” is where Jarrett and Ernie’s quantity surveying expertise comes to the fore. Depending on the scale of the build, this project-on-paper process can often involve spending six to eight weeks preparing a comprehensive budget based on predominantly fixed-price quotes for labour, materials and all sub-trades. “Our policy is that generally we will send it out to at least two contractors or suppliers for each item, so that we are getting competitive quotes; sometimes we will go out for more. “That’s why we’ve got the references that we’ve got. We are normally within one or two per cent [of the budget] higher or lower, and the overspending generally comes from the client wanting to add things.” Frontline’s open-book policy and cost-plus margin contract is another factor that ensures each build is financially sound, well-managed, built to a reasonable time frame and constructed to the highest quality. “A project that we finished last year, was a $9.5 million budget that we brought in on time and on budget, and that was through Covid,” Jarrett says. On larger projects, valued in the region of $20 million-plus, Jarrett handles the building side and Ernie the quantity surveying, while smaller projects are managed individually. Frontline operates with three labour-only crews, who have worked for the company long-term, some for over 20 years, which ensures reliability and quality. Highlighting Frontline’s versatility, Ernie is currently running a large renovation project in Takapuna Beach, while Jarrett is overseeing four other, smaller renovations. One of Frontline’s most significant builds was Helena Bay Lodge, a long-term project involving not only the lodge itself but also several associated buildings. “We only ever take on as much work as we can run and control properly; we don’t like to over extend. Our whole focus is keeping clients happy; you’ve got to be on the ball.” Preferred air conditioner supplier for Frontline. AIRCONTROL At Aircontrol Refrigeration, we specialise in the design and installation of air conditioning units and systems. If you want a high-end air conditioning solution for your home, or if you need an effective and efficient solution for your business, we can help. We are also experienced at contract work for new housing and commercial developments. 021 027 24301 116 Dormer Rd, Kaukapakapa Auckland alex@aircontrol.co.nz www.aircontrol.co.nz GOLLD CONSTRUCTION All Aspects of Domestic & Commercial Building Proudly supporting Frontline Projects Contact Rob Gold Ph. 09 473 6553 F. 09 473 6553 Mob. 027 241 8489
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