92 | Residential market on path to recovery The NZ Builders team - the company has established itself in the Auckland market with a wide array of residential and commercial construction projects. NZ Builders T T Hugh de Lacy “The industry needs this shake-up to encourage efficiency and costeffectiveness, and increased competition helps lower supply costs.” BUILDING In the face of evidence that the heat has come out of the residential construction market, NZ Builders partner and Commercial Manager Blake Cooper firmly believes now is a great time to build. The Auckland company, founded in 2015 by Jesse Bird, has weathered the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ups and downs of the property cycle and the supply chain and workforce challenges that followed. Blake is confident the industry has overcome the worst of these challenges, particularly in terms of price hikes. “It’s no secret that the market has come back,” Blake says. “These have been challenging times for the construction industry with rising costs of materials and labour, as well as higher interest rates, but the market changes provide an opportunity for the best builders to rise to the top. “The industry needs this shake-up to encourage efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and increased competition helps lower supply costs.” The shortage of materials that hampered the recovery post-Covid has also eased. “That’s a welcome change from just two years ago when even a basic four-by-two had a two-week delivery lead time. “The availability of contractors and suppliers has also improved, helping us consistently deliver on time and on budget for our clients with certainty from reliable supply chains,” Blake says. As NZ Builders approaches its tenth anniversary, the company has established itself in the Auckland market with a wide array of residential and commercial construction projects. The company’s portfolio spans new architectural homes, renovations, alterations and small-scale multi-unit developments. Operating from a boutique office on Hinemoa Street in Birkenhead, the company boasts a dedicated team of 20, including five apprentices. Both Blake, who became a partner in 2017, and Jesse are qualified tradesmen who completed their carpentry apprenticeships in Auckland, Jesse with Harper Construction, and Blake with Coast and Country Homes. The company’s versatility can be seen in the range of its current projects which include the “The labour market is favourable right now because many builders are experiencing slower periods, leading to an increase in skilled tradesmen becoming available.” Blake says further expansion of NZ Builders, potentially beyond Auckland, is on the horizon but the current focus remains on refining internal processes and delivery. “Once we’ve streamlined our operations NZ Builders will be ready to take on projects in other regions and cities,” he says, emphasising a gradual and strategic approach. Blake is confident the industry is on the path to recovery as the factors that led to the recent downturn are now largely behind it. Proudly supporting NZ builders www.locklab.co.nz | info@locklab.co.nz | 027 359 4848 LockLab offer a high end locksmith service and comprehensive security solutions for your home and business. Whether you're locked out, looking to replace or add to the layers of your existing setup, LockLab will design a security solution for your specific needs. renovation and extension of a bungalow in Grey Lynn, a double new-build villa development in Point Chevalier, and a renovation, extension and landscaping in Parnell, and a new-home build in Beach Haven. NZ Builders is also committed to its community, notably through sponsorship of the local Birkenhead United Football Club. Another driving force behind Blake’s conviction that now is the best time to build is the easing of labour shortages which seem to have become a thing of the past.
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