| 109 T T Sue Russell Building up from a solid foundation An old villa lovingly restored by Blackwood Homes. Blackwood Homes BUILDING Jamie May of Auckland-based Blackwood Homes, located in Waimauku, north of Kumeu, says he got off to a very solid start in the construction industry, having worked for his builder father for 15 years, including four years completing his apprenticeship. Jamie established Blackwood Homes Ltd in 2015, and still contracts to his father on some projects. “We started as spec builders, focused mainly in Orewa. Today, I still do my own spec work and renovations, plus a bit of light commercial as well,” he says. In total, five team members work in the company, complemented by experienced contractors on specific projects as needed. “I’ve worked with one of the guys now for 20 years and currently have one apprentice. The plan is in a little while to start looking for another apprentice to bring on,” says Jamie. The company recently started work on a five-townhouse project in Henderson. While there’s development occurring in Kumeu Huapai, Jamie prefers to concentrate on Helensville and its surrounds. He remembers fondly, work the team undertook on restoration of an old villa, which was very run down before being transformed. “I had been looking at the old villa for years, thinking it would be great project to do, and then when Dad bought the house he gave me to the job of doing it up, so that’s been really satisfying to have achieved at last.” Another project, which came out of the destruction brought by the severe flooding in the Wairau Valley in 2023, was the rebuild of the clubrooms for the Forrest Hills Tennis Club. “This project came about because I knew the CEO of Tennis Northern,” Jamie says. “After the flood damage, he said to knock the old clubrooms down and start afresh with a new facility. “It’s been designed two metres off the ground to ensure it’s flood-proof, and has been a welcome project in the district.” Jamie says considering the project was on a bit of a budget from the insurance company, what has been achieved is “wonderful”. “They have an open function area, changing room, kitchen, toilets. We’ve had a couple of hold-ups with weather, but we’re tracking along well towards its completion, with decks soon to be built.” Jamie is also working towards development on a parcel of land in Helensville on which to build another spec home. He enjoys these projects that tick away behind other jobs the company takes on. These days he’s about 50/50 on and off the tools, and aspirations are to grow the team to another couple of builders; however, he also says he enjoys having a tight little group. “I think there are real benefits in staying at a size that’s very manageable for you as the owner. “I always want to know the quality of the work the company’s reputation has been built on is maintained, and to do that you can’t be too far away from the activity on site.” Jamie also knows that when it comes to taking on another apprentice, it’s critical to find a person who will fit well with the team. “You can teach all the good carpentry skills, but they have to be a team player and enjoy working within a team.” B BLACKWOOD HOMES Ltd Jamie May Director 0211586365 | blackwood_homes@yahoo.com new builds renovations decks scaffolding excavation work NORTHWEST SPECIALISING IN CARPET, VINYL, LAMINATE AND TIMBER FLOORING 10 Shamrock Drive, Kumeu, Auckland t. 09 412 8188 e. info@northwest ooring.co.nz www.flooringxtra.co.nz Blackwood Homes Proud supplier to Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. Each edition priority delivered to your door. i i i i li . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . t f . . / i ti 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. t i f r ; r it i r i i - r r ll i t r , r fili t ir . businessnorth
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