124 | Much more than renovations Whangarei’s Renovation Masters is a well-known and experienced building business. Renovation Masters T T Sue Russell BUILDING Family-owned business Renovation Masters is more than its name suggests, with the company now taking on a more diverse range of building projects. “Actually, the name Renovation Masters no longer reflects what we actually do, as we’ve taken on new builds, light commercial projects, school projects and can generally turn our hand to any form of building these days,” owner Greg says. The Whangarei-based Renovation Masters is a well-known and experienced building business. Greg was building before he even left school, helping his dad out, and has been in the industry all his working life. His son, Ryan, is working in the company and gradually taking on more responsibility to take over the business. Greg says they are currently very busy, completing four houses last year, along with significant renovation work, and it’s a mix of projects that works really well. “There has been a ‘slow down’ in the building industry, leading us to have to let three of our employees go towards the end of last year, as we did not think we would have enough work to keep everyone going. However, we have found that since then we have had several inquiries and the workflow for this year is looking very good compared to a lot of other builders. I’ve even taken calls from other builders asking if there’s any work.” In all, the team comprises nine. Margaret looks after the all-important administration, while Ryan takes care of job pricing and is the company’s supervising manager. The rest of the team are qualified builders. With plenty of work on their books they would consider taking on more experienced workers, but these are not always easy to find. “We work over a fairly large geography – anywhere from Auckland to Kaitaia – and we have some work coming up soon in Auckland; however, that distance away means staff have to stay away, which isn’t ideal,” Margaret says. With a long history in the renovation space, Greg says it’s the best environment to teach great building skills to those entering the industry. “There’s so much problem-solving and thinking outside the box that has to happen when you’re tackling major renovations. They’re complex in nature, given the uncertainties at times, but extremely worthwhile when completed. It’s amazing what modernising or changing the floor plan can do, and owners just love the results.” With an attitude very much that they will take on anything from installing a letter box, to large-scale renovation and new builds, coupled with school projects, this year is stacking up to be another busy one. “It’s great when we have a mix of large and smaller jobs on the go. It means we can work our scheduling well and keep the team busy,” says Greg. Covering such a large area, including work in rural situations, lifestyle blocks, small and large communities, from coast to coast, and being prepared to undertake any project, has seen the company’s reputation going from strength to strength. “I’ve been building over 40 years now. My Dad, who is 94, was a great builder and I learnt from him the old-school approach to construction and have passed this on to Ryan. That’s stuck with me all my working life and our team are the same. This company has a very good future ahead, based on the many years we’ve been delivering great outcomes,” Greg says. Proudly supporting Renovation Masters -Education -Commercial -Hospitality 0800 867 028 -Carpet Tiles -Vinyl -Autex Akarana Timbers built its reputation on taking pride in delivering top quality services across the Northland market, supplying a wide range of products as listed below: NEED HELP WITH A PROJECT? CONTACT US • Frame and Truss Manufacturing • Building and Landscaping Supplies • Hardware • Roofing and Spouting • Reinforcing steel and mesh • Pole Shed / Farm Fencing 09 929 9608 | sales@akaranatimbers.co.nz 66 Waiwarawara Drive, Marsden Business Park, Ruakaka Knowledgeable, friendly service for Gas Plumbing & Fireplace installation Proudly Supporting Renovation Masters Gareth Pocklington 0226903588 info@gotgasnorth.co.nz
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