| 131 T T Kelly Deeks Experienced builder with another idea Moving from spec builds to client builds was a smooth transition for Dayne, who has been building in Tauranga for the past six years. DRS Developments BUILDING Dayne Stimpson of DRS Developments is meeting the local market in Tauranga with a new offering, DRS Homes, building mid- to high-end dream homes for customers with their own plot of land. “We used to do mainly spec builds, but we’ve changed direction since Covid when land became scarce in the suburbs where I would normally like to develop,” Dayne says. “Now we’re building homes further out in the Western Bay of Plenty, out in the country where our clients already have a section, or have bought a lifestyle property.” Moving from spec builds to client builds was a smooth transition for Dayne, who has been building in Tauranga for the past six years. He brought DRS Developments to Tauranga from Taupō, where he had started it straight after completing his apprenticeship, aged just 19. “I’d saved up during my apprenticeship and bought my first section, but could only get a mortgage if I had a full-time job. So I carried on working 7.30 to 5pm during the week and built my first spec home in the evenings and weekends. “It took me seven months to build a 178sqm home, and I did it all myself. I put the floor down, I put the roof on, that was the way I learned to build through my apprenticeship.” Dayne’s first home sold quickly, and he was on to the next, still working full-time. By the time he got to his third spec home, development was his full-time gig, with a few small client projects thrown in for good measure. He went on to build a new home for his brother in Christchurch post-earthquakes and from there, shifted to Tauranga where he bought a section at The Lakes and built his first Bay of Plenty spec home with quality, style, elegance, and functionality as a focus. He started making connections with local suppliers and subcontractors, which helped with the transition to client builds after Covid. One of DRS Developments’ subcontractors, a plumber, engaged DRS Homes to build their own dream home at Te Puna in 2023. They came to Dayne with their plans already drawn by one of Dayne’s regularly used designers, Mark Vale Architecture, so he helped them along the way with small changes that could make a big impact. He took the doors to full height and created a feeling of open and expansive space at minimal additional cost. “A 1980mm door is the same price as a 2400mm door, so the only additional cost is for the architraves and a bit more timber for the jamb. “Many people don’t realise there are things you can do to get a higher-end feeling for very minimal cost. I deal with these numbers all the time and I let all my clients know what’s possible.” Dayne was on the tools and also project managing this build, which is where his happy place lies. “I really enjoy the whole process. It takes a team to build a house and the success of a project always comes down to how well it was project managed and how much involvement the project manager has. “I like to be heavily involved, communicating with everyone to make everything come through nice and smoothly.” DRS Developments is refocusing on spec homes in 2025. PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE FOR ROOFS THAT LAST Longrun Coloursteel • Re-Roofs • New Roofs • Repairs PH. 571 6682 M. 0272 850 120 W. www.coldrickroofing PROUDLY SUPPORTING DRS DEVELOPMENTS DRS Build is a construction company based in Tauranga, New Zealand. Special ising in new bui lds, renovations and developments. Dream. Design. Build. Live drsbuild.co.nz
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