88 | BUILDING Otago - LJK Builders Meticulous planning part of builder’s success Christchurch - Ridgeline Building Strong work ethic key Mosgiel building firm LJK Builders is substantiating its capabilities in the many facets of residential building services with a new project bringing high spec, multi-unit living to the main street of Mosgiel. LJK Builders has been building in Mosgiel since 2020, with company owner Lochlan Kennedy a licensed building practitioner with nearly a decade of experience. In two years Lochlan has grown LJK Builders to a thriving construction firm that handles every type of home building project, from new builds and extensions to renovations and hard landscaping. The multi-unit project with a repeat client presents a valuable opportunity for LJK Builders to further develop its construction and management muscles with a high requirement for planning, programming, and quality finishing. LJK Builders is building eight two bedroom, two bathrooms homes, each on their own freehold title. The homes have been designed to capture everything appealing about modern town house living, with many of the attributes normally associated with larger, more expensive dwellings. At 112sqm with ceiling heights of 2.7m, these spacious homes feature fully tiled bathrooms and en suites, and designer kitchens with quality fittings and appliances. Lochlan says the scale of the project was a bit daunting at first but he soon realised it could be one of the most rewarding jobs he could ever be a part of. “I’ve done all my spreadsheets and if it runs the way it’s been organised, you can’t get any Kelly Deeks from page 87 A seasoned builder, Brian established Ridgeline Building ten years ago and says it was the best thing he has ever done. “We are based in Prebbleton and most of our work comes from the wider Christchurch area. A big part of our work is repeat business and word of mouth. “We do a lot of very nice architectural homes as well as smaller homes. About fifty percent of our work is new homes with the remainder extension and renovation work. We don’t say no to too much.” As another year begins its journey, Brian reflects that having a strong work ethic, showing up when you say you will and doing a good job has always been his motto and the reason he’s kept busy. “You have to run a tidy ship. Communication is key. I tell people if you have a problem, don’t think about it, get on the phone and call me.” As for apprentices, Brian says you have to have the young fellas coming through to keep the trade moving on. Tradesmen like Phil will ensure the trade remains in good heart, no matter when they come to the trade or where they come from. “You have to run a tidy ship. Communication is key. I tell people if you have a problem, don’t think about it, get on the phone and call me.” more reward than that,” he says. With many more subcontractors involved in this build than would be working on a single new home development, and a building site on the state highway and main road into Mosgiel, Lochlan is keeping his bases covered and planning for every eventuality. Building in the Covid environment, delays were going to be inevitable, so meticulous planning around materials and trades was vital from the beginning. This project’s timeline has benefited from LJK Builders’ partnered approach to the construction process. “Between me, the clients, and the architect, we got everything specified down to the toilet roll holders before consent was even issued,” Lochlan says. The client’s satisfaction is key to every LJK Builders project, and Lochlan’s planning process is all part of ensuring a quality result that everyone can be proud of. “Add in skilled and qualified builders, high quality materials and craftsmanship, and transparent and ongoing communication, and that is the formula to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations.” Once this project is completed mid-2022, Lochlan will turn his attention to building his own family home in Mosgiel. Having built his first home in 2019, he is now looking forward to putting his budget into the things you don’t see in the home. “Your thermal breaks, your R values, and your heat exchange systems, everything we can do to make our house run more efficiently and be a healthy environment for our family to live in. “It’s the things you don’t see that make all the difference.” Quality new homes account for about 50% of the work for Ridgeline Builders, with the remainder extensions and renovations. P 343 3893 E chch@tilemax.co.nz 280 Annex Rd, Middleton, Christchurch DIRECT TILE IMPORTERS • Huge range of stock • On-site measures • Free quotes and advice Proudly 100%LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED www.directroofing.co.nz Ph. 03 453 3129 We will solve all your roofing problems
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