| 29 T T Kelly Deeks Cooling market good time to reset, plan ahead For Peter Ray Homes Blenheim, taking the positive route through the downturn means putting more work into getting its staff, contractors, and suppliers positive about the industry again. Marlborough: Peter Ray Homes Blenheim REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT There is a good side to slowing down for Marlborough’s tiring construction industry according to Peter Ray Homes Blenheim owner Rowan Lee, who says it’s a good time for everyone to reset and get positive again, while hopefully a reduction in construction projects will help to bring the price of materials down. While Peter Ray Homes Blenheim is still busy building new homes already under contract, owner Rowan Lee says rising interest rates have slowed enquiry. “This may be short lived, but with the world economy it is unknown.” For Peter Ray Homes Blenheim, taking the positive route through the downturn means putting more work into getting its staff, contractors, and suppliers positive about the industry again. “We have a few get-togethers, like an afternoon barbecue or a breakfast and we try to push the positive side of the industry,” Rowan says. “The industry can get down when under constant pressure for so long, and in general can get negative. It has been a difficult couple of years with the lack of material supply, price increases and labour shortages, coupled with being at the end of all transport delivery routes. We need to remind each other of the positive side, the good people we work with and for, and the great product that we present. We’re all working together, it’s a team effort, it’s not them and us, it’s all of us.” Builders and contractors today tend to be young people, as the older generation is retiring and moving on. “They haven’t been through any recessions yet. We are trying to make them aware this is just a glitch and it’s not going to last. You just have to plan your way through it.” Now preparing for its next stage of productivity, Peter Ray Homes Blenheim has recently started using new project management and design technology, introduced by Rowan’s son Kurtis who is making his way into taking over from Rowan. These systems are putting all project management and design online so it can be seen and utilised by all parties. The design software will eventually be able to calculate the carbon footprint of a build as it’s being designed, and Rowan thinks this will offer a great opportunity to address one of New Zealand’s construction industry’s biggest issues - waste. “Waste in the building industry is huge and we need to change that. New Zealand is probably worse as we make houses to suit anything the clients want. This is not always the best way to do it and when the client is informed on how this affects material usage and costs they are more open to look at change, but this is slow to catch on as everyone wants what they see. In other countries you’ll have a limited range of some products such as windows, wallboards, and claddings, and the designs would be more around modular sizes to limit waste and utilise all the material without cutting off waste. We are passionate about trying to change.” PH: 03 578 5374 SMART GLASS SOLUTIONS | 44 Main St, Blenheim e: office@marlboroughglass.co.nz | www.marlboroughglass.co.nz GILBERT HAYMES & ASSOCIATES LTD REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS Land Development Consultants & Resource Management Planners • Building and Construction setouts • Vineyard Developments • GPS & Topographical Surveys • UVA (Drone) Services, Mapping and Photography • All Surveying Matters • Resource Management www.gilberthaymes.co.nz AFTER HOURS PhilipMorton 021 431 190 office@gilberthaymes.co.nz 181 High Street, P.O. Box 380, Blenheim 03 578 7984
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