102 | Quality matters Tait Built’s work is predominately new builds, but they don’t shy away from renovation projects. Tait Residential T T Rosa Watson BUILDING Establishing a construction company based in Wanaka was a straight-forward move for James Tait and his wife, Laura. The couple started Tait Built in 2018, when they made the move south from Christchurch. The company now has clients all over the country, but their main work is predominantly in Wanaka. James believed the key to growing the business was keeping an open line of communication with clients and the design team, especially when spread out over multiple locations. “Good communication is essential when the client is based in Dunedin, the architect in Wellington and the build in Wanaka. “A close working relationship between the client, architect and builder ensures that projects achieve the best possible outcome.” He liked to be involved early on in the design process, assisting in choosing materials and working closely with the architect. “It’s also helpful to show clients projects we’ve completed to give them a better idea of what we can for them.” Tait Built uses natural products wherever possible and has seen a move towards more sustainable products, such as wool insulation. James and his team also have a good working relationship with local subcontractors. They, and the team at Tait Built, play an integral part of the success of every project undertaken. Tait Built primarily carries out residential new builds, as well as light commercial projects, alterations and renovations. The work is varied; currently the team is working on two projects - a new build and a renovation. Houses in Wanaka tended to be towards the higher end, James said. Proud to Support Tait Residential 21 Wicklow Tce, Albert Town, Wanaka Matt Read: 0273446194 Email: info@templetonengineering.co.nz Servicing the Upper Clutha Since 1906 templetonengineering.co.nz info@rr-plumbing.com 027 443 2262 geoff@hewsonelectrical.co.nz Installation & Upgrades • Repairs & Maintenance General Electrical • Ventilation Heat Pumps & Ducted Systems • Domestic Appliance Repairs Residential & Rural • PV Solar Installation Servicing the Upper Clutha and surrounding areas. “Anywhere else in the country, the standard home in the Wanaka region would be considered high end.” Tait Built’s work was predominately new builds, but James didn’t shy away from renovation projects. “Some of the regions older housing is prime locations and worth the investment of renovating.” Last year the completed a high-end architecturally designed house in Arrowtown, and prior to that, Tait Built completed, in a particularly challenging environment, a complex build on Little Mount Iron. There was a lot of variety in the work, which was great for the team, James said. “Undertaking a range of work keeps things interesting and provides our apprentices with a good range of learning opportunities.” James completed his apprenticeship in Southland with B J Carter Builders before spending four years in Christchurch honing his building skills with Design Construction. He was site manager for three years, overseeing the construction of large, commercial-scale, architectural homes. A landmark project that he oversaw was an 800sqm luxury home in Christchurch with six bedrooms, four bathrooms and three living areas spread over two levels. It also featured a double-height entrance at the front door and cantilevered geometric stairs. This home earned James and his employer a gold medal at the Canterbury House of the Year Awards. James and Laura had originally planned to move to Arrowtown but were approached to undertake a build in Wanaka and never left. It was a growing town attracting people from all sorts of industries. “With the pandemic showing that people could work remotely, many had moved to Wanaka for the lifestyle.”
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