110 | Making a mark in Mosgiel This recently completed build in Port Chalmers that still stands out for them was three storeys high on a 34sqm footprint. DS Building T T Virginia Wright “We believe in transparent pricing and we’re very open. Some people run a closed site but we know it’s your property, so owners can turn up when they like.” BUILDING Dallas Shaw started building straight out of school, and had been building for 10 years by the time he and wife Sandra decided to combine her skills as a chartered accountant with his building expertise and set up their own business. DS Building was established in Mosgiel in 2004, and continues to thrive as it moves into its 22nd year. Dallas and Sandra were still building their own house when Dallas took on their first job, doing a substantial renovation and addition, before moving on to a 460sqm new build. Word-of-mouth recommendations and several repeat customers mean the flow of work has never stopped. If they do any marketing at all, it’s by sponsoring their three teenagers’ various sports teams as they have moved through the local primary school and on to Taieri College. Now with a team of four, including Dallas, two other qualified builders and an apprentice, DS Building primarily does residential builds, which often involve using SIPs (Structural Insulation Panels) thanks to their relationship as partner builder for Formance SIP Manufacturers in Otago. They have a full passive house build on the horizon and have already built close to 15 houses using SIPs, including the Shaws’ own bach. “So we do high-performing homes and at the other end of the scale we build wintering sheds, or herd homes for dairy cows, and we build everything in between,” says Dallas. A licensed building practitioner, Dallas has been a member of the Certified Builders Association for over 20 years. His new builds benefit from both a fixed-price contract and a 10-year guarantee. “We believe in transparent pricing and we’re very open. Some people run a closed site but we know it’s your property, so owners can turn up when they like,” Dallas says. He has built up a strong team of subbies over the years with good relationships, which stood him in good stead on a recent build of seven apartments on a steep site. “It took a lot of organisation with sub-trades to achieve the seamless execution of the build and keep it all on track, on time and on budget,” he explains. “Another build of two houses on an extremely steep section required us to build paths and outdoor stairs just to access the building platform, but we love a challenge.” A recently completed build in Port Chalmers that still stands out for them was three storeys high on a 34sqm footprint. Again featuring SIPs, the home had a concrete basement with two storeys above it, each slightly bigger than the one below, built to capture the expansive views down Otago Harbour. With a mix of horizontal cedar and vertical Colorsteel cladding, the two-bedroom home features timber and ply throughout the interior. “Having only three 90-degree angles in the house, the sheer number of unique intersections made for a challenging build, but it’s an awesome wee home built for comfortable, sustainable living,” says Dallas. Whether it’s a conservative build or something along less traditional lines, D S Building’s goal is always to make it a good experience for their client. Dallas, Sandra and the team know they are building what is often the client’s biggest asset, and together with their trusted subbies they take care and pay attention to detail while working hard to build their clients a home they will love to live in. 027 246 5600 Proudly Supporting DS Building Ltd www.directroofing.co.nz directroofing@xtra.co.nz We will solve all your roofing problems Proud to support DS Building Ltd Proud to support DS Building Ltd All your trade needs 7 days a week www.mitre10.co.nz/trade trade.admin@megadunedin.co.nz Phone 03 455 3341
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