92 | Bowater Builders BUILDING Building history for harbour communities Bowater Builders has built a reputation for going the extra mile. T T Kelly Deeks For more than half a century, Bowater Builders has been helping shape the built landscape of Canterbury’s harbour basin. Now in its 56th year as a Registered Master Builder, this family business remains committed to delivering high-end residential projects that stand the test of time, both in quality and legacy. Operating mainly in Diamond Harbour, Lyttelton, and surrounding areas, Bowater Builders has built a reputation for going the extra mile for clients, architects, and subcontractors alike. Managing director Greg Bowater, who has led the company alongside his wife Andrea for the past 25 years, says their approach has always been about quality craftsmanship, strong relationships, and trust. “We don’t just build houses, we build history,” Greg says. “Every home we build is going to be here for decades, if not a century or more. We’re proud to contribute to the future history of the communities we work in.” The Bowater family’s roots in the harbour basin run deep. Greg’s father Barry started the business in the late 1960s, and the family’s involvement in the area extends beyond building. Greg is a long-serving volunteer firefighter, with 45 years of service between the Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton brigades, and the Bowater family has a strong sailing heritage, with competitive sailors across three generations. A point of pride for Bowater Builders is their close, long-standing relationships with local subcontractors. Greg says trust and respect are at the core of these partnerships. “We don’t screw our subcontractors down on price, and we pay on time. We know they’ll deliver quality work, and they know we’ll stand by them. It’s a two-way street, and it’s one of the reasons we can take on some of the most challenging and high-end projects in the area.” Bowater Builders operates almost entirely by word of mouth. With a steady pipeline of work from returning clients and referrals, Greg says they rarely advertise or tender for jobs. Instead, clients come to them due to their reputation for quality and transparency. “Most of our work is bespoke and client-driven. We don’t run fixed-price contracts, because every job is unique, and clients often want to make changes as the build progresses,” Greg says. “We work hard to be upfront and transparent about costs and timelines, so there are no surprises.” Challenging sites and complex designs are part of Bowater Builders’ everyday business. The company enjoys working alongside architects to bring their visions to life, often helping resolve practical buildability challenges along the way. “Architects are the artists of the building world,” Greg says. “Life would be very boring without them. We really enjoy making their designs work on-site.” While the business continues to thrive, the future will bring change. With no next-generation builder to take over, Greg and Andrea plan to close the business when they eventually retire. Their son Alex has carved his own path, founding Master Studio, a bespoke design and manufacturing company working in joinery and specialist fabrication across wood, plastics, and composite materials. As Bowater Builders looks towards its next chapter, Greg reflects on the legacy they will leave behind. “When I retire, I’m planning to deliver the original plans and documents that Dad had kept over the years back to the homes they belong to. This business has been about building quality homes that become part of the community’s story. It’s something we’re incredibly proud of.” 319 Brougham Street, Christchurch P: 03 365 0907 Email: info@pyeelectrical.co.nz www.pyeelectrical.co.nz CONNECTING YOU TO THE RIGHT SOLUTION Proudly supporting Bowater Builders NEED PLUMBING & DRAINLAYING DONE RIGHT? Aquatec: Bringing Precision, Integrity, and Comprehensive Solutions 027 636 3499 aquatecplumbinganddrainage.co.nz • Supply, fix and stop of plasterboard • Residential and commercial projects • Level 5 specialists • Batt supply and installation • Metal ceiling battens • Free quotes Proud to support Bowater Builders
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