| 87 BUILDING Dion Bates Building B T: 03 218 3941 143 Bill Richardson Drive, Invercargill office@refrigeration.co.nz www.refrigeration.co.nz Phone 03 215 9921 jim.bates@xtra.co.nz 28 Steel Road, RD4, PO Box 5030, Invercargill Site Preparation Gravel Supplies Asphalt Work Driveways Excavation Greg 0274 160 037 T T Kelly Deeks Builder’s input from the get-go Dion is currently building his own family home near Otatara. Dion Bates Building is bringing ideas from some of the South Island’s most prestigious homes to residential projects across Southland, with a focus on new products, innovative design features, and practical construction solutions that deliver long-term value for homeowners. Qualified and licensed builder Dion Bates says innovation is one of the most exciting parts of the industry, with new materials and building systems constantly emerging and creating opportunities to improve the way homes are designed and built. “Building is forever changing. There are always new products coming out and you’ve got to keep learning and doing your research to understand how they can benefit clients.” Dion is currently putting many of those ideas to the test while building his own family home near Otatara. The project includes features he has long wanted to incorporate, including a recently installed cantilevered porch, and a spiral staircase, alongside products and finishes inspired by years of experience working on premium homes throughout Central Otago. “We’re always seeing new products and new innovations. Building your own home gives you the opportunity to try some of those ideas yourself.” His property is being developed as a family-focused lifestyle block with extensive landscaping and recreational areas, including a basketball court for his children. Having worked on architecturally designed homes valued in the millions, Dion says exposure to high-end projects has provided valuable insight into emerging products and construction techniques. “The high-end market is often where you first see new ideas being introduced. You learn a lot from those projects and can bring that knowledge into future builds.” Keeping up with innovation requires ongoing learning, but Dion says builders are uniquely placed to assess whether new products will perform as promised in real world conditions. That practical knowledge is one reason he believes builders should be involved earlier in the design process. “When a builder is involved from the start, you generally end up with a better project. We can provide practical advice around materials, construction methods, and budget before plans are finalised.” He says builders work with labour and material costs every day, allowing them to identify opportunities to achieve a client’s vision while maintaining value for money. “The builder is the one putting it together. We understand the costs and the practical side of construction, so we can help guide decisions that make sense.” Dion says successful projects ultimately rely on collaboration between builders, designers, architects, and tradespeople who all take pride in their work. “A house is usually always someone’s biggest investment. People are putting hundreds of thousands of dollars into it, and they deserve a quality product.” That commitment to quality stems from the experienced Southland tradesmen who helped shape Dion’s career. Today he is supported by a trusted network of subcontractors, allowing him to assemble the right team for each project while maintaining a hands-on approach. Looking ahead, Dion says the industry offers significant opportunities for young people willing to learn the fundamentals of their trade and build practical experience. “You’ve got to do the hard work at the start, but once you’ve got those skills there are plenty of opportunities. Good tradespeople will always be in demand.”
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