70 | Kim Newth Fast, affordable home build solutions Alexandra based Clever Homes offers an exciting range of affordable homes that can be transported anywhere in the lower South Island. BUILDING Central Otago: Clever Homes Queenstown couple Kahn Winters and Alexandra Huitt are filling a gap in the Otago and Southland markets with Clever Homes, their new transportable home build business that is servicing areas usually considered too hard to access or simply not a priority for other home build companies. The couple were inspired to launch Clever Homes in August 2021 after having seen the growth in prefab and modular home markets in other countries and noticing the same trend emerging in New Zealand. Both bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their innovative, quick build time enterprise. Kahn, an electrician by trade, has 15 years’ experience in the construction industry and has previously owned a Queenstown-based electrical business, while Allie is a certified public accountant, skilled in managing finances and contracts. After trialling the concept with self-funded builds to prove their process, they grew their team and began promoting their services. More than a year on and Clever Homes is well-established with an exciting range of affordable homes that can be transported anywhere in the lower South Island. Affordability, speed and transportability are central to Clever Homes’ ethos. Traditional build timelines have been tightened through having standardized plans that share materials. It also means construction can get underway prior to purchase, giving a huge head-start on project delivery. Quality and comfort considerations are to the fore on every project too. In fact, these homes exceed all the regulations for Healthy Homes. “Our homes are primarily built in our yard in Alexandra,” says Kahn. “We have a great team of sub-trades on board with our lead builder being Greg Chapman, who has been instrumental in implementing a high standard of quality from the beginning. Rounding out our team is our business manager Fabian Fisken, who has 11 years’ experience in the industry designing over 150 homes.” Clever Homes competitive pricing naturally makes them a great option for first home buyers, though where they truly come into their own is for people wanting a comfortable new home provided on a quicker timeline and in places typically deemed too distant or difficult to reach. “With piles, these can be a good solution for sites with undesirable ground conditions,” Kahn observes. The current range of plans was developed through Bunnings Clever Living, with Clever Homes the approved builder for Clever Living “We have some exciting new designs in the pipeline, which we have been tailoring in line with the enquiries we’ve received over the past 12 months.“ in Otago and Southland. “We have some exciting new designs in the pipeline, which we have been tailoring in line with the enquiries we’ve received over the past 12 months. “These include some smaller dwellings that can be an easy add-on to an existing property, either to boost rental return or to provide some extra space for family living. We are designing these to fit on a Hiab truck, which will significantly cut the cost of transport to site. Watch this space!” Clever Homes’ Angus design (96.8sqm) is currently their most popular and it’s easy to see why. Offering three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and generously sized living space, the Angus is a real kiwi classic and selling well for use as a first home, a long term rental, bach or family dwelling. Their two-bedroom options are also generating a lot of interest for baches and rural solutions. Clients can select from a range of materials and colours, with good, better and best options available. All designs are multiproof consented, in line with the New Zealand Building Code. Currently for sale and nearing completion at the Clever Homes yard is a three-bedroom Angus and a four-bedroom Highland. Perfect for growing families, the Highland (106.4sqm) features a combined open plan kitchen with sizeable living and dining areas. The Clever Homes team is looking forward to growing their innovative range in 2023 and working with suppliers on eco-friendly solutions to further reduce material wastage. “Visit us at the Wanaka A&P Show in March or pop into our yard in Alexandra to see these homes in person!” HEATPUMPS LAKESIDE 021 994 410 lakesideheatpumps@gmail.com Your local heating & air conditioning company Proudly supporting Clever Homes
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