| 109 T T Virginia Wright Early involvement saves time and costs Rowberry Builders specialises in high-end renovations and architectural new homes. Rowberry Builders BUILDING Third-generation carpenter Travis Rowberry of Rowberry Builders credits his successful business to having learned the trade from two highly skilled Englishmen, who taught him not only how, but why things should be done a certain way. Travis has been building for close to 35 years since he started his carpentry apprenticeship straight out of school at the age of 15. He and wife Tracy established Rowberry Builders in Nelson 24 years ago with high-end renovations and architectural new homes as their core business. In recent years, they have been working even more closely with architects and clients, and focusing on bringing everyone together as early in the process as they can. “We’ve found that when people come to us with finished plans they don’t always understand what’s in them, and where the money’s going, whereas we can explain about costs before the plans are finalised,” says Travis. “If I’m involved early on, I can bring in our trusted partners, who are experts in their fields, and who will make suggestions that can save everybody time and money.” Rowberry Builders makes sure they keep up with all the changes in an industry that’s always evolving. They adapt their practices to manage new regulations as they come in and stay across new products as they become available. Travis is used to thinking outside the box, stepping back to problem solve, while understanding the regulations and drawing on his years of experience and the knowledge of what’s achievable that comes with it. It all helps when it comes to working within the client’s budget, and it’s the early consultation that gives them the opportunity to bring cost efficiencies to the build from the start, Travis explains. “A classic example was on an extensive renovation in Van Diemen Street, where the clients were told they would have to pull down the roof and rebuild it with a steel beam to make the planned renovations happen. “If I’m involved early on, I can bring in our trusted partners, who are experts in their fields, and who will make suggestions that can save everybody time and money.” “I know enough about spans and beams and what’s needed to suggest they put in two timber beams instead, which meant we could keep the roof where it was, build up underneath it, and still comply with the Building Code, which meant considerable savings for the client and the building keeps its integrity.” Knowing that the Building Code specifies minimum requirements by law, Rowberry Builders takes any opportunity to increase a build’s energy efficiency, knowing what a difference that will make for a future owner when it comes to the cost of heating and cooling their home. “Wherever we can increase the R values (insulation values) we do, whether it’s using better sub-floor insulation, recommending double glazing, or putting more insulation in the walls,” says Travis. Travis is now project manager for the two tight-knit crews, each with a lead foreman, on the two sizeable projects they generally run at once. He and Tracy have strong working relationships with the sub-trades they have been using for many years, which brings a shared understanding that the Rowberrys value the expertise they bring to the job and are open to suggestions. The trust goes both ways and the net result is that issues are usually resolved before they arise. If there’s an induction hob going into an older kitchen, for example, the electrician will have already included the necessary switchboard upgrade in his quote, preventing unnecessary variations. Regulations and products may change, but one thing that doesn’t is the enjoyment that Travis and Tracy get from the part they play in watching people’s vision and dreams come to life and handing over the keys to their new home. Phone: 03 548 7507 e: admin@sharlands.co.nz Structural Steel Fabrication | www.thecustomspace.co.nz enquiries@thecustomspace.co.nz Celebrating our 20th year in Nelson! We are proud that our expertise was recently honoured with four Gold Awards at the Master Painters 2025 ceremonies. Interior & Exterior Painting | Decorating | Plasterboard Stopping | Exterior Cleaning Services P r omp t, R e l i a b l e & P r o f e s s i o n a l Pa i n t i n g Proudly supporting rowberry builders www.colorbox.co.nz 0800 210 310
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