128 | Standards ensure high quality A project at 1 Rotherham Street in Riccarton involves six, two-storey townhouses. Firstone T T Karen Phelps BUILDING Building company Firstone has carved a unique niche in Christchurch, bringing commercial-grade precision to residential construction. “My background in China was working on commercial projects as a civil engineer, so my focus is on applying these methodologies to a residential setting,” explains company owner David Huang. Arriving in New Zealand in 2003, David began his career as a carpenter before progressively advancing into building and development. In 2006, he established Firstone, initially focusing on renovation projects before swiftly transitioning to new builds in Rolleston. He started his own development projects in 2008, beginning with building a new home he sold to a client. His first multi-unit project was five, double- storey townhouses in Addington in 2011. Today, Firstone builds single spec homes and multi-unit projects. The company’s approach is distinctly different from traditional residential construction. For instance, where most builders accept tolerances around 20mm, David says that Firstone operates with such precision it maintains an accuracy tolerance of just 2mm. It’s an example of David’s engineering background and his belief in applying commercial methodologies to residential projects. “Our focus is on high quality and fast turnaround,” he says. This philosophy is evident in the company’s approach to project management. By employing his own team of builders, David maintains rigorous quality control and ensures each project meets his exacting standards, and is on the tools as well. Working for a range of developer clients, David says people can approach Firstone with their own designs, or rely on Firstone to manage the entire project lifecycle, including site selection and construction. Currently, the company is working on several significant developments across Christchurch. A project at 1 Rotherham Street in Riccarton involves six, two-storey townhouses scheduled for completion in early 2025. Designed by Bruce Chin Architects, these properties will be clad in Rockcote and Exon panel and range from 80-130sqm, with three bedrooms. Most have three bathrooms and garages, while the rest have off-street parking. Our team of skilled craftsmen tackle a wide range of work from complete plaster facade installation and finishing also premium interior plaster finishing, right through to general exterior plastering of landscaping walls, fences and renovations. Proudly supporting Firstone Ltd Contact us: 033440132 | Email us: o ice@entireelectrical.co.nz Alongside the Riccarton development, Firstone has three similar projects underway in Church Corner, Amuri St and Main North Road. These developments offer units ranging from two to three bedrooms and featuring modern amenities like car parking and multiple bathrooms. David says units will be offered for sale in Amuri St. They offer a floor plan of around 100sqm with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each unit comes with a car park area. Options will also be offered to the market in the Church Corner project. Each unit is around 80sqm and offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a car parking area. As a Registered Master Builder, the company can offer the Master Build 10-Year Guarantee. It provides protection if a builder is unable to complete a project, for example, something increasingly demanded by mortgage lenders and homeowners. The guarantee covers materials, workmanship, and structural defects, providing comprehensive protection for both standalone homes and multi-unit projects. David says it represents one of the most comprehensive guarantees available in the New Zealand market.
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