90 | Hillfort Construction T T Alexia Anderson Relationships underpin firm’s growth Building in the Queenstown area comes with a range of challenges, including geographical pressures, tight timelines and a constantly evolving environment. BUILDING Despite being relatively new to the Queenstown building scene, Hillfort Construction is already making its mark with a growing portfolio. Established in October 2023, the company started with a deck build and an architectural renovation, all completed with just two owners, George Fort and Shaun Marsden, along with one labourer. Hillfort Construction now has at least three projects on the go at any given time, and employs a team of 11. Specialising in residential work, the team focuses on both renovations and new builds, but its capabilities extend beyond the typical home, George says. They recently completed a shop fit-out in central Queenstown, and are currently working on the construction of eight units at the Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, during stage 5. Building in the Queenstown area comes with a range of challenges, including geographical pressures, tight timelines and a constantly evolving environment. George says preparation is key, along with adaptability. “Every project is different and challenging. You have to plan the best you can for the varied sites, but then you also have to be ready to make decisions on the fly. This is where good subcontractor relationships come in handy.” Those partnerships were particularly valuable during one of Hillfort Construction’s recent projects – a complete reformation of The Winery in central Queenstown. It required a lot of specialist work, including high-end internal linings and working out how to get a VW camper inside the building. A commitment to quality is what the team stands by, regardless of budget or deadline pressures. “We are very diligent in making sure our workmanship is to high quality, even if it means taking the extra time to re-do something that chews into our profit, as we would prefer to lose money rather than having a product that ourselves or clients are not 100% happy with,” says George. That ethos, along with a genuinely positive work culture, is central to what George believes sets Hillfort Construction apart. Strong ties to local suppliers and tradespeople also play a big part in the success of the company. George says those relationships are “very important” because when deadlines tighten, the subcontractors you have treated well are the ones who will jump in to help at short notice. One particular relationship that has been of great value is with ITM, which has helped keep the company’s builds running smoothly, while collaborations with Lakeside Design and Build and Tovey Construction allow the companies to share staff and swap projects to keep everyone progressing. As demand for good-value homes increases, Hillfort Construction is also adapting to accommodate changing expectations in the region. George says more clients are wanting a great-looking house at a good price, and the team works hard to adjust designs to suit tight budgets, without compromising outcomes. Sustainability is another attribute the company prides itself on. Hillfort Construction reuses materials wherever possible and aims for minimal waste on-site. A recent cabin build with homeowner Anna-Marie Chin showcased just what they could achieve sustainably, including reusing roofing iron and cladding for the old 1800s’ shed, and lining the entire property in reclaimed rimu. George says the industry does have its challenges, including a short supply of experienced staff, and that is why Hillfort Construction works hard to invest in the people it sources. “If we find a good builder, we provide them with a positive work environment and potential for growth as well as a competitive wage.” Looking ahead, Hillfort Construction plans to maintain a strong team, while continuing to develop its builders and apprentices. George says the company hopes to take on more large architectural homes, while continuing its work at Arrowtown Lifestyle Village, where 22 more units are planned. They are also gearing up for new builds within the Kingston Village development, another sign of growth within the local construction sector. REDEFINE YOUR SPACE. OUR SERVICES: Home Painting (interior/Exterior) Interior Drywall Stopping Special Decorative Finishes: Lime Plaster Rendering Venertian Plaster Rendering Faux Painting LANDSCAPING & YARD RE-DESIGNS SHRUBS & TREE REMOVAL HOUSE PADS & RETAINING WALLS FIREWOOD DELIVERY CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS & FOOTPATH CREATIONS PEST CONTROL EARTHSCAPE SOLUTIONS CROMWELL | QUEENSTOWN | WANAKA 021 076 2960 | jamiesearthworks@gmail.com | www.earthscapesolutions.kiwi
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