| 97 T T Kelly Deeks Planning brings the right results Smith & Sons Christchurch Porthills works with a wide range of clients Smith & Sons Christchurch Porthills BUILDING Surging demand for well-managed renovations across Christchurch is driving steady growth for Smith & Sons Christchurch Porthills, as director Anthony Bown leads the franchise through increasingly complex residential projects by doubling down on planning, transparency, and customer care. For Anthony, the motivation is simple: “The clients are my why. Everything we do is based around delivering what’s best for them.” After 12 years in business, Anthony says Smith & Sons Christchurch Porthills’ strength comes from being consistently client centred in an industry that can be difficult for homeowners to navigate. He entered the market prior to Christchurch’s post-earthquake rebuild, running a small renovations business while acting as primary caregiver for his two children, who are both now at university. With demand soaring and renovation work becoming increasingly specialised, Anthony chose to join the Smith & Sons network to leverage a recognised brand and the systems needed to scale sustainably. Becoming a Smith & Sons franchisee paved the way for him to become a Registered Master Builder adding to his certification in the licensed building practitioner’s scheme, expectations that he says set the tone for quality and accountability. “Being a Master Builder means you have to run a good business. It holds you to a high standard, and that’s important when people are trusting you with their homes.” Today, Smith & Sons Christchurch Porthills works with a wide range of clients, from firsttime renovators and experienced homeowners through to commercial partners, including property managers, Downer, BGIS, and Nazareth House. Many of these organisations bring a steady stream of projects. “They come to us with a need, and we make the problems go away,” Anthony says. “While working for property managers, I’ll liaise with tenants and even help them negotiate a reduced rent while their renovations are taking place. Business works best when everybody wins.” Managing that process requires Anthony to coordinate subcontractors, suppliers, compliance regime, tenants and time frames with minimal disruption. He emphasises clear, transparent communication as the foundation of every project, supported by detailed, highly explicit quoting. “If there’s a grey area, we allocate a realistic allowance so the client isn’t blindsided later. Most people are completely fine with something – as long as they know about it.” He says the Smith & Sons process focuses heavily on early planning, ensuring that aspirational ideas and practical requirements align before construction begins. “Good houses are built on good foundations, and good projects are built on good foundations too. We help our clients get clarity about what they want to achieve, and sometimes we have to temper the wish list with the budget. But if you plan properly, you get the right result.” A recent project in Somerfield illustrates how thorough planning and clear communication can transform an ageing home. The owners wanted to reclaim space at the rear of the property that had been enclosed by a previous owner’s archgola. The structure was dismantled so it could be sold, and Smith & Sons designed and built a new extension to suit the family’s needs. Once work began, extensive insect damage was discovered in the original cladding. The team stripped the weatherboards, installed a new cavity system, upgraded the joinery, and refurbished the original leadlight windows into double-glazed units. A new front door, a fire-rated boundary wall, and further repairs – including foundation Work uncovered only after the cladding came off – brought the 1930s’-40s’ bungalow up to modern performance standards. The project was completed with a new 40sqm deck, which is now home to the clients’ spa pool. Anthony says the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and he expects demand for quality renovations to continue growing. For Smith & Sons Christchurch, the focus remains the same: clear communication, strong planning, and delivering the best possible outcome for every homeowner. NEWZEALAND’S PREMIER DESIGN & BUILD HOME RENOVATION SPECIALISTS Quality home renovation builders who work with discerning homeowners from concept to completion. Talk to us | Call 0800 764 846 | Port Hills, Christchurch, NZ, South Island 8022 anthony.bown@smithsandsons.co.nz | or visit www.smithandsons.co.nz 0800 BEST-CO (0800 237826) tyler@bestconnection.co.nz bestconnection.co.nz Let’s get connected ! Residential & Commercial Electricians Located in Christchurch ProudlysupportingSmith&Sons -Christchurch info@ rstchch.co.nz | 375 0700 | www.firstchch.co.nz
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