Business South June 2021

| 69 BUILDING Tasman - George Guthrie Construction Success built on quality, craftsmanship T Kim Newth Services offered by the team include architecturally designed homes, renovations and light commercial builds. F orward bookings are tracking excep- tionally well for Marlborough’s George Guthrie Construction, which has a num- ber of quality projects coming up this year. George Guthrie Construction was named the supreme winner at last year’s regional Registered Master Builder Awards and also picked up category and craftsmanship awards, with this awards success further cementing the company’s strong local reputation for pro- ducing building excellence. The awards were for a beautifully finished compact family home overlooking the Omaka Valley. “For me, the craftsmanship award was on the one that really stood out,” says company founder George Guthrie, who is a qualified and licensed Master Builder with some 20 years’ experience in the industry. “For the guys on site, too, it just proves they’re doing a fantastic job.” Services offered by the 11-strong, solutions driven team include architecturally designed homes, renovations and light commercial builds. Since the country came out of lockdown last year, George says there has been no shortage of demand from people seeking to either build a new home or renovate. “As a team, we’re all focussed on achieving the best possible finish on every project – this award reflects all that time, energy and excep- tional craftsmanship that makes us stand out. We are working with ex-pats returning to New Zealand, as well as people in our region and from throughout New Zealand. “We have a web-based app that allows cli- ents to closely follow progress of the build no matter where they are so they’re always kept up to date.” High quality projects currently underway for the team include a new high-spec 400sqm home in the Brancott Valley, out of Blenheim, and two major renovation projects. George and wife Kate, who manages mar- keting and social media, have forged a highly capable team, skilled in all aspects of building, carpentry and joinery. Managing the office is Jane Walker, who provides invaluable day to day support and wrangles trouble shooting. “We’re really lucky to have such a great team, including both experienced builders and new apprentices, who came to us through the school leavers’ Gateway Programme; they have a good work ethic and a great attitude,” says George. While George Guthrie Construction is a high end residential specialist, the team delivers the same standard of craft on every job. Featured projects on their website include an ultra-modern showroom serving as a private classic and vintage car museum (Car Show Room) and a shed-into-office conversion (Shed 27, Renwick). George Guthrie Construction works closely with local architects, including RWA – Rural Workshop Architecture and Hawkins Architec- ture - and enjoys good working relationships with both clients and architectural teams. Developing strong teams and ways of work- ing right from the start ensure good continuity throughout the design and build process, and an assurance of quality results. “We’re also moving towards more sustain- able building and constructing homes for the future by focusing on insulation, the type of materials and fittings we’re using and looking at how we can minimise waste on site.” George says that a challenge for the whole sector over the coming months is the growing shortage of essential building materials, which will likely flow through to longer building timelines. “We are doing everything we can to be extra organised and ordering in advance as much as possible.” E. greg.marfell@xtra.co.nz M. 0274 192 123 A. PO Box 194, Blenheim For experienced and reliable bricklayers in Blenheim, call Greg Marfell Bricklayer Proudly supporting George Guthrie Construction F INE T IMBERCRAFT SIMPLYJOINERY Proud to supply George Guthrie construction info@simplyjoinery.co.nz www.simplyjoinery.co.nz 0211262514 Marlborough-based, multi award winning joinery and design team. Crafting your space with skill and precision. STRUCTURAL - GENERAL ENGINEERING ECKFORD ENGINEERING 1 Auckland Street, Blenheim • 03 578 3002 • www.eckford.co.nz