| 85 T T Virginia Wright Relationships and communication key factors Zen Builders is well underway with this townhouse development in Wildberry Street, Woolston. Zen Builders: Wilberry St development DEVELOPMENT Proud to design for Zen Builders Additions / Alterations New Home Designs Drafting Services Daniel Miller 021 034 7062 | dmadnz@gmail.com For information, ideas or advice on windows and doors, please call our helpful team on 03 388 5207 or email kelly@cal.net.nz Ziggy Conroy had been building for over 10 years, including many architectural hillside builds in and around Christchurch’s Diamond Harbour and Governors Bay, when he and partner Caitlin Turner started their business, Zen Builders Ltd, six years ago. Ziggy was acutely aware that sometimes communication between clients and builders wasn’t as good as it could be, and the impact that could have on client satisfaction with the build overall. “People were investing a lot of money, and he could see that all they really wanted was to be communicated with along the way. So we started Zen Builders to bring transparency to the building process for our clients,” explains Caitlin. Caitlin gave up primary school teaching to join Ziggy in the business, working alongside him with clients, and taking care of the intricate planning and organisation needed behind the scenes to successfully manage their increasingly busy calendar. “I’m part of Zen Builders’ approachability, especially when we’re working with families with children, but I’m also across the projects, making sure we have all the materials and fixtures and fittings ordered in good time so nothing gets held up,” she explains. Their team now numbers seven – Caitlin and Ziggy, two qualified carpenters, and three apprentices at various stages of their training. Zen has projects all over Christchurch, and as far afield as Lincoln and Hornby. They pride themselves on their young, dynamic team and have a strong focus on giving those apprentices a solid base to grow from. “We want these young men and women to be amazing builders, so that wherever they end up they’ve got those essential foundational skills to work from,” says Caitlin. Apprentices are exposed to a variety of projects to understand the different stages of building while under supervision, and the variety of work Zen Builders generally has, means they see it all. The four projects currently on the go include building a carport, two renovations, and building a small-scale development in Wildberry Street, Woolston. They have done smaller projects with the developer Fraser McKenzie before, and they are aligned with his aspiration to do a small development designed specifically with firsthome buyers in mind, while building to the sort of high standard that means they may choose not to leave. After 18 months of careful planning, working with architect and engineering company SMC Design, the build is well underway. “It’s designed to be aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time fit in with Woolston, which is generally an older suburb,” says Caitlin. “Each unit is two storeys, each with a balcony, open-plan living, a spacious courtyard with grass and greenery, and they’re built for maximum privacy. “Two to three bedrooms for $500,000 to $550, 000, so genuinely designed to be affordable but using top-quality finishes,” says Caitlin. It could be a new build or a renovation – regardless, Zen Builders approaches each project with the same mindset, explains Caitlin. “Everyone wants the big projects for obvious reasons, but at Zen Builders our mission statement is, ‘building homes to belong’, and what that also means is that a small job is still making someone’s home a place where they want to be. “We love being a part of that process, and transforming houses to homes whether it’s something small or something big. “At the end of the day, our focus is on the long-term relationships we build with our clients regardless of project size.” Whether it’s with a client, a developer they’re working alongside, or their own team, relationships are the key for Zen Builders. They want people to come back to them time and again, whether it’s for their next renovation or building a new house. Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST?
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