92 | Building in the blood Maurice Dunnage, Noah Dunnage, Josh Hawes, Bradley Edmonston, Callum Abbott, Troy Dunnage T T Sue Russell BUILDING T T Russell Fredric Bringing a depth of experience to clients Troy Dunnage Builders Adam & Milne Building and Roofing Christchurch builder Troy Dunnage says he’s been surrounded by building all his life. His father Maurice started in the 1960’s with Troy undertaking his apprenticeship with him before heading overseas to Vancouver to gain experience before returning and establishing MTD Ltd. The company often undertakes renovations of the older houses, so associated with parts of Christchurch and surrounding areas. Every so often a more unusual project crosses the desk as was the case in an ‘off the grid’ glamping space, called Fox Down Hut, in North Canterbury, about 35 minutes from the township of Amberley an hour an 20 minutes from Christchurch. “This was a great project, set in the middle of a large sheep and beef farm with stunning views.” Other projects include two high end architectural homes in Cashmere and Tai Tapu. Troy says the company got through the COVID years relatively well, compared with many and this year has been very positive. In the team are a couple of apprentices, one about to be signed off and two tradesmen.. Foreman, Bradley has been with the company 11 years and Troy’s son Noah has decided, Adam & Milne Building and Roofing’s directors bring a depth of experience to their clients from the company’s base in Milton, South Otago. Long-time friends Ben Adam and Blair Milne previously worked at Calder Stewart in Milton for about 15 years, becoming foremen and site managers working on commercial projects. Ben subsequently worked for a residential builder to gain specific experience in residential construction, while Blair already had previous residential experience before the pair became business partners and launched out of their own five years ago and have never looked back. “It’s been good; I think we’ve done pretty well,” Ben says. Working as a partnership spreads the workload as well as creating advantages and efficiencies when it comes to the likes of administration and quoting and is less stressful than being a sole operator, Ben says. Additionally, he and Blair have complementary skills, while this structure also creates efficiencies for projects. As the name, Adam & Milne Building and Roofing suggests, the company is a competent roofing contractor as well as undertaking renovations and new builds. Its Facebook page reveals the amazing visual difference a new roof or a renovation makes while also adding value to a house. About 40% of its work covers roofing. One of the drivers behind Adam & Milne Building’s ethos is to produce high quality “We are fortunate to have a good team of hard working, loyal tradesmen who have both completed their apprenticeship with us. They are a big asset to our team and help us to produce quality work and to meet our clients’ timelines.” just like his dad did, to do his apprenticeship in the family business. “He has been with me over a year now and I’ve encouraged him to get qualified as it will hold him in good stead if he travels.” Asked to comment on the quality of the apprenticeship programme, delivered through BCITO, Troy says he’s been very happy. “I think key is having the right person as liaison with the apprentices. I’ve got Paul Stevenson and have had him for the past 5 years or so. He’s been a builder, so comes with a very practical mind-set and is very supportive of the apprentices.” Troy is actively on the tools and admits that being stuck in the office would ‘drive him nuts’. Fortunately Maurice and Lee help out in the office and Troy says he’s got a good crew at the moment, including school leavers who are keen to pick up a trade. “It’s important established building businesses keep offering school leavers the chance to try building out. They soon see if its for them or not and we all started off as beginners.” MTD Ltd also engages a strong core of subbies who they provide work, depending on the nature of the project, as often as possible. Troy knows this works well both ways as subbies help get projects over the line at busy times when extra hands are needed. work with a view to gain repeat business and referrals. “We can run an entire project from start to finish from the ground up, liase with a client’s architect and the local authority for the approval of the plans, and organise the subcontractors. A project runs a lot smoother when you work with people you have a good relationship with.” Happy clients have testified about Adam & Milne Building and Roofing’s friendly and professional service and that the team went “above and beyond” in their work and communication with them. “We are fortunate to have a good team of hard working, loyal tradesmen who have both completed their apprenticeship with us. They are a big asset to our team and help us to produce quality work and to meet our clients’ timelines.” Ben says one of the challenges for building firms today is trying to keep costs down both for themselves and their clients in the face of new regulations and increased material costs. For some clients, this means having to balance their wants, needs and dreams in a build. Proud to support Troy Dunnage Builders Interior Plastering | Skim Coating | Cove / Cornice New Housing | Renovations | Light Commercial 0212516128 mike@precisionplastering.co.nz Proudly Supporting MTD Ltd • Maintenance • Renovations • New Builds • Light Commercial 027 600 1122 robbie@rjpughelectrical.co.nz www.rjpughelectrical.co.nz Domestic Plumbing and Gas Fitting + New Builds + Renovations + Maintenance + Gas Conversions + Fire Installs + Shower Installs + HWC Replacements Proud to be associated with Adam & Milne Building
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