84 | Referrals bring steady work flow Mike Newman Builders does everything from light commercial to high-end residential homes and renovations. Mike Newman Builders T T Virginia Wright BUILDING For builder Mike Newman, the idea of a new challenge led him to set up Mike Newman Builders in 2019 working with one other qualified builder, James Ross, who has been with him ever since. Mike had started his apprenticeship straight out of school, while at the same time pursuing a career in rugby. After retiring from rugby due to an injury, he spent five years building architectural homes in Timaru. He then moved to Christchurch and did a further five years building high-end architectural homes before deciding to set up his own company. “When I made the move up to Christchurch I had the opportunity to build some amazing architectural homes that were on a completely different scale and size to what I’d been doing in Timaru. These projects were challenging but exciting, and allowed me to gain the skills I have today,” says Mike. The Mike Newman Builders team has since grown to four certified builders and an apprentice three years into his time, plus Mike, who still spends 90% of his time on the tools. They are usually running multiple jobs at once, with a foreman on each job and the apprentice moving between them. Mike is the project manager for all projects; he is the point of call for clients and keeps a close eye on everything. “Our apprentice has been with us for three years and he’s been getting a good range of opportunities. He’s only got six months to go. We’ve all been working together for a long period of time now; they’re a good bunch of guys, they know what they’re doing and we all get along well, which is important,” says Mike. Their first job came from winning the tender to build an architect’s own home and has led to an ongoing relationship with his firm, Fabric Architects. Since then, thanks to word-of-mouth referrals, glowing testimonials and competitive tendering, the company has had a steady flow of work. Mike Newman Builders does everything from light commercial to high-end residential homes and renovations. After completing the architect’s house, Mike successfully took on the contract for his first light-commercial build, Studio Dental, the purpose-built Papanui Dentistry Centre, which was completed in 2023. Mike and his team generally come on at the detailed concept stage before plans go in for consent. They know from long experience that with architectural builds the devil is in the detail, and they work alongside architects from start to finish, building homes to the exact specifications and finish their clients expect. Working with expensive, often imported, fittings and finishings comes with the territory when doing high-end renovations and builds such as the 240sqm, two-storey home with cathedral ceilings known as the Merivale project, which Mike is currently building. What began with the demolition of the old house is now at the Gibbing stage. The architectural detail features metal and exposed block-veneer cladding, the latter carrying through internally to feature inside the entry way. Spanish Neolith stone manufactured in oversize sheets, measuring 1500ml wide by three metres long, features extensively on the open-plan kitchen’s splashbacks, bench top, and island, and continues around the fireplace. It’s complemented by engineered oak flooring and floor-to-ceiling sliders ensuring easy indoor-outdoor flow from the lounge. Mike and his team are very particular and attention to detail is at the forefront of everything they do, which is no doubt the reason why Mike Newman and his builders stay in high demand. For all your painting needs 022 096 8182 josh@clarkepainting.co.nz Clarke Painting DVANCED BRICK AND BLOCK LTD Specialising in all your brick and block work Brick work | Block laying | All commercial & architectural work Registered Master Masons 027 228 7021 WILLIAM: E: advancedbrickandblock@yahoo.com Nick: 0274 323 484 NS Drainage Ltd Quality Workmanship Specialising in New Homes, Commercial, Alterations and Repairs Proudly supporting Mike Newman Builders Ltd
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