| 77 T T Rosa Watson Passion for building The company has expanded into new builds architectural homes, residential renovations and additions and shop fit-outs. Glen Davidson Construction BUILDING Ten years on from starting Glen Davidson Construction, owners Glen and Philippa Davidson remain passionate about their work in the industry. The couple started the Christchurch-based business in 2014, with Glen a licensed building practitioner and Philippa having completed a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Economics and Finance. Glen has been building full time in the industry since 16 years of age, wanting to be out doing something practical and making a difference. His parents encouraged him to try carpentry, and he never looked back. “Building is a fantastic industry to be in as the results of your labour are intended to improve the lives of others and are lasting for many years.” He worked for a number of years on the Banks Peninsula, subcontracting at times to other tradesmen and learning their trades. As a result, he can paint, plaster, tile and understands what is required to run the wiring and plumbing. Glen generally uses sub contractors for these trades now, but the hands-on experience has been invaluable for the decisions he makes when managing projects. Early on, the company’s work was primarily residential renovations, but it has since expanded into new builds, architectural homes, residential renovations and additions and shop fit-outs. Jobs have included a recording studio, community halls, church renovations, restoring a home from the 1910s and a pole barn. They also carry out landscaping work with fence building and concrete slab placing. With five full-time staff, being a small team is what makes the business special, Glen said. “We are able to work closely with clients to understand what it is that they would like, and we bring a wealth of experience to understand the best way to have a high-quality finish and minimise costs where possible. “We do not have a preference on the type of work; we build as it is enjoyable. We love the people that we meet and variety in our work.” Building work has been slowing down in the region, and it looks like the lull in the residential building sector could continue for another six to 12 months, he said. But with the new interest deductibility rules being changed for property investors, and interest rates expected to fall, he expected work would pick up in response. Changes to land density zoning will also see more townhouse and multi-unit construction. He said people are looking for homes with privacy but in subdivisions and areas that encourage community and interaction with neighbours. “Walking tracks, bike tracks, reserves and playgrounds are all great ways of connecting people and allowing people to buy more affordable (generally smaller) properties without having to sacrifice outdoor recreation. “People are leading busy lives, so homes that have low maintenance requirements are desirable.” Affordability is a huge issue for many homeowners and potential buyers, and there are a number of factors that could increase the cost to the homeowner, such as reports required for building consents and paying for council inspector visits. “Costs can be reduced if work is ready for the inspector when inspections are booked, and tasks are completed in a way to minimise the number of times an inspector needs to come to site.” Comparing products was also a good way to reduce costs. “As a builder we can look at the plans and see how many sheets of gib will be used on a wall, is the house designed in a way to make use of the standard gib sizes or will we need to cut it to size and have a lot of off cuts leading to unnecessary cost.” www.theroofingstore.co.nz 0800 277 271 Proudly supporting Glen Davidson Construction The Best sustainable solution for all your roofing needs Christchurch Electricians T | 03 322 8454 E | info@skeltonelectrical.co.nz W | skeltonelectrical.co.nz Switch to Skelton Electrical!
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