| 87 T T Kim Newth Firm’s versatilility to the fore in Wānaka McKay Brothers Building is responding to buoyant demand in Lake Hāwea, building for their own clients as well as for group home companies. McKay Brothers Building BUILDING Founded in April 2021 by Joseph and Lucinda McKay, McKay Brothers Building Ltd has rapidly evolved into a versatile construction business providing quality new home and residential renovation services in Wānaka, Lake Hāwea and surrounding areas. Joe’s 20-year career in building spans a wide variety of projects from group homes to high end residential in both Auckland and Wānaka, while Lucinda brings a background in economics, finance and project management to her role of general manager at McKay Brothers Building, (also balanced with ongoing work in commercial banking). “Three days before we launched our business, we’d just welcomed our second child and decided, as you do, that it would be a great time to go out on our own,” says Lucinda. “We knew we had the right mix of knowledge and expertise to succeed and were ready for our next challenge that also gave us more work/life balance. As Joe describes it, he hits the nails and runs the boys and girls, and I do everything else!” The couple have carefully managed strong growth in their business since 2021 and currently have 13 contractors working for them, organised into several crews. “For us, the number of contractors we have now feels right for what we want to do for the projects we want to focus on. We have a fantastic, long standing crew which makes life easier. Each site operates with a foreman and a leading hand and usually one or two apprentices, depending on the size of the house being built.” In the new home market, McKay Brothers Building is responding to buoyant demand in Lake Hāwea, building for their own clients as well as for group home companies. In Wānaka, they are seeing strong market interest in home renovations and extensions. Having previously worked as a builder in Auckland for 12 years, Joe has a lot of experience in complex home alterations. “Home renovations are a particular passion for us and we have three lined up over the next six months. Compared to a routine new build, renovations can be challenging and intensive, but Joe really thrives on problem solving to get the best results.” One recent notable project involved gutting and rebuilding a 1970s-era bach at Johns Creek near Lake Hāwea with a new extension and a large front deck. “What a special place this ‘new’ old place will be!” Lucinda and Joe foster a positive company culture, based on openness and a genuine passion for the industry. “With a lot of builds on tight timeframes it can be high stress, so you need to be able to have honest conversations.” In winter, there is flexibility for schedules to be rearranged to allow for time off to go skiing or snowboarding on big snow days. “All our crew are here for the lifestyle and we respect that.” With five apprentices on the team, the company is making a big contribution to the future of the construction sector and career progression is actively encouraged. Having built a reputation for reliability and with strong local networks, McKay Brothers Building anticipates another busy year ahead in 2024. INTERIOR PLASTERING / GIB STOPPING 0210 2793 648 WWW.ASPIRINGINTERIORS.CO.NZ CLEANWORK SITES • ARCHITECTURAL BUILDS • RENOVATIONS FAST & EFFICIENT • MACHINE TOOLS • ATTENTION TO DETAIL ASPIRING INTERIORS Earthmoving site excavation – rock walls – landscaping driveways feature rocks – top soil – gravels Mobile: 021 832 253 Email: nic@diverseworks.co.nz Proud to be associated with McKay Brothers Building Proud to support McKay Brothers Building ph (03) 443 2344 | a: 4B Venture Crescent, Wanaka www.lakewanakaelectrical.co.nz
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