102 | Silver Fern Construction Silver Fern Construction was involved in renovating the old BNZ Building in Timaru, converting it from a bank into a multi-use space Global experience boosts capability T T Rosa Watson Pleasant Point builder Gavin Smith has brought experience gained around the world to his Pleasant Point-based construction firm, enabling it to take on a wide scope of work. After six years living abroad in the USA, UK and Europe, where he gained valuable knowledge in shop-fitting, office fit-outs and high-end residential refurbishments, Gavin returned to New Zealand at the end of 2005. The following year he set up Silver Fern Construction Ltd, building new homes for housing companies including McRaeway, Platinum and Milestone Homes, or directly for the client. “I prefer working directly with the clients helping guide them through the process, hopefully making it an enjoyable one for them.” Following the Christchurch earthquakes, he was involved with repair work on a number of Catholic schools and churches between Ashburton and Timaru. “This was an interesting learning experience for me.” And as the rebuild ramped up in Christchurch, he spent time in the city specialising in exterior cladding, mainly weatherboard systems using James Hardie or Cedar. In 2017, he was involved in renovating the old BNZ Building in Timaru, converting it from a bank into a multi-use space. The project involved building a high-end apartment on the top level, shared office space on the mid-floor, retail on the ground floor and a beauty therapy facility, which was located in the former men’s toilets. A garage was also added onto the back of the building. The project was a privilege to have been involved in, Gavin says. “The owner showed trust in us to create something cool. This project has been a highlight in my career.” Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... He has since completed another office fitout and a holiday home for the same client. Another job has taken him to Wanaka for a shop fit-out for clothing company Mons Royale. And adding to his wide range of expertise, over the last couple of years he has also been involved in the construction of bridges along the Central South cycle trail between Timaru and Kimbell as it makes its way to Tekapo: “Another fun project to be involved with”. Currently, he is working on a four-house subdivision in Pleasant Point, with the first house completed and work starting on the next one soon. He also has a fun project coming up near Hanging Rock at the Maori rock art site carrying out a variety of jobs. “It’s beautiful up there so looking forward to working on that.” Gavin has kept the firm at a manageable level, using contract labour when required. Navigating the challenges of the Covid pandemic, which created supply chain issues and escalating costs, was a hugely challenging time for the business, but things have settled back down, Gavin says. “The last month or two has been a bit slow, but with elections done, temperatures rising and interest rates falling we are seeing more positive times ahead.” One of the biggest changes facing the construction industry is around health and safety and level of compliance, Gavin says. “This is a positive thing, but as a small operator it does consume a lot of time and energy. The red tape and bureaucracy certainly holds up productivity, but it’s there for a reason.” He says technology is helping in this area with different apps being developed to help meet health and safety requirements. KITCHENS LAUNDRIES INSTALLATIONS CUSTOM JOINERY Contact Craig 027-741-5141 | cbjoinery@xtra.co.nz cbjoinery.co.nz Select us for premium joinery solutions coupled with dependable advice and service. With competitive pricing and a track record of on-time delivery, we're your reliable choice for quality craftsmanship.
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