100 | Family home builds the preference CKH Construction is working towards smarter building practices, from waste management to material selection. CKH Construction T T Kim Bowden BUILDING In a region where there are plenty of multi-million-dollar architectural projects for builders to chase, Curtis Hogg of CKH Construction is carving out a different path. He’s focusing on entry- to mid-level spec homes for families in Wānaka, Luggate, and Hāwea, with an eye on stepping up the ladder in time. “We haven’t done a big bloody house on the side of the hill that takes two years to build,” he says frankly. “But we enjoy building for families. We’ve been doing a lot of the entry- to mid-level spec, with the trajectory to try and target the higher-end homes one day. You need to cut your teeth and do it in stepping stones – you don’t just come into the market and do one of those jobs.” Curtis returned home from Australia in 2017, initially working as a sole trader before formally launching his business in 2020. Today, the company employs a team of eight, typically running three projects at a time. Curtis now spends more of his days on project management: scheduling, working with sub-trades, and liaising with clients. His crew has a strong team culture, which sets it apart, he says. There are three apprentices at different stages of training, as well as carpenters ranging from their late 20s through to near retirement age. “The older heads, even for me as a business owner, have seen a lot more than I have,” Curtis says. “We can all learn from them. But the younger guys bring the energy and fitness. You need that balance.” Curtis cares about his crew and is outspoken about the mental health challenges facing the construction industry, noting grim suicide statistics among tradespeople under 30. The CKH Construction team were encouraged to take part in the ‘Turn the Corner’ mission organised by fellow tradie Glen Thurston that had them scaling Corner Peak in Hāwea to raise awareness of the issue, and Curtis is part of a builders’ coffee group in Wānaka that meets monthly. “As business owners it can feel overwhelming, like you’re out there by yourself,” he says. “Now we’ve got a space to share ideas – whether someone needs more work, has had issues with certain products, or just needs a chat. It’s about changing that old culture where builders didn’t open up.” Sustainability is another focus for the company. CKH Construction is working towards smarter building practices, from waste management to material selection. “We’re trying to think about the end of life of a product,” Curtis says. “In 50 years’ time, will it just end up in landfill, or can it be recycled? That’s a big goal, but one we want to keep striving towards. We want to be part of the solution, not the problem.” Flexibility with clients rounds out the offering. Some homeowners want regular updates and hands-on involvement; others prefer to step back. Curtis adapts to each. “Everyone is different. Part of my job is to gauge what level of communication they want and meet them there.” Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? 027 696 0604 conan@macklinplumbing.co.nz www.macklinplumbing.co.nz curtis@ckhconstruction.co.nz +64 27 200 4056 ckhconstruction.co.nz
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