114 | Russell Lilley Construction T T Rosa Watson Firm integral to Rolleston’s growth The team is on track to complete all six dwellings in six months. BUILDING In the fastest-growing town in the country, Russell Lilley Construction has been a key player in building housing to meet the burgeoning demand. The firm has been operating in Rolleston since the mid-1970s, and was heavily involved in construction of the original Rolleston township. Company founder Russell has since been involved in numerous developments in the township. Its main line of work is in new-build housing, along with a number of kitchen and bathroom renovations, decks, and extensions. There are currently three licensed building practitioners and two apprentices on the staff, as well as a handyman. While Russell is still involved in the company, he has recently taken a step back, with site manager Colin Lee now the first point of contact for clients and responsible for the day-to-day running of the company. Colin has been with the company since starting out in the trade, completing his apprenticeship with Russell in the late 1990s. The company’s latest project in the township is six two-storey townhouses at 30 George Street. he aim of these is to provide more affordable housing in Rolleston without compromising on quality, Colin says. The team is on track to complete all six dwellings in six months, which Colin says was helped along with the use of the FPS (frame protection system) wrap system that allowed an early close-in. “We currently have painters inside on the first three (units) due to not having to wait for exterior cladding to be installed. The units are proving popular with one already sold and one under offer. The rest will go to market shortly. The firm is also building a 440sqm Italian-style house, featuring 4.7-metre-high ceilings through the living area. The unique project was providing plenty of challenges for the team, Colin says. “It has been a bit of a head scratcher at times, but it great to see it coming along and nice to be building something outside the box.” There are also three duplex developments at various stages of completion. On these, the company offers a start-to-finish service, he says. “That is securing the land and full consent and subdivide process, and we finish by planting gardens and sowing lawns, and we put the client in touch with a property manager to rent them out. These offer a great investment opportunity for buyers.” Another recent renovation project was converting the old managers’ units above the Rolly Inn tavern into a function room. Colin says the firm sets itself apart with its quality customer experience. “We like to think we provide a nicer building experience than people who go with the group- housing companies where you are just a number. (With us) nothing’s a problem.” The firm has built strong relationships with other businesses in the district, he says. “Myall & Co do all our subdivide and conveyance work, (and) AC connections have been our electricians as long as I can remember.” They also use Rolleston-based Anderton Decorators, and Tamou Contracting that has just started the panel and plaster at the George Street development. These are valuable relationships to the firm, Colin says. We try to stay loyal to our subcontractors.” Colin sees Rolleston continuing to grow into the future and demand for housing growing. “We will keep on doing what we do.” To help keep up with demand he would like to see it made easier to get developments and builds off the ground. “We do get wrapped up in red tape often with the council, and it would be good if the process could be streamlined a bit, which I believe the Government is trying to do.” 03 377 3603 Derek Scott 0274 323 646 James Anderson 0274 348 189 C o n n e c t i o n s Proud to be involved with Russell Lilley Construction MASTER ELECTRICIANS Your Exterior Plastering Specialists 0276 303 203 corey@tamoucontracting.co.nz www.tamou.co.nz LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONERS Building confidence frameprotection.co.nz CARRY ON INTERNALLY TO COMPLETION WITHOUT ANY EXTERIOR CLADDING
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