96 | Off-site construction saves time and costs The Aflex Homes team works from its undercover build site in Westport, where several homes are always under construction at once. Aflex Homes T T Kelly Deeks “When we first started, it was quite shocking for people to see a whole house being transported on the road.” BUILDING Westport-based Aflex Homes is proving transportable housing is no longer just about affordability and speed, but also about quality and design. Managing director Hamish Grant says efficiencies gained from off-site construction mean Aflex can build homes faster and at lower cost, while ensuring the high quality his family-owned company is known for. Hamish has been self-employed in construction since he was 19, and with more than 18 years of building experience, he established Aflex Homes in 2010. That was before transportable homes really took off in New Zealand. “When we first started, it was quite shocking for people to see a whole house being transported on the road,” he says. “Now people are used to seeing one coming out of Westport almost every week.” The Aflex Homes team works from its undercover build site in Westport, where several homes are always under construction at once. That set-up creates major efficiencies, with subcontractors moving seamlessly from one home to the next without travelling around remote building sites. “We’ll often have four or five homes on the go at once,” Hamish says. “Builders can work side by side, gear and scaffolding can be moved just a few metres away, and subcontractors can walk out of one home and straight into the next.” Those efficiencies don’t just save time. They also save clients money. Off-site construction minimises delays, reduces waste, and avoids the damage and disruption that can come with traditional site builds. “With an on-site build you can get trucks bogged down and rubbish blowing across the property. A transportable is dropped off in one move, with minimal ground disturbance,” Hamish says. This year, Aflex Homes delivered its first modular home, a four-piece 180sqm build that was transported fully completed to Hokitika. “That was a real milestone for us,” Hamish says. “It shows you don’t have to have a normal-looking transportable home. You can design and deliver an architectural home, even with a garage, and have it put back together on site within hours, with no cracks or damage.” Aflex Homes’ motto is ‘customisable transportable homes, made easy’. Every home can be tailored to suit its owners, whether they choose a pre-built home, a flat-packed kitset, or something in between. Kitset homes are becoming popular with clients wanting to build larger homes that can’t be transported on the road, or who want to work with their own builder. Hamish and his partner Debra road-test many of Aflex’s designs by living in them with their family. A current project is a large modular home being trialed for both its livability and its transportability before being added to the Aflex range. “We’re always evolving with the market and improving our designs,” Hamish says. The company also focuses on sustainable material choices, recently switching to the Weathertex range of timber claddings. The product offers consistent quality, a zero-carbon footprint, and no added harmful chemicals. Ultimately, Hamish says, Aflex Homes is about delivering affordable quality. “We understand what clients really want is great service and a home they can be proud of, without hidden costs or unnecessary complications. “We’ve worked hard to perfect our process, and we’re just as excited as our clients to see each new home come together.” Proud to be local, we love what we do! TRT Builders is Buller’s premium construction company, offering complete residential and commercial building solutions. All projects are completed with a high level of workmanship, professionalism and client satisfaction. Kitchen & Joinery Specialists Commercial Building Residential Building Aluminium Joinery & Glass 03 789 8228 info@trtbuilders.co.nz www.trtbuilders.co.nz
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