Business South November 2026

104 | D&A Homes BUILDING BuildMe Dunedin Heating Commercial Residential Servicing Proudly Supporting D&A Homes Limited QUALITY ASSURED MASTER ELECTRICIAN 021 136 5847 office@outrightelectrical.com outrightelectrical.co.nz PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL PLACEMAKERS DUNEDIN & MOSGIEL 50 Burns St & 34 Carncross St Phone: (03) 466 4617 Email: orders.dunedin@placemakers.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING Stepping out on his own A current project currently underway is a 360sqm, two-storey residential house. T T Rosa Watson Skilled team in demand T T Virginia Wright After 20 years working in the construction industry, Christchurch-based project manager Dawood Hussaini took the leap two years ago and went out on his own — a decision that’s paying off. He started D&A Homes two years ago after taking on two projects that had been abandoned when the previous builder went under. “I had to finish them by myself, so it was not easy, but I managed to finish them,” Dawood says. While the circumstances were challenging, completing the projects provided Dawood with the opportunity to establish his own business. Two years on, D&A Homes continues to steadily grow. Today, Dawood is supported by a full-time quantity surveyor and works alongside an architect and suppliers to deliver residential projects. A current project currently underway is a 360sqm, two-storey residential house, designed around the clients’ desire for generous living spaces and a striking entrance — something that the client had particularly wanted. “The client asked for big living spaces, and an open high ceiling void at the entrance,” Dawood says. The build incorporates a mix of timber, stone cladding, metal cladding and plaster BuildMe Dunedin Ltd. specialises in renovations and house extensions, maintenance, recladding and remediating leaky homes. They provide comprehensive building solutions designed to meet their clients’ needs and are ready to tackle whatever problem solving is needed to achieve the desired result. Owner Rhys Heatley nearly started a building apprenticeship before deciding to go into the Police Force instead, and it was to building he returned some years later when he was ready for a change. He’d been building with a mate during his leave all the way through and it was a natural progression to become more formally qualified in various aspects of the construction industry while also working as a handyman doing maintenance and repairs. He gained both a Quantity Surveying and a Construction Management Certificate and qualified as both a Licensed Building Practitioner and NZ Certified Builder. In 2012 he changed the name of the business he’d set up for his maintenance and repair work to BuildMe Dunedin Ltd. and brought other, more experienced, builders into the company. As the jobs continue to flow the team has grown to its current size of 10 including Rhys, an office administrator, a nearly qualified apprentice, a part-time student and cladding, bringing together a range of materials and finishes. Dawood has been involved in construction “since I can remember”, with tiling previously being his main area of experience. Not one to sit still, alongside forming D&A Homes, he has achieved a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and runs a painting business. Since starting out on his own, he has completed two full renovation projects and is continuing to build his portfolio of work. For him, one of the main benefits of running his own business is being able to make a real difference for clients and help them achieve their dream homes. “I also gain more knowledge and experience through working on my own projects and making my own decisions. “Of course, it also comes with more responsibility, but I see that as a good opportunity to grow and develop my skills.” As with any new business, he says there have been plenty of challenges along the way, but having the right people around him has helped. “Having the right team around me has made a big difference. With good support, communication, and people with the right skills, we can work through the challenges and find solutions together.” six experienced carpenters. Rhys’s son Flynn, also a qualified carpenter, is currently learning more about the managerial side of things. Rhys’s time on the tools is limited as he primarily runs the business, making sure projects unfold smoothly, being the key contact for everyone on site and the client alike. Having taken time over the years to find the right people to join the BuildMe team Rhys now leads a skilled team of reliable and trustworthy builders and local subcontractors who bring their expertise to every project. Like Rhys himself they understand the need for attention to detail and set themselves high standards for the work they do. Along with the occasional new build the bulk of their projects are complicated renovations and extensions. BuildMe is also the Otago Regional Agent for Bowranda and Blinds. The team know what they’re doing and enjoy their speedy and efficient installation for clients who will themselves get so much enjoyment out of their newly covered outdoor area. “They’re good quality, very low maintenance, look great, and go up in a day or two depending on the size of it,” says Rhys. With years of experience behind him Rhys knows that renovations involve going into the unknown so, while he gives a detailed price for everything they can see and anticipate, he recommends a 30% contingency budget. Along with the occasional new build the bulk of their projects are complicated renovations and extensions. Contact Dawood on 027 384 8120 Specialising in Residential House Construction

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