80 | BUILDING T T Kelly Deeks Residential builds mirror commercial Bushnell Builders As Bushnell Builders delivers more high end architectural homes, the company prides itself on taking a proactive approach and providing the same level of reporting on residential projects as it would on commercial projects, Long-standing family construction business Bushnell Builders is using its tried and tested commercial construction processes to reduce risk for its high end residential clients, putting the company steps ahead of the game in this extremely competitive market. Bushnell Builders director Brad Austin says there are two points of construction which can define the outcome, being proactive or reactive. “For a positive outcome for both the builder and client, being proactive from budgeting, design, through to construction is critical in order to fix costs as much as able and avoid budget overrun.” Bushnell Builders is getting a lot of enquiry from the high end residential market and Brad thinks this is due to its commitment to planning and reporting from the start, with processes being used from its commercial construction side of the company and the many procedures it has in place to reduce risk. “We have had a steady flow of residential project over the past two years and are getting further projects over the line this year and 2024.” Bushnell Builders originally started in 1979, and now owned by Lance and Brad Austin, with a management team including senior QS Chris Duncan, QS Eliot Bushnell, purchasing and quality control manager James Neale, and financial controller Sally Latham, all long standing members of Bushnell Builders with more than 100 years of shared between the management team. “We are also one of the few companies which still hold a large work force of more than 30 staff, which helps when sites get to the busy stages,” Brad says. Bushnell Builders has long been a specialist in commercial construction, with a black and white design and build process, a significant proportion of negotiated building contracts, and open book pricing all resulting in better standards of subcontractor workmanship, greater flexibility to make design changes during construction, shortened lead times for design, and the builder’s input into the design process assisting buildability and cost savings for the client. As Bushnell Builders delivers more high end architectural homes, the company prides itself on taking a proactive approach and providing the same level of reporting on residential projects as it would on commercial projects, helping to reduce the risk and making for a smooth construction period which can be a stressful time for clients. . “We’ve ramped up communication to a weekly basis throughout the project. This reduces the client’s need to ask questions or query any part of the construction process. We are providing documents and reports every week, and subcontractor reports every week. “This reflects the commercial side of reporting however we believe every client deserves to know what is happening on their site and better yet, understand the way forward and the key goals set.” With this proactive approach, clients are encouraged to confirm their selections early, and everything is ordered far in advance of it being needed on site to save any cost increases between selection and ordering. Bushnell Builders has capacity to store materials for multiple projects, which also helps a smooth running project and a tight timeline as the builder never has to head off site while waiting for materials. With Bushnell Builders’ open book system, every item is talked through and confirmed with the client. Bushnell Builders recommends subcontractors, gets competitive pricing from them, and reports back to the client, then everything from subcontractor pricing to scheduling to the margin is all agreed between Bushnell Builders and the client. “Everyone is relaxed because everyone knows where they stand,” Brad says. “Our regular reporting increases accountability for all project members and makes for a positive construction process and outcome, which is the best result you can wish for.” 0800 556 551 info@brown-syme.co.nz • www.brown-syme.co.nz For the very best in Quality No job is too small or big Operating in Christchurch, Nelson & throughout the South Island P A I N T I N G C O N T R A C T O R S B r o w n Holdings Limited & S y m e Commercial & Residential Decorating • Wall Coverings • Speciality / Protective / Anti-Graffiti / Intumescent Coatings • Pool Painting Graffiti Removal • Historic Building Specialists • South Island Wide Proud to be a Member of the Bushnell Builders Team Interior Plastering | Skim Coating | Cove / Cornice New Housing | Renovations | Light Commercial 0212516128 mike@precisionplastering.co.nz 33 PHILLIPS STREET, P.O. 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