126 | Trent Builders “There’s a clear trend in residential design for smaller houses, more intricately designed and with greatly improved technological elements. such as central smart home computer systems, air-quality monitoring and purifiers, enhanced security and sustainable insulation...” BUILDING Dynamic company handles diverse projects T T Hugh de Lacy New homes are getting smaller, making better use of available space and becoming technologically more sophisticated, according to Richard Trent, whose company Trent Builders is thriving in the challenging Christchurch market for new residences. With a client list covering a range of housing sectors, and including renovations, additions and insurance work, Trent Builders has grown out of the devastation caused by the 20102011 earthquakes to become a significant player in the city. The company is currently in the process of completing a pair of three-bedroom, two-bathroom stand-alone houses in the Christchurch suburb of Somerfield, while at the same time working extensively for the likes of Ryman Healthcare. Richard runs a staff of 20 tradespeople completing 15 or 16 projects a year, with Will Duncan serving as project manager. “We cover a lot of different sectors within the wider residential construction market, working under contract for a range of individual and corporate clients – a spread which has allowed us to keep our order books full despite the very obvious current downturn in the construction industry,” Richard says. “We haven’t really been affected greatly by the downturn, but we’re very aware of the state of the market and the importance of our versatility in responding to it.” Richard started in the industry in 2001 with a pre-trade course in Christchurch before going on to complete a carpentry apprenticeship with Ultimate Homes, coming out of his time in 2004. He celebrated with six months of “working to party,” as he puts it, in Australia before putting that behind him to take up a leadership role as foreman with Whyte Construction back in Christchurch. He had started out as an independent contractor in 2009, building two homes for family under contract, and establishing his credentials as a sole trader. “Then the earthquakes hit, everything was turned upside down, and I found myself working first for Fletcher EQR, then Vero and AA Insurance on earthquake repairs. After that I picked up some private residential work, established the company and grew it from there.” While it doesn’t do spec housing, Trent Builders offers its varied clients design services through its association with Christchurch firms MCD Architecture and Splice Designs. “There’s a clear trend in residential design for smaller houses, more intricately designed and with greatly improved technological elements such as central smart home computer systems, air-quality monitoring and purifiers, enhanced security and sustainable insulation, all of which require a wider range of skills from the builder,” Richard says. Like other builders he had a little trouble with labour shortages over the boom period of the short-lived recovery from the Covid epTrent Builders offers its varied clients design services through its association with Christchurch firms MCD Architecture and Splice Designs. idemic, but the industry downturn has meant that “there is a lot more labour available now,” he says. Having a workforce that can turn itself to any project within the residential construction sector has ensured Trent Building’s survival during the worst of the recent downturn, and though Richard has yet to see the sprouting of any green shoots in the industry he’s confident it will happen. Smarter | Faster | Better • Site level survey • Setout survey • Building Location Certificate • Resource Consent Application • Subdivision Proudly supporting Trent Builders 0800 FACTION (322 846) www.faction.nz info@faction.nz innovationzelectrical.co.nz Like us Commercial Residential Solar Data Heat Pumps Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT...
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