128 | Thriving on technical challenges Based in Sumner, they work around the city, and cover a range of services from new builds and renovations to commercial fit-outs. Sam Bradley Builders T T Rosa Watson BUILDING Christchurch firm Sam Bradley Builders has established a name for itself in being able to tackle any kind of project, no matter how technical. Based in Sumner, they work around the city, and cover a range of services from new builds and renovations to commercial fit-outs. They have carved out a niche in architectural hill builds and are experts in earthquake repairs. Currently, the team is working on renovations in Cashmere and Sumner. The Cashmere property is a 100-year-old home, 280sqm in size including a triple garage. It is much loved by the owners, so with their children now grown up and no longer living in the family home they felt it was time for a fresh take. “They wanted to put the energy into restoring the home back to its former glory,” says Sam Bradley. “We removed all the original ornate finishing timbers and carefully stored them so they can be reinstated, stripped all the original lath and plaster linings back to the original framing, replaced approximately 80% of the foundation piles, and replaced the original short-run iron roofing for new long-run roofing.” Work in renovations has grown in the past few years, Sam says. He puts this down to a lot of “big” reasons, one being the Covid lockdowns when people were spending a lot of time in their homes. “Since Covid, people were stuck in their houses and decided to keep what they have, rather than move.” Sam has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry in a variety of roles. Following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes he was recruited by Steam Group to manage Tower Insurance’s earthquake claims, which enabled him to learn more skills and develop his knowledge. He was then head-hunted by Trevor Hone and became general manager of Trevor Hone Builders, directly involved with the clients and providing seamless communication throughout their projects. When Trevor retired, Sam knew it was time to head out on his own. He held on to clients he had worked with under Trevor, including Middleton Grange School where he has been carrying out jobs for over 10 years, starting with earthquake repairs. “Since then, it’s been little extra bits and pieces that we’ve done.” The most recent project was renovating the school’s library, which Sam said was the most visually rewarding project, and also the most technically challenging. Large timber Zenthe screens used throughout the area were transported down from the North Island and it took the full SBB team to install them. It was hectic having to work around the school term with work crammed into school holidays. For Sam, every job is unique and offers new learnings. Nothing’s the same. Every job that you do, you are learning what you are doing.” All these years later he still has a passion for the job. “I just enjoy what I do. I enjoy building things with my hands, and I enjoy interacting with clients and the management side of it too.” He said this was reflected in the staff he hired. “That’s why I choose the staff I choose. They all get on pretty well and I think we all come from the same mindset.” There is plenty of work coming in and Sam aims to keep it at a manageable level so as not to compromise on quality. “Keeping what we are doing at a high quality. That’s the goal.” Phone Mark: 027 229 4421 Website: dyerdecorating.co.nz Email: dyerdec@xtra.co.nz Proud to support Sam Bradley Builders Ph: 3765322 | E: chcheast@laserplumbing.co.nz | W: www.christchurcheast.laserplumbing.co.nz Laser Plumbing Christchurch East - Your complete plumbing professionals • 24 hours / 7 days • Maintenance & Servicing • Plumbing • Gas • Drainage • Roofing Laser Plumbing Christchurch East is proud to work alongside Sam Bradley Builders.
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