116 | Straightup, quality service Craig’s interest in building began as a teenager in Brisbane, prompting him to enter the industry straight out of school. Central Built T T Kim Newth BUILDING Central Built has a growing reputation for straight-up, quality service in Balclutha and the wider Otago region. Based in Balclutha, Central Built is equipped for building projects both small and large, with services ranging from new homes and renovations to sheds and landscaping. Owner operator Craig Johnston, who has over 10 years’ building industry experience, has a passion for providing reliable service and giving clients clarity on what to expect, including timelines and costs. Craig’s interest in building began as a teenager in Brisbane, prompting him to enter the industry straight out of school. Soon after that he moved to Christchurch to complete his apprenticeship with Pearson Building Services, gaining experience on high end architectural homes and earthquake damaged renovations. “I moved to Christchurch in January 2015 because it was a better opportunity with better pay. I was actually working with my uncle; it was great experience to be on the tools every day and learning how things worked on site. My BCITO training advisor started coaching me in the foreman role because he could see how much I enjoyed looking after people.” After finishing his apprenticeship, Craig began working with another Christchurch-based building company and ran their Central Otago team for three years, before launching Central Built in 2021. Craig and his partner moved to Balclutha to be closer to family there. Today, Central Built services clients across Otago, from Roxburgh to Ranfurly. Craig has one full-time employee and fosters good working relationships with reputable local subcontractors and suppliers. For example, Central Built sources window products from Fairview South Otago, which has been providing high quality aluminium joinery to local home owners and builders for over 25 years. “In turn, when Fairview need someone to put windows in, they will approach me to do that, so it works out well for both of us.” Last year, Craig fulfilled a long-held dream to build his own home. The beautiful two-storey home, on a south-facing site in Balclutha, was designed and built with care using a split level plan. The sun-soaked upstairs living area enjoys sweeping views of the Clutha River. Referrals from industry colleagues have led to a number of other special projects for Craig, such as building a gorgeous twin-gable style weatherboard home in Roxburgh, complete with beautiful decking. Built over a six month period, this stylish three-bedroom home was finished on site in April 2024. Currently underway for Central Built is another new gabled home in rural Ranfurly. At the time of writing, building was advancing well with windows about to be installed. Another recent project involved renovating school toilet facilities at Kaitangata Primary School, with old bathrooms stripped out and replaced with new flooring, wall linings, toilets and basins. “We have been doing a lot of residential bathroom renovations in Balclutha too. When everything is lined up and organised, you can go from having an old bathroom to a fully finished new bathroom in around two weeks.” Meanwhile, starting soon on a Balclutha site is a new spec home that Craig plans to open as a display home for Central Built, which will showcase their skills, capabilities and all that they offer. “When Fairview need someone to put windows in, they will approach me to do that, so it works out well.” Call Peter Gray now on 027 417 8075 for a no obligation free measure and quote. We’ve been providing home owners and builders across Otago and Southland with high quality aluminium joinery for over 25 years. If you want helpful, experienced advice and customer focused service, call us first! • New aluminium windows & doors • Conservatories • Retrofit double glazing • Glass showers • Glass & aluminium balustrades • Glass splash backs admin@sowd.co.nz www.fairviewsouthotago.co.nz SOUTH OTAGO 03 417 8264 Hanlon & Partners are proud to support Central Built
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