98 | BUILDING Jeff Dennison Builders THE WATERPROOFING COMPANY WE DO WATERPROOFING Dunedin - Otago Central Otago - Southland RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WATERPROOFING MEMBRANES THAT LAST 03 466 3076 | shaun@tituswaterproofing.co.nz | tituswaterproofing.co.nz 03453 5111 admin@salmac.nz www.salmac.nz Proudly supporting Jeff Dennison Builders INSULATION & ASBESTOS SPECIALISTS Since 1922. Diverse workload in Otago The company’s work includes residential renovations, commercial work, agricultural projects, school developments and contracts for government agencies. T T Russell Fredric Converting a former North Dunedin pharmacy into a modern laundromat highlights the adaptability that has helped Jeffrey Dennison Builders establish a diverse workload across Otago. Founded in 2016, the Palmerston-based company undertakes residential, commercial and rural construction projects throughout the region, with teams based in Palmerston, Dunedin and Oamaru. The business has expanded steadily while retaining the flexibility of a regional contractor. Owner Jeff Dennison has spent nearly 20 years in the building industry. Today, the business employs 15 staff and works across a broad mix of sectors, with commercial projects accounting for about half of its workload. The company’s work includes residential renovations, agricultural projects, school developments and contracts for government agencies. It has also developed experience in sometimes technically challenging refurbishments that adapt existing buildings for new uses. That experience was recently called upon in the conversion of an existing retail premises into a Lightning Laundromats outlet in North Dunedin. The project included some demolition, consenting requirements and substantial infrastructure upgrades before the laundromat could open. “Obviously we had to install all the drainage. The power needed upgraded because of the draw of the dryers and washing machines, and then there was gas installed, so there was a design involved for the gas install.” The fit-out also required concrete plinths and supporting steelwork for commercial laundry equipment. While the construction itself was relatively straightforward, the project required careful coordination to satisfy the regulatory requirements associated with the change of use. With the North Dunedin business is now operating, Jeffrey Dennison Builders has already begun work on a second Lightning Laundromats site in Caversham. The first project came through an existing client relationship and quickly led to more work. The company also undertakes Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice and corrections-related work, alongside residential and rural projects. That diversity has helped maintain a steady workflow at a time when demand for new housing remains subdued and renovation work forms a larger part of the residential market. East Otago’s coastal and rural communities continue to attract people looking for a lifestyle alternative while remaining connected to larger centres, Jeff says. “The area is really growing; we’ve got people moving here from all over New Zealand and all over the world. It’s close to Dunedin, Oamaru and close to Central Otago.” Palmerston, tractor con, Karitane, Hampden and Moeraki are all attracting homeowners looking to build, renovate or establish holiday properties. Improved connectivity has also made working from home a realistic option for many residents. Repeat business is built on communication and keeping clients informed throughout a project. “We go above and beyond to communicate and keep the client informed on what’s happening. We give them reports and updates on where progress is at and how things are tracking on their jobs.” That approach has become a significant source of ongoing work for the business. “We look to create lifetime personal connections with our customers, and I think that’s where we get a lot of our repeat work from.”
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