Business South May 2016
BUILDING » G.L. Stevenson Builders
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Great staff, loyal clients firm’s forte Retaining good staff, many who have remained after completing apprenticeships, and building a loyal client base, have contributed to the longevity of Dunedin firm G.L. Stevenson Builders. G.L. Stevenson Builders are specialists in renovations in Dunedin, Otago and Central Otago. The company also undertakes commercial and new housing projects, particularly when quality is a consideration. Owner Graham Stevenson says among the company’s 15 staff are three apprentices, with his four sons also working in the business. “I’ve been in business for over 30 years and I’ve built up the business with apprentices that I’ve taken on. Most (qualified builders) have probably served their apprenticeship with me. Most of them have stayed; it’s just the team environment we’ve got and the sort of work we do.” The company incorporates an on-site joinery factory which enables streamlining of building projects, with the added bonus of being able to take on joinery work for other builders. The company offers a complete range of kitchen, bathroom and timber joinery, laundry fitouts, home theatre cabinets, walk in wardrobes and office fit outs. Graham agrees that today’s kitchens are often a big feature of a house, designed to impress as well as being highly functional. “Normally people want to go all out on a kitchen, which is a good selling point; they are normally the wow-factor when you walk in to a house.” The wide variety of work contracted to the company includes architecturally designed houses, alterations and renovations. Because alterations are completely different to a new build, the skills and knowledge required are also different, particularly on older houses where there are potentially many variables. “Whoever does the design can’t predict everything that you strike in an alteration, whereas with new work you can virtually work off the plan
word for word; in fact that’s what we’ve got to do anyway.” Word-of-mouth referrals, being prepared to do small jobs, a focus on quality, and developing good relationships with clients, designers and suppliers have also contributed to the business’ longevity, Graham says. During the past three years he has seen a trend towards the company building new architecturally designed houses. An example is two 380sqm, three-level houses, built next to each other in Arthur St central Dunedin, designed by McCoy and Wixon Architects; the 16 month project was started in 2014 and completed late 2015. The houses feature lifts, Granosite textured coating on the exterior, and all joinery is manufactured by G.L. Stevenson. “The sites were pretty challenging, they were quite steep and we had to put mass concrete piles underneath the footings.” Dunedin’s residential building market is presently “really busy”, Graham says. “The Dunedin market’s changed. A lot of people want to build a new house now, to get the quality, the insulation and everything else that you get with a new build. A lot of the people we build for are taking down old residential buildings and starting again using the site.” An large commercial project involved the renovation of apartments and rest-home rooms for Ryman Healthcare Dunedin; more than 50 resthome rooms were renovated, while the upgrading of apartments continues as they become vacant. As a member of the Certified Builders Association of New Zealand, (CBANZ) G.L. Stevenson Builders offer a 10 year Home First Guarantee for new builds and alterations. CBANZ represent a nationwide network of trade qualified builders who meet the highest of industry standards. Membership means G L Stevenson Builders must adhere to strict guidelines for achieving the highest possible standard in both workmanship and business practices to maintain this certification.
Brett Reid Registered Electrician
021 422 006 5 Quarry Road Mosgiel 9024 brett@brettreid.co.nz
Two architecturally designed, three level town houses built by Dunedin company G.L. Stevenson.
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Russell Fredric
JAMES WREN & CO LTD Painters & Decorators Contracting • Painting, Decorating • Solid Plastering
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ALMAC DRAINAGE AND EXCAVATION LTD Ph (03) 453 3129 www.directroofing.co.nz • Free Measure & Quote • New Roofs • Re-roofs • Repairs • Wall Cladding
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