With exceptional attention to detail, ingenious engineering design and bespoke arrangement, it’s no wonder this beautifully crafted Kaiteriteri holiday home won the Renovation of the Year Supreme Award at the 2018 Marlborough & West Coast Registered Master Builder Awards.
In 2016, owners Lance and Anne embarked on
an incredible 14-month project with a view to transforming their 25-year-old
bach into a modern, functional and safe holiday home. However, understanding
the scope involved with such a complex renovation and in line with the fact
they live outside of Kaiteriteri, they decided the best way forward was to
engage Christchurch project management company Focus Project Services to
advise, manage and oversee the project from start to finish.
“We used Focus primarily because we didn’t have the time, or skill-set, to manage it ourselves,” said Lance.
“Anne had some great ideas as to what to do on-site, but we needed someone to liaise between us and the builder to effect it. Focus stepped in and provided the service we needed to get the work done.”
The process of transforming a simple family bach into a seven-bedroom, three-level oasis required sophisticated engineering procedures, innovative project management and precision building expertise.
They engaged Nelson building company Dan Anderson Builders Limited to help bolster the hillside property with the installation of large steel beams and columns throughout the lower-floor. This worked to support the large kitchen, bedrooms, dining and living rooms on the two levels above.
In addition, cantilevered support was created to support a large decking area and promote practical indoor-outdoor flow. Having this additional structural support has provided great comfort to the owners.
“They incorporated a lot of extra engineering and steel into the property in order to meet earthquake code,” explained Lance. “We feel so comfortable knowing we now have a strong and safe home on the hill.”
Dan Anderson, owner and director of Dan Anderson Building Limited, explained the complexity involved with the extensive excavations and engineering installments needed to relocate the three-car garage, which was originally at the base of the three-level structure.
“While it wasn’t too difficult a process, the renovations needed to be approached methodically as we worked our way around the home. We needed to ensure all the correct steps were taken so the job would be completed to a high standard,” he said.
Anderson credited the success of this inventive approach to the Focus Projects team, who he said took control of the administration and contractual side of the process. “I was more than happy to work with them like this – it meant that I could get on the tools and on with the job, rather than get bogged down with all the paperwork.”
He explained that the administrative support provided by Focus, such as managing the contract variations and cost control, meant he had more time to provide quality, detailed and efficient workmanship.
“The last thing I wanted to do after a hard day at work was to go home and spend hours in the office. Focus took care of all that. It was brilliant.”
Anderson was also impressed with the knowledge and practical support that Focus Projects offered him throughout the process.
“If I needed any technical advice or had any questions, I simply picked up the phone and called them. There was always great communication between us.”
Anderson further commended the support that Focus provided, which resulted in an efficient, cost-effective and complete service for all parties.
“They were always available on the phone and effected changes for us quickly when we needed them,” he explained. “At the end of the day, this saved on cost and time for both us, and the client.”
Lance agreed that Focus’ role as intermediary made for an enjoyable process and their collaborative approach made for a highly successful outcome.
“When Dan had a suggestion, he discussed it directly with Focus and they worked out whether it was logical and practical or not. It took the pressure off us to make every little decision, which was exactly how we needed it to be,” he explained.
Lance and Anne were equally impressed with the way that Focus managed the relationships between the builders and other sub-contractors and appreciated the efforts made to resolve any behind-the-scenes issues.
“It was such a smooth process,” explained Lance. “Building is such a complicated process these days but having someone handle the details for us - for example, dealing with the Council, plumbers, electrician and builders - made for a much better experience.”
“And if there were ever any minor, technical issues, we certainly were not aware of it,” he added.
Anderson said he and his team thoroughly enjoyed working on this renovation and that he wouldn’t hesitate to work with Focus again.
“Nathan and his team are very easy-going people, yet when they need to be serious, they get down to business,” he said.
“They are able to separate out the detail and provide the direction and advice needed to get the job done.”
As a client, Lance agreed and said he we would recommend the collaborative approach adopted by Dan Anderson and Focus Projects to anyone contemplating a building project.
“I would definitely use Focus because they take the hassle out of it all,” he said. “Everyone came together to complete a fantastic job - they were spot on,” he said.
“They finished on time and on budget, and with minimal fuss. We couldn’t be happier.”
