With the right builder, it’s all smooth sailing
When starting on the journey to a new home, before finalising plans, before even deciding on a section, people should first find the builder who will make it all happen, says veteran North Canterbury builder Rick Gordon.
Rick, the owner of Gordon Homes, says there are many pitfalls on the path to a dream home if people move ahead with a project before they’ve secured a good construction team.
Problems can start with a section poorly suited to the type of home wanted, continue with less than ideal positioning for sun and wind, and lead on to a series of delays if design ambitions aren’t matched by knowledgeable quoting or access to specific contracting needs.
With 20 years’ experience building exclusively in North Canterbury, Rick has seen the tides of the property market come and go. To stay buoyant, he has a longstanding team of high-quality contractors ready for projects of all kinds.
From rural homesteads and subdivision developments to shop fit-outs, hay barns and renovations of every manner, Rick’s portfolio is as broad and diverse as the region he serves, from the Waimakariri River in the south to Waiau in the north.
But more than local connections, what really sets Gordon Homes apart is the close contact and individualised support clients receive, Rick says.
‘‘I deal personally with every client from start to finish. I can help people find a section, pick the tiles they want, and I’ll be there on site when the work’s being done,’’ he says.
‘‘A lot of people I’ve built for have become good friends. I make sure they aren’t just getting a house but the home they want.’’
Gordon Homes also has a long involvement in speculative builds, creating houses ready for people to move into without delay.
These are sometimes for investors, who Rick says are often drawn to Gordon Homes for the company’s ability to source materials at discounted rates through decades-long relationships with suppliers.
Savings can easily amount to $10,000 or $20,000 by the end of a build, and these are passed on to the client, he says.
This month, Gordon Homes started work on a new spec build in Amberley, having secured a section in one of the region’s in-demand areas. Availability of such popular sites is diminishing fast, Rick says.
‘‘If people want to build a new home around here, they should find their builder first, get that relationship going and then move forward.
‘‘We’re can walk people through the whole process. We’ve got a great draftsman we regularly work with, really good subcontractors and I’ll go out and shop hard for the client to get them the best deal. And we’ll see it right through to the final landscaping,’’ he says.
For peace of mind, Gordon Homes is a Registered Master Builder, and Rick himself is a Licensed Building Practitioner.
To discuss your plans or find out more about Gordon Homes, phone Rick Gordon on 027 221 4340 or email him at rick@gordonhomes.co.nz.