National judges looking at homes

This year’s National Gold Reserve Finalists have been announced and builders will now vie for New Zealand’s top building honours in the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2012 House of the Year.

Matamata’s Gudsell Designer Homes Ltd are in the running for a home in Matamata in the New Homes $250,000-$350,000 category.

Representing the top entrants in this year’s competition, the Gold Reserve Finalists were selected from Gold Award winners in the 12 regional competitions throughout New Zealand during July and August.

They will now contend for the esteemed PlaceMakers Supreme Awards for the House of the Year and the Renovation of the Year which will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on Saturday, November 17 at the Langham Hotel.

Registered Master Builders Federation Chief Executive Warwick Quinn said the competition continues to showcase the country’s best builders.

‘‘These builders are the cream of the crop in the construction industry today. Our builders take a lot of pride in their work and this is reflected in the outstanding workmanship and quality of the homes in the competition this year,’’ Mr Quinn said.

PlaceMakers chief executive John Beveridge said he was delighted to support the competition in its 22nd year.

‘‘I would like to congratulate all of the Gold Reserve finalists for an outstanding achievement,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s important that we, as an industry, celebrate success and advocate for building excellence at every opportunity. It’s a privilege to be involved and associated with the best of the best.’’

The finalists’ new home builds and renovations will now be re-judged over the next few months before the National Category, Lifestyle and Supreme Award winners are announced in November.

The Awards are made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, James Hardie, Gib Living Solutions, Nulook, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Future-Proof Building and Master Build Services Ltd.