Jason Ponder, of Tauranga-based Build Style Developments will be the first to admit that when he started the company three years ago, he had no clear expectations regarding how it would evolve.
On the other hand though, that founding began with a clear set of principles which he has never deflected from and never will.
“We are committed to creating the very best quality build for the projects’ budget, regardless of whether this is a high-end architectural design or not. I’m a stickler for standards remaining high and won’t pass the keys over until I’m satisfied that the home reflects the care and attention we have put into it throughout its construction,” Jason explains.
His timing into the residential building industry was perfect given the building boom was well established and he says there is no sign, in the part of the Bay of Plenty he operates in, of that pace slowing down.
All his team work under contract to the company, something Jason says has benefits for Build Style Developments and for the builders and tradesmen he engages.
Paul Dent, a qualified and licensed building practitioner, is his main contractor “It means that the carpenter, for instance, can do other work and can operate as a business in its own right.
“I try to help the young guys by teaching them how we operate the company and the standards we consistently achieve with an aim to try to set them up for a long-term career in building.” Two years ago Jason built his show home at 495 Gloucester Road, Papamoa.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home also serves as his home-base and he says when people visit, living in the home means he can talk from experience about its key features.
“I think because my family is living in the house, it doesn’t have that ‘staged’ appearance to it and visitors can see just how it looks and feels from being lived in which is a benefit,” Jason says.
A video posted on the company’s facebook page gives viewers an insight into all the special features the show-home has, including barn-style sliding doors, expansive and connected outdoor patio spaces, and a large walled fireplace with schist surround finished off with a 180-year-old eucalyptus mantlepiece above.
This year, like last, is very busy with building projects scheduled extending out 18 months and Jason’s pleased to be picking up more architectural work.
His sights are set in building more high-end bespoke homes in the future. Jason says he is keen to acquire more builders and apprentices.
“I really need another three builders right now but there is a huge shortage locally of highly skilled builders so we have decided to look off-shore through a few specialised recruitment agencies.”
With exciting developments, such as a waterways subdivision planned for Papamoa East in the not too distant future, Jason says the future is looking very positive.
He is currently working on a two-level 300qsm contemporary architecturally designed home at Gate Pa.
Featuring honed concrete block construction on the ground fl oor with a concrete mid floor and the top floor finished with gun metal aluminium cladding and Innowood soffit cladding.
For Jason, who prior to building worked as a commercial pilot, there is a sense of pride in Build Style Developments’ track-record to date.
“We are already getting repeat customers who have acquired new sections and come back to us for the build and that’s very satisfying.”
This article was brought to you in association with the following businesses…
- Evolution Kitchens
- Build Style Developments
