Hayden Burke, director of Bay of Plenty based building company Fenton Building Ltd started in the trade as soon as he left school as a 17-year-old. The business is named after Hayden’s grandfather Fenton Burke.
Hayden established the company in 2015, concentrating on the mainly high-end market for architecturally designed new builds, extensions and renovations.
“We especially wanted to target renovations. It is more demanding often than a new build and you need to have very good carpentry skills as you are dealing at times with the unknown and having to problem-solve as you progress,” Hayden explains.
Fast forward 3 ½ years from its founding and Fenton Building Ltd now employs 8 carpenters. It’s a size that fits well with the number and nature of projects Hayden takes on.
“We have four qualified and four apprentices in the team. The apprentices attend polytechnic and I find this system works well for them, putting practical into theory. I think the pathways in the trade work well for those keen to work hard, put in the effort.”
With this number in the team, work life is usually characterised by one large project and two smaller ones running concurrently. A recent major project at Te Puna occupied almost two years for Hayden and the team.
It involved firstly doing some minor renovation work to the existing 70’s brick and fibre-cement substantial country home followed by building a stunning two level new wing.
Hayden says Architectural Designer Mike Fergus, of Tauranga-based Insignia Design, did an amazing job interpreting the owners wishes to see the somewhat weary brought into a more contemporary era, while still retaining its character.
This was achieved in part by being loyal to the original home’s extensive use of brick in the new design.
“It was a pleasure to work on this project. Renovation work, when the owners are living in the property, requires a very high level of communication and respect. I’m proud of what we have built; it’s a very beautiful home.”
Another project, underway since early April, in Muricata Avenue, just off Tay Street, Mt Maunganui has seen an original bungalow stripped back to bare framing.
Designed by architect John Henderson, the situation of the home on its section means it captures daylight throughout the day. An extra 23sqm is being added to the original footprint and Hayden says the architect has done a great job.
“Originally we were going to try to use the existing sub-floor but in the end we ripped it out and started from scratch. “There is some steel work to incorporate and it will be finished September.”
When asked about plans to evolve the business further Hayden is adamant he’s happy with the size and range of services he offers.
“I project manage on all the sites and I have to give credit to my team who I can’t speak highly enough of. I make it my job to look after them all and we have a very good culture in place.”
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This major renovation/new build project at Te Puna occupied almost two years for Hayden and the team.
