Newsletter: Issue 23
Welcome to the latest edition of the Concept Monthly Newsletter. We hope you’ve all had a great month and enjoy this quick snapshot of what Concept has been up to on site recently.
It’s fair to say we’re living in interesting times. With Donald Trump making headlines overseas, fuel prices here in New Zealand have been climbing faster than we’d all like. Nicola Willis has advised that we currently have around 57 days’ worth of fuel available, so fingers crossed we avoid any major disruptions.
We’re already seeing how this uncertainty is shaping business decisions. Air New Zealand, for example, has started refunding flights booked more than six months out and adjusting fares to account for future fuel costs. It’s a sign of what may be coming across other industries — including construction.
As much of our building material and treated timber arrives by ship, fuel and freight costs can have a real impact on pricing. While some increases may be unavoidable, one thing we can promise at Concept is complete transparency. We’ll continue to openly share supplier pricing and cost changes, so our clients stay informed and supported throughout the build.
Ponga Road, Drury
Over in Drury, Ethan, Luke, and the team on site have been doing some great work, with close supervision from Cam, our Project Manager. The team has recently been busy installing the Western Red Cedar, which is now around 70% complete at the time of writing. With the garage cladding and a few minor areas still to go, it’s shaping up beautifully.
Ethan continues to do an excellent job delivering projects efficiently and on schedule, and this build is no exception. We’re on track to have carpentry completed within the next two weeks, after which the subcontractor works will begin — including internal linings, stopping, painting, bathroom fit‑off, and wardrobe installation.
All going to plan, we’ll be handing over the keys in around 10 weeks, and the finish is already looking well worth the wait.
Weona Place, Westmere
Over in Westmere, John, Patrick, Michael, Jack, and the rest of the team have done an outstanding job over the past month. A major milestone has been reached with the concrete slab poured, the ground‑level steel frame now installed, and timber framing well underway.
On this project, we’re stick‑building all wall frames on site, meaning each frame is built by hand by our own team. While this approach is slightly less economical than pre‑nailed frames, it delivers a far superior result. It allows our carpenters to control every detail — selecting each piece of timber by hand, checking quality, and making sure it meets our high standards.
Pre‑nailed frames, while very time‑efficient, are assembled off‑site by external suppliers, and they don’t always receive the same level of care and attention to detail. Given the high level of finish this home demands, the decision to stick‑build was an easy one — and the results are already showing.
Nelson Street, Howick
Over in Howick, we’re back on site for stage two with our amazing clients. Last year we completed a 50 m² extension, some internal reconfiguration, and a beautiful kwila deck, and it’s great to be back helping put the finishing touches on their outdoor space.
This stage of works has focused on transforming the backyard. Using our trusty little Yanmar excavator, we’ve levelled the site and constructed a small retaining wall along the boundary, creating the perfect setup for easy hedge planting and a lush lawn, which the client will be sowing themselves. We’ve also completed new stairs and a few final landscaping touches to really put the cherry on the cake.
The works also included boundary fencing, something we have plenty of experience with. Boundary fences do require neighbour cooperation, and while the ideal scenario is a 50/50 cost split, that doesn’t always happen. There are also regulations to consider, including a maximum height of 2 metres at the highest point. We’ve successfully navigated situations where neighbours haven’t quite seen eye‑to‑eye, sometimes requiring a bit of mediation along the way.
At Concept, we’re not just builders by trade — we’re also part‑time counsellors when needed, helping keep projects moving smoothly and stress‑free for everyone involved.
Claude Road, Epsom
It’s exciting to be on site with a new commercial project, as we continue to grow this side of the business while still delivering the high standard our residential clients know us for. This renovation is for the Arvida Retirement Village Group at their Epsom village.
The scope of works includes cutting a large opening in an existing precast concrete panel to allow for a new automated external door, along with the construction of a new server room, a new kitchen in the dining area, and renovations to an existing apartment.
As with any successful commercial project, health and safety and strong documentation management are key. In this case, we’re also very mindful that residents are continuing to live on site while works are underway. Cutting concrete isn’t exactly a quiet activity, so careful planning and consideration are essential to minimise disruption.
Pele and James have been doing a great job keeping the village management fully informed, and the team has quickly built positive relationships with residents — often sharing a cup of tea and a biscuit during lunch breaks. It’s great to see professionalism on site paired with genuine care for the people around us.
Closing words
That’s it for another edition of the Concept Monthly Newsletter. We hope you’ve enjoyed this wrap‑up of some of the exciting projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on over the past month.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our annual Concept Golf Competition this Friday at Takapuna Golf Course — an event we’re all looking forward to. Established in 2023, the silverware is ready to be engraved, and we’re excited to see who takes out top spot this year.
Wishing you all a great month ahead, wherever you may be. And remember, if you ever need professional construction advice, we’re only a phone call away.
Stay positive and keep testing negative,
HM
