11th June 2019
Reference From: Mike Cox
Body Corporate Representative
41 -53 Nairn Street Project
Completed by Strait Construction Ltd.
I am a member of the Body Corporate committee and a resident owner of one of the 20 townhouses within a development at Nairn Street, Wellington. The complex is approaching 20 years old and the Body Corporate carried out an extensive external refurbishment including structural work and upgrading of external decks and fixtures.
The construction work was designed and put to tender byarchitectural consultants.I was directly involved, together with the other Body Corporate Committee members, in the project brief and the tendering process.
After comprehensive evaluation of the tenders, the submission from Rob Paulin of Strait Construction was selected. Their submission was the most comprehensive and demonstrated a good practical knowledge of the project requirements.
In their role as main contractor, Strait effectively coordinated the many different trades required by projects of this nature. They worked collaboratively with the architectural consultantsand other professionals.Steve Ryder of Strait was the site manager. He handled all the on-site day-by-day activitiesin a very competent and effective manner.
To minimise disruption, Strait carried out the construction work in a staged manner, so that, when some units were being worked on, others could be occupied. This reduced the time that most units were required to be vacant. Strait went out of their way toenabletwo resident owners to remain in their units for the duration of the project.
Strait organised regular fortnightly on-site meetings throughout the project, which I attended. Rob Paulin produced meaningful progress reports for these meetings, and issues were discussed openly and in detail.
Whilst the two-year duration of the project was a bit longer than originally estimated, a large number of issues were unknown before construction work started. There were also considerable bad weather delays. A budget for the project was developed by the Body Corporate committee, based on Strait’s cost estimates and applying a reasonable contingency. The project came in below budget.
Throughout the project, I was pleased to see Strait’s focus on the longevity and durability of their work. Overall, the external refurbishment of the 20 townhouses was completed to the owners’ satisfaction and within a justifiable timeframe.
In my view, RobPaulin and Strait Construction carried out a difficult project in a professional and cooperative manner. Based on my experience with this project, I would very definitely recommend Strait to other owners and Body Corporates for properties needing skilled construction work.
Mike Cox
Re Strait Construction
Strait Construction was engaged to provide Carpentry and Project Management services for the building of Amethyst Court Motel, a 32 room motel in Porirua.Throughout the project Strait Construction were professional and understood what was required to manage and deliver a project of this type and size, on time and in budget. Strait Construction always took pride in their workmanship.
During the process communication was open, honest and timely. They were able to effectively communicate changes and issues that presented during the project offering workable solutions and options, while still managing the day to day operations and keep the project on track.It was evident the Rob possessed good leadership and the necessary technical knowledge required to deliver on a project of this type. I enjoyed working with Rob and would have no hesitation in recommending Rob and Strait Construction for a project.
Darren Young
Mike Cox
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Strait Construction was responsible for converting the Pauatahanui Community Hall into a twin auditorium cinema and café. The hall was stripped internally, reformatted and extended to accommodate the café, kitchen and ticketing facilities. The work was challenging due to the age of the existing building, its proximity to a stream and a history of flooding in the basement. Strait Construction Ltd contributed to the project in many ways, progress on site was professional and they completed the project to a high standard, on budget and on time.
We would not hesitate to use Strait Construction Ltd on future projects.
Regards,
Philip Reidy and the Management Team
Light House Theatre, Pauatahanui PORIRUA