The key to a successful build is more simple than you think

“The most successful builds we’ve had are the ones where everyone — the clients, the designers, the subcontractors — are all working together and on the same page,” says Daryl Hewitt, founder of DJ Hewitt Builders. Daryl has been building homes in the Christchurch area with the DJ Hewitt team for over 29 years, many of whom have been with the company for upwards of 10 years. In this time, Daryl has learned the incredible value of teamwork and, as such, aims to ensure every project team can collaborate successfully and effectively.

“Every client comes to me with different needs. Sometimes they’ll have a plan, sometimes they won't. For those clients who don’t have a section, we can help them choose a section and do the due diligence required to make sure it suits their needs. We then help them choose a designer or architect to work with, and from there we all work as a team together throughout the whole process.”

This process includes numerous meetings between Daryl, the client, the architect, and any relevant designers/subcontractors to discuss the client’s needs, wish list, and lifestyle. From these meetings, plans are drawn, budgets are confirmed, and the team prepares to start on the build. 

“The more time I spend with the client, the more I understand what is important to them, and  what they want to achieve. We then work to complete it to a high standard in a cost-effective manner, which is something we pride ourselves on as a company. We want to ensure it’s practical to build, and within budget, but ultimately still gives you that ‘wow’ factor,” Hewitt says.

The 25-strong DJ Hewitt team manages around five to six sites at any one time. Each site has its own foreman and, depending on the size and complexity of the job, a leading hand, a tradesperson, and two apprentices. Hewitt’s team is also available to consult on interiors, whether by contracting an interior designer, or using their in-house expertise. 

As the architects are contractors, and typically long-time collaborators, Daryl manages the relationships between client, designer, and site foreman to ensure everything runs smoothly. “Everything comes through me so I can take the stress away from the clients, and help stick to the budget as well,” he says. 

“The biggest thing for us is communication, so I like to sit with people and go through the plans so they know exactly what they mean, and what the lines on the paper are actually going to look like.”

Communication is key, not only between the client and the DJ Hewitt team, but within the team itself. This means that no matter what happens on site, Daryl and the office staff are available to provide solutions, liaise with clients, and bring in the expertise of engineers or architects when required. This is particularly important when the team encounters a situation that necessitates a change to the build approach or material spec.

As clients and architects are not always available to visit the site and check in on build progress, Daryl and the team go the extra mile to ensure visibility. 

“We take photos of the projects every week and email them through to everyone involved in the project. This means that even if the client is overseas, or they’re too busy for regular meetings, they’re able to be across everything that’s happening on site.”

Daryl’s main goal is to make the process enjoyable for both the client and his team. “It’s not just a job for us, we want to be here because we’re passionate about what we do, and that makes a big difference in the end product for everyone.”

Learn more about DJ Hewitt Builders.