High Country Carpentry

The demand for locally based, skilled carpenters who understand the climate conditions and environmental issues in the South Island high country is growing.

In the early 2000's a boom in the Mackenzie District saw larger building companies enter the market with little experience of the environmental extremes faced by our homes and their inhabitants. While these companies have adapted many of their practices and “off-the-shelf” plans for a best fit, there was still a large demand for local builders to build homes that they would stand-by in the years to come.

It was in 2005 that Lain & Heather Hellmrich established High Country Carpentry and bought together a specialised team of skilled tradesmen who lived, worked and played in the region. Today the company has a commitment to take on local apprentices and continue to not only build a legacy of superior homes, but also build the skills of the young men in the community.

Both from long-time families in the Mackenzie, Lain and Heather maintain a strong ethical foundation with their clients and are transparent and open about all they do Providing clients with the reliability and accessibility expected from a trusted local provider, they also work closely with local architects, designers, saw millers, and respected sub-contractors to create the best end-result for you.

Where possible they use locally grown Douglas Fir, Macrocarpa, and Larch timber. Use of stone, glass block, and other natural materials also add to the integrity of their buildings.

High Country Carpentry's building partners include: Placemakers, Stabila, Hilti, Hitachi Power Tools, Makita, Toyota, 1880 Cottagesand Natural Log Homes.

The High Country Carpentry team stands firm on the traditional values of respect and professionalism. 
 
Our team is tight and we pride ourselves on maintaining positive relationships with other skilled local tradesmen such as tilers, gib stoppers and plumbers. We work closely with these subcontractors to ensure they also work under our principals which include:

• honesty
• respect
• tidiness
• openness

...and a genuine enthusiasm for a good hard day's work.

Email:  lain@hcclimited.co.nz

Every building company has its own processes and High Country Carpentry is no different. What does single us out from our competitors will always be our…

• honesty
• professionalism
• integrity
• commitment

The steps below are a general guide to the processes we follow.

1. Planning
First, you get to know us, and our capabilities and we talk about your project. 
Whether you are renovating a single room or looking at building a one-of-a-kind high country station, we will listen carefully to every detail.

2. Building Design and Schedules
We will work together to develop plans, schedules and pricing for your project. 
If the project requires a skilled architect or draftsman we can direct you to a professional who is best suited to your needs.

3. Permits and Consents
Once a building agreement is signed, we will apply for permits, order materials and start scheduling subcontractors. 
You will be well informed as throughout the project we will meet with you to review progress and discuss the next stages. 

3. Site Preparation and Base
During site preparation, we bring in diggers to prepare the ground for building, rough-in the driveway and install electricity, water and waste-water infrastructure. 
Once these are in place the concrete slab is poured to form the necessary foundation.

4. FrameWork and Roof
The frame for your home may be built on-site or pre-ordered. Once up you will now be able to walk through the rooms for the first time and get a feel for your new space. 
The roof framing follows and roofing is installed to protect your building.

5. Cladding
The building is wrapped up and the cladding is attached. Your cladding choices may be brick, timber, baby iron or plaster render.
At this time the inside finishing also begins. 

6. Services
The services (power, water, phone etc) are connected by our subcontractors.

7. Finishing
The interior lining, gib stopping, painting, tiling, appliances and fixtures, lights and carpet are installed.

8. Inspections
One of the final steps include final building inspection, electrical codes of compliance, punch lists, clean up and landscaping. 

9. Landscaping
Completed landscaping and driveway will add the finishing touch and your home is ready for you to enjoy.

Building for the Climate and Environment

The climate and environment play a huge part in any project we undertake. The South Island of New Zealand is subject to weather extremes that can challenge some wider used materials and building principals.

In the McKenzie District alone we are surrounded by glacier-fed lakes, ski fields and national parks. The climate is one of largely dry temperate-continental one with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Our autumn is world famous for being a riot of colour, while spring sees wildflowers blooming.

Our warmer summer season is from November to February, with temperatures often rising above 30 degrees. In the cooler winter season, from June to September temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Celsius overnight, while on sunny winter days we see an average of around 8 degrees and regular snowfall.

Accounting for the variety of weather conditions, and relative lack of services due to our remoteness, building projects require great skill and dedication to ensure they maintain their integrity and blend with our environment.

Without exception, High Country Carpentry are the leading specialists in high country building projects. 

Living, breathing and playing in the same environment as its customers, the company understands the conditions and is not shy of being accountable to construct a legacy of homes and building projects that it can proudly stand by in the years to come.

Building, renovating and creating carpentry masterpieces don't happen without careful and considered planning and execution.
High Country Carpentry prides itself on maintaining traditional building values. These include a full understanding the following:
 

• Geography of Building
• Climate Challenges Faced
• Longevity and Durability of Materials
• Proven Building Techniques
• Sustainability of Services
• Energy Sources
• Environmental Challenges
• Intended Use of Building
• Future Development Options
• Owners Lifestyle

Our community is wholly important to us as a company and as individuals.

We grew up here, our children will grow up here and we look forward to seeing our grandchildren do the same. Along with building a legacy of superior homes in the region, and training and keeping as many skilled tradesmen in the area, giving back to the community is an important part of our ethos.

Listed below are just some of the projects/local initiatives we are very proud to support.  It's nice to give back!

• Mackenzie Rugby Football Club - Club Sponsor
• Mackenzie Ice Hockey Club - Club Sponsor
• Fairlie Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Annual Lions Charity Golf Tournament
• St Josephs School Fairlie
• Albury Primary School
• Lake Tekapo School & Bright Stars Community Trust
• Mackenzie College Tekapo Ten MTB Race
• Roncalli College First IV
• Jack Hellmrich - Trip to Minnesota with Canterbury Kiwis Ice Hockey Team
• Peggie Barnes - Trip to LA World Championships of Performing Arts
• Aoraki All Stars Ice Hockey Team Sponsor - International Pee Wee Tournament in Adelaide
• Fairlie Lions Opihi Gorge Bridge Rebuilding Project - Team Labour and Materials
• Fairlie 'Cockies Classic' Golf Tournament
• Ben Ohau Golf Club

New Homes and Buildings

We love building beautiful homes from beautiful materials and can help make your dream home come true. 

The process of building a new home or building always comes with its own challenges and is one that you need to be sure is done right at the outset. You need reputable builders that are prepared to stand by their workmanship for years to come.

High Country Carpentry have an enviable reputation in the MacKenzie and wider Canterbury areas and stand by all projects no matter what size.

Thinking of building a …

• new home
• farm building
• shed
• garage
• spa area
• swimming pool
• home extension

Home Renovations

Increasing the value and enjoyment of your home can be made easy and High Country Carpentry value your need for competitive, competent and timely service. 

Renovating an existing home is a long-held tradition in New Zealand and the sheer number of DIY and home makeover programmes on television attest to that. 

However having the vision, and perhaps a limited budget does not necessarily mean you have the skills to ensure the renovation is successful and will stand the test of time. 

You will need a skilled builder to help with any of the following ….

• door removals
• wall removals
• window replacements
• kitchen renovations
• bathroom renovations
• loft conversions
• verandahs
• fencing
• security
• home extensions

Carpentry Projects

High Country Carpentry comprises of a group of highly skilled craftsmen who deliver outstanding projects every time.

Carpentry is a skilled trade that is honed over years, and is work that is performed to construct items as large as buildings and as small as a desk of drawers.

If wood is involved, it is likely a carpenter is needed and these projects could include building ...

• bathroom cabinetry
• kitchen cabinetry
• outdoor living
• skirting boards
• architraves
• doors