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‘Working with Advance Build has been, in Maori terms, mīharo. It’s been a blessing.’
When David and Tracey Panapa began their Papakāinga housing project in 2022, they wanted to create high-quality, comfortable homes their whanau could enjoy for generations to come. They also wanted a simple, straightforward experience – without surprise costs, site chaos or project management to deal with.
And that’s exactly what they got with Advance Build.
“I’m 100% satisfied with Advance Build,” Tracey says. “I mean, the quality with the houses was second to none for us – they’re warm, healthy homes for our whanau. Nothing was a problem and if there was a problem, they were able to solve any issues.
“The experience was just wonderful.”
Expertise, experience and reliability
Since 2008, we’ve been helping clients design, build and manage their prefab housing developments. Clients have chosen to work with Advance Build because they want a project that’s:
- Delivered on time
- Cost-certain
- Less disruptive onsite.
Here, we’re going to give you insights into how some of our clients (like David and Tracey) have created their dream Papakāinga homes, why prefab is a quick, easy choice – and how Advance Build simplifies the entire process.
The speed and efficiency of prefab
Like David and Tracey, speed was a deciding factor for Ivan Hauraki and Paul Jongenelen. They were developing a Papakainga project in Kaikohe and say taking a traditional building approach would have extended the development by at least 18 months.
“The benefits of using Advance Build and…prefabricated homes [is] you can have two parallel work streams,” explains Paul. “So we could work on the infrastructure and at the same time, Advance is building the houses in the factory.”
Tracey agrees the quick turnaround from design to occupancy with Advance Build was an appealing factor when they were planning their Netana-Panapa Ahu Whenua Trust project.
“We started on the 28th of March and…it [took] 7 months to build 10 houses and five tiny houses,” she tells us.
The pace was possible, David says, thanks to offsite construction in Advance Build’s factory.
“Having a prefab home built offsite [means] everything’s under controlled environments,” he explains. “The elements of winter didn’t have any hindrance on the continuation of the build.”
A team who takes care of the project (and you)
For Ivan, the Papakāinga development “was always going to be a design and build – which Advance Build is. They had a very good product and that’s what we liked about it [and]…they supplied a project manager to do everything they were contracted to do.”
He says the Advance Build team was there from Day 1, sharing their expertise along the way.
“They were always part of the process, every step of the way,” Ivan says. “Right from sitting down talking about it [to] resource consent [which] they work through [with] Council. So that process worked well and then once the building part starts…it’s pretty easy. They just roll along until the end.”
David and Tracey also appreciated Advance Build’s professional approach to project management.
“From start to finish, we knew exactly what was going on as if we were here,” David tells us. “You know, I can’t praise them enough.”
Tracey agrees.
“Every Friday, we really looked forward to receiving the updates and then knowing they had already set out what they were going to do the next week. We didn’t actually have to be here because we knew everything was kei te pai!”
Taking the hassle out of projects
From concept to completion, Advance Build ensures a seamless journey. The experienced team manages every step along the way, including:
- Whenua assessment
- Feasibility studies
- Building consents
- Resource consents
- Design
- Construction
- Council approvals
- Code Compliance Certificates (CCC)
- Infrastructure
- Project management.
As Paul says:
“Right from the tender stage, to the contract, to completion – they deliver. They deliver in time, to the budget [and] to the expected quality. I would highly recommend Advance.”
Quality builds, standout service
There are a number of steps in your Papakāinga journey – and it can span over a few years. So when you and your whanau begin your Papakāinga project, you want a stress-free experience – and a development that lasts the test of time.
Ivan says Advance Build offered exactly that.
“People come in and look at this and they definitely think Advance Build is a good product,” he says. “You know, every time I had a problem, they’d sort it out…there was always a line of communication that was continuously open.
“I found it easy…[Advance Build] were a good company to work with. They’re always available and their product is one of the best.”
Paul says he also found the entire process straightforward – and the team proactive and transparent.
“There were no obstacles whatsoever,” he recalls. “We had a very good relationship with them [because] they do what they say. “I wouldn’t hesitate to use Advance again for another Papakāinga.”
Over in Kaihu (Northland), David likens their connection with Advance Build to one you’d expect in a whanau: simple and trusting.
“The relationships we’ve forged through this project – it’s like we’ve created a whanau atmosphere,” he explains, “because although it was a business transaction…they made things easier for us. We’ve had a great experience, [we’re] very happy and satisfied.”
The Advance Build advantage
Looking to start your own Papakāinga journey? A prefab housing project with Advance Build means:
- An efficient, time-certain build – no weather delays!
- Cost-certainty – by avoiding budget blowouts
- Hassle-free project experience, so you can enjoy the journey
- High-quality homes that will last for generations to come
- Customisable designs to fit your whanau’s unique needs
- An experienced, knowledgeable team in your corner.
Get in touch with the Advance Build team to discuss your Papakāinga project today.
