Two decades of superb building

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Building to a high standard is nothing new for Kuriger Builders (Tauranga) Ltd, which took out the national PlaceMakers Renovation under $250,000 award in the Registered Master Builders 2009 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers.

The company has entered the House of the Year competition in 16 of the 19 years since the competition began in 1991, taking out 51 awards. It has been a national finalist for the past five years, winning two national awards.
“We always aim to enter the House of the Year, not just for the company but also for our clients and staff,” owner/operator Conrad Kuriger says.
“Winning an award like this makes all the hard work worthwhile, and is a great morale booster for our staff.” 

Mr Kuriger knew from the word go that the project, an extensive internal renovation of a property in Tauranga, had the X-factor.
“It was one of those homes that had become outdated and needed a good spruce up. We could see it had potential, and wanted to give the home a modern feel, while retaining its character,” he says.

The final result not only impressed the owners, but also pleased the competition’s judges.
“This is a stunning renovation that has retained and enhanced the unique character of the home,” they said.
“The open plan living is exquisite, and the decking that wraps the existing weatherboard home has significantly enhanced the outdoor living areas.”

Mr Kuriger started the company in 1981, and now operates businesses in Taranaki and Tauranga. 
“I left school at 16 and have been in the building industry ever since. I contemplated being an architect or a maths teacher — but building won hands down,” he says.
“The most important thing I’ve learnt in my 37 years of building is that you can always aim higher.
“There will always be new products and new ways of doing things, and you can’t afford to get left behind.”

Mr Kuriger is looking forward to a busy year, and says the secret to his company’s success is making the building process a positive experience for clients.
“We spend a lot of time with our clients to ensure top results. Building a home is like a partnership — you need to understand your clients’ lifestyles and habits to know what design and products will suit them.”

With entries now closed for the 2010 competition, he has some words of wisdom for those thinking of entering next year.
“Give it a go — it’s a great way to test yourself against the competition and it pushes you to exceed your own standards.
“We’ve found that people always notice the awards we’ve won — for a small business it gives you great credibility, and shows the industry that you’re up there with the best.”

To view Kuriger Builders’ new showroom in Tauranga, visit its newly launched web site atwww.kurigerbuilders.co.nz.

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