Post-earthquake quality shines through with national award

Media release: Milestone Homes Canterbury’s post-earthquake quality shines through with national award

A Canterbury building company’s commitment to quality and expert craftsmanship in the wake of the region’s post-earthquake building criticism has been recognised at the Registered Master Builders 2016 House of the Year award.

Milestone Homes Canterbury received the PlaceMakers New Home Category $400,000 - $500,000 award at the Supreme Awards gala dinner in Auckland, which was attended by more than 500 guests from the building and construction industry.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be recipients of this award,” says Milestone Homes Canterbury director Nigel Smith. “It’s also a landmark moment for Milestone Homes, as it’s our first-ever national award.

“I am very proud of what we've achieved. These awards prove the incredibly high standard of our workmanship, and that we have great systems and procedures in place. Of course, this is a team effort and big thanks must go to the whole Milestone Homes Canterbury team and all sub-contractors.”

Built in Redwood, Christchurch last year, the modern 261sqm home features an open-plan living-kitchen-dining area, plus a second lounge, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It also has a three-car garage.

But its most striking feature is the circumstance in which it was built – the award-winning home was constructed for Southern Response as an insurance replacement, following the ongoing earthquakes in Canterbury since 2010.

Southern Response is the government-owned company responsible for settling claims by AMI policyholders for Canterbury earthquake damage which occurred before April 5, 2012.

In January it was announced the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has about 5500 second-time repairs to carry out on Canterbury homes because of poor workmanship, failed or incorrect repair strategies, scope omissions and new damage.

The Milestone Homes’ rebuild was one such project, however, was not included in these second-time repairs.

“I take exceptional pride in this project given the level of criticism in the media regarding the number of rebuilds post-earthquake completed in a hurry with a compromise in quality,” says Nigel.

“We have always supported Southern Response and Arrow in that the build panel has not compromised on quality throughout the rebuild project.”

The judges commented on the attention to the finishing and the home as a superb overall project.

“It is refreshing to see a home built for Southern Response as an insurance replacement recognised with such standard when much criticism has occurred over shoddy repairs from Canterbury trades,” read the judges’ comments.

Milestone Homes Canterbury was one of 19 awards recognised at the gala evening. All Supreme, Lifestyle and Category winners were selected from 100 Gold Reserve National Finalists, which were all award-winners in the 11 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during July and August.

© Scoop Media