12th December 2001
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Re: Bushnell Builders Ltd
The writer has been asked to write a reference for the
above firm.
My association with Matthew Bushnell began about 1985 when a previous
firm of which I was a partner in worked for the Salvation Army and Bushnell
Builders Ltd was the contractor for a project at Bethany Hospital.
In 1987 I set up my own practice and continuously since
that time Bushnell Builders have been involved on a wide variety of projects
for our office. The office has also since expanded to the current three
architect directors.
Some of the more major projects have been:- (in time
sequence of construction)
 |
New 2 storey office block in Riccarton Road (used as
the Anglican centre for 10 years. |
|
T V Training School at Christchurch Polytechnic. |
|
3 storey classroom and administration block at Catholic Cathedral
College. |
|
Restoration of the historic Mansfield House for Nurse Maude Association. |
|
New Hertz Head Office for New Zealand and Service Centre, Christchurch
Airport. |
|
New Workshops to the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury. |
|
Complete refurbishment of Fitzgerald House for Anglican Aged Care. |
|
New St Peter and St Pauls Church, Halswell, Roman Catholic Parish. |
|
YMCA Wainui Camp development, Akaroa Harbour. |
|
New Assembly Hall and Library, Christchurch Boys High School. |
|
New Adams House Hostel, Christchurch Boys High School. |
|
Refurbishment of Acland House and new 3 storey block, Christchurch
Girls High School. |
|
New Airport Terminal, Mount Cook Airport, for Air New Zealand. |
In addition Bushnell Builders Ltd have been involved
with a great variety of smaller projects and as our association has grown,
and knowing contracts have been handled in a fair and reasonable manner,
we have used this firm for charge up work when for various reasons tenders
have not been practical.
Bushnell Builders Ltd have grown in the past 5 years.
They have improved their office systems and settling of final accounts.
Obviously in building contracts not everything goes smoothly, and we have
had some problems on certain contracts. However when these have arisen
they have not been glossed over, but faced squarely and solutions found.
Bushnell Builders have assisted at those times and not run away from problems.
That help has been appreciated. The standard of workmanship and finish
has also improved and is now consistently good.
Obviously this firm operates as a business, and its purpose
is to be profitable. At times we have questioned accounts. My conclusion
is that the business operates to be firm, but also fair. At no times since
1985 have I found anything mischievous in any dealings, nor have they
bought the job cheap and then piled on extras as has happened with other
contractors. It is on this past experience that I am happy to recommend
this firm.
As conditions for lots of people in the building industry
have become tighter particularly since the New Zealand economy changed
in the mid 1980’s the writer has found that middle management in
building companies has also been reduced. Bushnell Builders Ltd has also
had to adapt to this more competitive environment, but the in-house quantity
surveyors of the company now have a more “hands on” approach
than previously. The writer has found this useful when contacting the
office, to find that staff within the office familiar with the building
details on site.
We seem to do quite a lot of alteration work in our practice
and also projects where the date of completion is important for school
or university timetables, re fitting in of classes at the beginning of
academic years etc. Hence completion dates have been an important consideration
when awarding the building contract. It is also not easy building, working
around or in buildings which are occupied by sleeping occupants. One day
at Boys High Hostel it was necessary to start pouring concrete at 5am.
However when the facts are known in advance things can be properly programmed,
and everyone can cope, and that has been our experience with Bushnell
Builders. At times we have also been able to reduce construction time
on site and that has been to everyone’s advantage. We try to contribute
to this smooth running on site by regularly holding and then minuting
site meetings.
As a result of the above I believe we have always completed
all projects built by Bushnell Builders Ltd on time. This is not to say
we haven’t had the odd panic at the end, or that there wasn’t
tidying up items to do after occupation. However for such a variety of
different projects over a long period it is a great credit to the builders,
that the buildings have been occupied when required by the owners. We
have always been able to settle the final accounts and have had no “stand
offs” regarding being able to question and resolve differences in
interpretation of instructions etc. If all builders performed as well,
the writer would have fewer grey hairs.
I trust this letter is of use, but if anyone whishes
to discuss any other matter the writer is happy to be telephoned.
Yours sincerely
WARREN STREZ WILKINS ARCHITECTS LTD
John Warren |
25th
October 2001
5th
August 2004
