From the building site to the beach: inside the world of construction in the Coromandel

Drawn to the Coromandel for the laid-back, beach-side lifestyle, Dave Paterson — founder of Paterson Construction — left his home in Christchurch for the sunny North Island peninsula.

“I just love the beach, the beach is awesome. I try to get into the outdoors as much as I can,” Dave enthuses. “Of course, there was work here as well. Many people have old baches that they’re looking to do up, or plans to build new ones, so it made sense to relocate.”

With a reputation for beautiful views and sun-soaked landscapes, it’s no wonder so many people invest in a holiday home in the Coromandel. And, while there are many similarities to building sites across the country, the peninsula certainly has its own quirks and challenges.

The magic of the Coromandel

Based in Cooks Beach, Dave operates primarily in that area, with regular jobs in Hot Water Beach, Hahei, and Whitianga. Due to the relative remoteness of these locations, organisation is key.

“Materials are not as readily available here. You can't just pop down the road to get all your supplies. There is a Carter’s, Placemakers and Bunnings in Whitianga, but they don't always stock all the stuff that is available in Auckland or Christchurch,” Dave explains.

To avoid hold-ups on site, Dave and his team ensure supplies are ordered well in advance.

“We have good personal relationships with everybody, from clients to subcontractors to suppliers. It's a small area, so everybody gets along really well, and that helps things run smoothly.”

Many of the existing homes in the Coromandel were built in the 70s and 80s, and often require significant adjustments to get them up to spec. Additionally, due to the proximity to the coast, building materials need to be able to withstand wear and tear from sea spray and coastal weather conditions. 

“We take all of the elements into consideration, especially here in the Coromandel, because it can rain a bit, it’s close to the sea, and it's often windy. We work very closely with designers to ensure the design will work practically, minimising any risks to the property caused by weather or other environmental factors.”

“80 to 90% of the places we do are people's holiday houses; because the homes have been around for 50-odd years, they're getting a bit older and they need a bit of work done on them. People are interested in modernising what they have or renovating to fix any issues. A lot of the time we’re reconfiguring homes to maximise sunlight and views of the ocean or landscape. People are looking to take advantage of the beach lifestyle as much as they can these days,” Dave says, a fact he can very much relate to.

Paterson’s process

Every job Dave and the team take on starts with meticulous planning. 

“We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their vision, functional requirements, and aesthetic preferences. Our team of architects and designers then translates these ideas into comprehensive plans that optimise space, functionality, and sustainability.”

Dave emphasises the importance of getting involved in a project as early as possible, as he’s had experience with jobs where clients have completed their design, received council consent, and then, after getting advice from Paterson Construction, wanted to change their minds.

“Get us involved as early as you can, because we'll tell you the do's and don'ts, and help you figure out the best way to achieve what you want. We’ve been building for a while, so we've got experience and insight that can be really valuable,” Dave explains.

Once the planning and design phase is complete, Paterson Construction’s team of expert builders and craftspeople will bring the project to life, collaborating with their network of trusted subcontractors to ensure every element is perfect. 

“We do regular site inspections and keep open communication with clients to guarantee transparency and satisfaction at every stage of the project. Our goal is not only to deliver a finished product that exceeds expectations but also to ensure a seamless handover process.”

The team works closely with their clients to address any final details or adjustments, providing comprehensive documentation and ongoing support to ease the transition from finished build to move-in day.

“Our commitment to building excellence ensures that each project is not just completed but celebrated for its quality and lasting value,” Dave says.

For those interested in building in the Coromandel, Dave is happy to help — whether you’re looking for some personal advice or insights on the area.

“It doesn't matter if it's a big job or a small job, let us know! I can meet with you, tell you what I think, and we can go from there.”

Learn more about Paterson Construction.