About

We are an independent, modern, innovative and progressive company who bring our knowledge and experience to get the right result for our customers.

Although our specialty is in fixing and renovating leaky homes, we also offer a comprehensive range of services, in residential alterations and renovations. Taking on jobs anywhere in the Wellington region, we are focused on quality, control and finish. Our team is made up of practical, efficient tradesman with a proven track record of success.

At Bear Construction, we pride ourselves on our attention to the needs of our clients to bring them exactly what they’re after. We believe in good, honest communication to complete jobs on time at a competitive rate.

Phil Ashton

Meet Phil Ashton, Bear Construction’s owner-operator.

Born in Wellington and with over 15 years’ experience in the building trade, Phil is passionate about delivering a top job in his work to help homeowners improve their homes.

Phil prides himself on being approachable, honest and professional.

With Phil you’ll get transparent cost and time frame indications. “It’s important that customers know exactly what they are getting,” he says.

And he goes above and beyond for customers. “It’s important to me to make sure the job is done well and the client is happy. It’s not a one-off thing, I want to look after our customers for a long time.”

A Weltec graduate, Phil holds a current licensed building practitioner qualification, and leads his team of tradesmen and sub-contractors expert in drainage, plumbing, electrical and painting.

Phil’s a family man and when he’s not onsite or managing a building job you’ll find him coaching his son’s cricket team or fitting in a cross-fit session at the gym where he enjoys keeping fit.

Bear Construction

Testimonials

The Industry Training Federation engaged Bear Construction for an office fitout.  We were on a deadline, changing from an old lease to a new one and needed our new office to be ready for moving day.  From the outset, Bear’s communication and approach was responsive.  Following the major earthquake in Wellington (at the point we were getting quotes) Bear still guaranteed that the work would be completed by our deadline, and it was.  Phil’s team also worked mainly overnight to reduce noise disruption to the office.  In summary, Phil and his team answer the phone, show up when they say they will, are professional and polite, communicate clearly every step of the way, and cost what they said they were going to cost.  I would recommend Bear Construction, and in fact I hope he gets so much work he has to take on heaps of apprentices. 
Josh Williams, CEO, Industry Training Federation
Hey Phil, thank you so much for all your help and patience and doing such a great job. It would have been pretty hard to get things done without your generosity in lending your equipment, knowledge and skills! I travel lite, so if there’s anything you, your friends/family want from the US just let me know. 

Siobhan Bulfin, Founder, CEO, Melon Health
Just wanted to say thank you again for the lovely job you did on my house. It’s really terrific quality work and the place is looking great. I’d have no hesitation recommending you to others. 
Paula
I was a first time renovator and having spent many years of dreaming about (and saving for!) some big changes to my house, I was understandably nervous about employing the right builders to start the first step in my renovation plan. I needn't have worried for a second. Phil and co turned up dead on time on the first day (as they did every day), in the torrential rain, and got stuck in! Phil kept me informed every step of the way, worked in well with my joiner and the council and was on my doorstep each morning before I went to work to brief me on the state of play and check I was happy with the progress. Knowing I was a solo parent, he understood how important it was to stick to my budget. With any renovation there is always the odd hiccup but this never phased Phil - he is professional and always puts things right. I love my deck and the three sets of French doors and windows have transformed the back of my little old house. I plan to stay in my house for a very long time, so Phil will have alot more work to do here!

Madeleine,
Wilton, Wellington
I chose Phil to build my house because I’d heard he was a smart and skillful builder who’d be happy taking on an interesting project. I later discovered that he’s also the best communicator in the biz, and gets the best out of his team and his subbies. I thought I’d find building stressful but Phil made sure I was always informed and aware of how we were tracking with time and budget and was always available for questions. Phil sets a high standard for Bear Construction, and he gets everyone involved to live up to it. He expertly oversees all tradie and regulator involvement, and makes sure all people on site are respectful, tidy, punctual and professional. I love my new house and big part of that is down to enjoying the process. Thanks Phil. Legend.
Harvey Frame,
Howokiwi, Wellington