TESTIMONIALS
What our clients have to say?Proactive, Leaving Nothing to Change
Construction is not always easy, but what makes it rewarding is working with people who “know what they are doing” and take responsibility. Ted carried out the over-cladding of the exterior of our 36-year old, 32 bunk, Lockwood ski lodge half-way up the first chairlift above the Top of the Bruce (above the highest vehicle access). Getting equipment and materials to the site and back down after the work, with rubbish and old roofing, entailed 42 helicopter lifts which Ted coordinated on site, in conjunction with the club who employed the helicopter. Ted took full responsibility for on-site coordination with the various subcontractors employed by the club (roofer, scaffolder, heat pump specialist, electrician, and plumber). At all times Ted was proactive in this and with trouble shooting, leaving nothing to chance.
Although the club obtained a dispensation by the local council from requiring a building permit, Ted carried out the work in accordance with best trade practice and the Building Act, under his obligations as an LBP. He fully understood the technical details of the Nu-Wall cladding system, and spent considerable time designing critical flashing requirements. We relied heavily upon Ted to advise on and resolve technical and detail issues, before and during the work. This was critical to us, because while our project subcommittee had a diversity of management skills in insurance, construction, and infrastructure engineering, we lacked expertise in this type of construction, especially in the aluminium Nu-Wall cladding system which Ted fixed to our Lockwood building exterior. Also, we were not able to be present on site during the work.
From my 45 years in construction related industry I have consistently employed or worked alongside people of different races in NZ including Maori, Pasifika and Indian. Across all races, without exception, people come in all degrees of motivation, training and skills. On this project and other workplaces, I’ve been involved with, it is always encouraging to see the confidence and pride which good skills give to people in their work.
Reputation builds, like a snowball! Ted and his team exceeded our expectations in every respect, which given the challenging location and nature of the project was a huge relief to the club. I would without hesitation employ Ted if I have a future project.
Although the club obtained a dispensation by the local council from requiring a building permit, Ted carried out the work in accordance with best trade practice and the Building Act, under his obligations as an LBP. He fully understood the technical details of the Nu-Wall cladding system, and spent considerable time designing critical flashing requirements. We relied heavily upon Ted to advise on and resolve technical and detail issues, before and during the work. This was critical to us, because while our project subcommittee had a diversity of management skills in insurance, construction, and infrastructure engineering, we lacked expertise in this type of construction, especially in the aluminium Nu-Wall cladding system which Ted fixed to our Lockwood building exterior. Also, we were not able to be present on site during the work.
From my 45 years in construction related industry I have consistently employed or worked alongside people of different races in NZ including Maori, Pasifika and Indian. Across all races, without exception, people come in all degrees of motivation, training and skills. On this project and other workplaces, I’ve been involved with, it is always encouraging to see the confidence and pride which good skills give to people in their work.
Reputation builds, like a snowball! Ted and his team exceeded our expectations in every respect, which given the challenging location and nature of the project was a huge relief to the club. I would without hesitation employ Ted if I have a future project.
Rod McIntyre
(Owner, 45 Year Construction Veteran )
High level of professionalism, building knowledge and technical expertise
Over the last year, Ted and his team have completed two Nu-Wall cladding projects for us. The first was the recladding of a ski club located high up on Mt Ruapehu and the second is a new childcare centre at Forest Hill, Auckland.
Throughout these projects Ted has demonstrated a very high level of professionalism, building knowledge and technical expertise. Working remotely on Mt Ruapehu, Ted’s detailed planning and preparation was very evident, which ensured the project ran smoothly and efficiently, even in this challenging Covid-19 environment – which he got his fair share of! At all times, I found Ted’s diligence and communication on our projects very reassuring, which leads to a high level of trust.
Working closely with Ted on the childcare project, I enjoyed Ted’s gentle and likable personality. Nothing was ever a problem on the job, he was always willing to share his knowledge and would always go the extra mile to ensure the best outcome was achieved. I also got to know Ted’s team of builders who were all very diligent, hard-working and competent tradespeople and a true reflection of Ted as a leader and his commitment to the industry in developing young talent.
In summary, Ted completed our projects to a high standard and contributed to the project above expectations. I personally enjoyed my working relationship with Ted and could not recommend Ted and his team highly enough. He will be the first person I call for our next project!
Throughout these projects Ted has demonstrated a very high level of professionalism, building knowledge and technical expertise. Working remotely on Mt Ruapehu, Ted’s detailed planning and preparation was very evident, which ensured the project ran smoothly and efficiently, even in this challenging Covid-19 environment – which he got his fair share of! At all times, I found Ted’s diligence and communication on our projects very reassuring, which leads to a high level of trust.
Working closely with Ted on the childcare project, I enjoyed Ted’s gentle and likable personality. Nothing was ever a problem on the job, he was always willing to share his knowledge and would always go the extra mile to ensure the best outcome was achieved. I also got to know Ted’s team of builders who were all very diligent, hard-working and competent tradespeople and a true reflection of Ted as a leader and his commitment to the industry in developing young talent.
In summary, Ted completed our projects to a high standard and contributed to the project above expectations. I personally enjoyed my working relationship with Ted and could not recommend Ted and his team highly enough. He will be the first person I call for our next project!
Adrian Bosch
(Company Director of Reality Concepts Ltd)
Efficient & Honest Client Communications Skills
Tai Ping Trading Company Limited is New Zealand’s leading Asian importer-wholesaler and distributor of Asian Food products. Over the years, Tai Ping has established a strong and efficient distribution service to cater to the food industry, including restaurants, takeaway bars and manufacturers. We have numerous shops throughout Auckland. Ted Manuel from Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd has been our preferred builder for our new builds, extensions and renovations works since 2017. We have found Ted and his team to be very knowledgeable, professional and polite to deal with.
As a business focused on growth and meeting the demands of our customers, we are always striving to ensure that all our building projects are completed on time and within budget. Ted has overseen, priced and delivered many projects for us, while managing up to 20+ sub-contractors on large builds at times. He directly works with engineers, architects, and other specialist trades to work on the best practical solution and applicable variations that needs to be achieved in a very timely manner. He has provided us with all necessary compliance to New Zealand standards, codes, and practices and quality workmanship.
Ted is a builder who attends to our concerns at any time of the day as he understands our needs fully. He and his team have efficient and honest client communication skills, excellent customer service and a down to earth approach to complex situations. We have used Ted’s specialist advice before purchasing new sites as Ted is able to give us in depth recommendation and associated costs, which has allowed us to consider these in advance and within our investment portfolios both in our business and private development strategy.
Having this foresight comes with years of experience for Ted. We have had no hidden agendas and costs while working with Ted and his team. Ted works with trusted suppliers and subcontractors who report directly to him to deliver the highest standards. As an owner of a large company in New Zealand, my team and I have been pleased with all our liaisons with Ted and is team at Rapid Builders and Renovations Ltd and we highly recommend his services.
As a business focused on growth and meeting the demands of our customers, we are always striving to ensure that all our building projects are completed on time and within budget. Ted has overseen, priced and delivered many projects for us, while managing up to 20+ sub-contractors on large builds at times. He directly works with engineers, architects, and other specialist trades to work on the best practical solution and applicable variations that needs to be achieved in a very timely manner. He has provided us with all necessary compliance to New Zealand standards, codes, and practices and quality workmanship.
Ted is a builder who attends to our concerns at any time of the day as he understands our needs fully. He and his team have efficient and honest client communication skills, excellent customer service and a down to earth approach to complex situations. We have used Ted’s specialist advice before purchasing new sites as Ted is able to give us in depth recommendation and associated costs, which has allowed us to consider these in advance and within our investment portfolios both in our business and private development strategy.
Having this foresight comes with years of experience for Ted. We have had no hidden agendas and costs while working with Ted and his team. Ted works with trusted suppliers and subcontractors who report directly to him to deliver the highest standards. As an owner of a large company in New Zealand, my team and I have been pleased with all our liaisons with Ted and is team at Rapid Builders and Renovations Ltd and we highly recommend his services.
Michael Chan
(Owner, Tai Ping Trading Company )
Very Clear & Transparent
Ted was brought in to build our dream home. We picked Ted based on seeing him at work on a friend’s project and knowing his attention to detail was one of his best attributes. Through the project he was committed to great workmanship and very clear and transparent with us throughout.
With all projects there are challenges, but his calming influence and commitment made us feel that we would get there successfully in the end. His knowledge about building shown throughout the build and we have now got a person we can rely on when doing any work going forward.
With all projects there are challenges, but his calming influence and commitment made us feel that we would get there successfully in the end. His knowledge about building shown throughout the build and we have now got a person we can rely on when doing any work going forward.
Samuel Cavanagh
(Co-Founder One Partner)
Honest Person with High Standards
I have known Ted Manuel for almost 20 years. Ted is an honest person with high standards and integrity, has very good technical knowledge and understanding. Ted worked with our company for several years, during which time he demonstrated his skills as a carpenter with very good attention to detail and finishing ability. He also showed leadership potential and acted as foreman for us on a number of projects, which were always successful. Ted always exceeded our expectations. We would definitely refer Ted us to others and would call him back to do more work for us.
Ted has very strong family values which he brings to the workplace. He garners respect from everyone he works with for his commitment to his family and to whatever job he is doing.
Ted has very strong family values which he brings to the workplace. He garners respect from everyone he works with for his commitment to his family and to whatever job he is doing.
Chris Yeats
(Managing Director of Chris Yeats Builders Ltd)
Stands the test of time
Ted Manuel holds himself and his team to the highest standards and strives to achieve perfection on all aspects of his builds and relationships with clients and contractors. In terms of knowledge and understanding of the project and contracts management – Ted takes the time early in the project to really study the Drawings and figure out the potential areas that would require further detailing and can fore see any potential problems. Catching these early saves time and money for everyone. Ted presented great knowledge within the industry in regard to not just construction, he has excellent relationships with building suppliers / sub trades and was very proficient when dealing with the Council Inspectors on site. Every time you would take a phone call from Ted, no matter how your days was going, you would end that phone call with a smile on your face. His positivity is infectious.
I first met Ted four years ago when he was chosen by our client to build their new 350m2 Modern Villa in Western Springs. We had never worked with Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd before and naturally we had some apprehension given the nature and cost of this house. We learnt very early on that Ted was a thinker and very methodical in his approach to executing a build of this nature. Ted didn’t need managing and was a pleasure to work with.
The biggest quality I see in Ted as a Builder is that if he comes across a problem on site with the build, he solves it and will ring you with a solution – not the problem. The saying in the office soon became ‘What would Ted do?’
Over the course of the build we formed a mutual respect and we could rely on each other to get any challenge / change or problem resolved with minimal fuss and achieve the desired outcome.
At all times Ted would put the client’s needs first to ensure he delivered the best house that would stand the test of time. His eye for detail and ability to strive for perfection is second to none.
I first met Ted four years ago when he was chosen by our client to build their new 350m2 Modern Villa in Western Springs. We had never worked with Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd before and naturally we had some apprehension given the nature and cost of this house. We learnt very early on that Ted was a thinker and very methodical in his approach to executing a build of this nature. Ted didn’t need managing and was a pleasure to work with.
The biggest quality I see in Ted as a Builder is that if he comes across a problem on site with the build, he solves it and will ring you with a solution – not the problem. The saying in the office soon became ‘What would Ted do?’
Over the course of the build we formed a mutual respect and we could rely on each other to get any challenge / change or problem resolved with minimal fuss and achieve the desired outcome.
At all times Ted would put the client’s needs first to ensure he delivered the best house that would stand the test of time. His eye for detail and ability to strive for perfection is second to none.
Nick Brock
(Design LBP at Goodison Architectural)
“Can Do” Attitude
I have found Ted to be highly conscientious and detailed in his approach and planning. His own skills as a builder go a long way in giving him the ability to bring various trades together in a productive manner. Ted is very proud of his work and treats his tasks as if he is building his own property. He is on top of the progress and excellent at communicating any delays or issues in a timely manner. His easy-going approach and “can-do” attitude have always made me comfortable with the work he has done.
I have engaged him repeatedly after the main work on the house was completed. I would recommend Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd for renovations and greenfield projects as Ted has the field knowledge and experience while Ireen manages the administrative issues in a competent manner.
I have engaged him repeatedly after the main work on the house was completed. I would recommend Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd for renovations and greenfield projects as Ted has the field knowledge and experience while Ireen manages the administrative issues in a competent manner.
Rajiv Kaushik
(Director, Rainbow Assets Ltd)
Unreservedly recommend Ted and his team
Ted Manuel of Rapid Builders and Renovators Ltd were recommended to us by our architect to do our house renovations. Our house needed rewiring and it was an opportunity to update our original 1950 house. On seeing the house and plans Ted suggested simple changes to storage and slight movement of walls to improve the liveability of the house. We took out a full contract with Ted. All building work was completed to the highest standards, trades were organised on time and to a high standard. Ted’s communication was excellent, we trusted his advice and even his choices for fittings, when we were unsure, and they turned out great.
Every wall was replaced, insulation installed, rewiring, plumbing, kitchen, bathroom, wardrobes, painting, tiling, every part of our house was touched. It has been over a year later and we are still thinking how lucky we are to be living here.
We unreservedly recommend Ted and his team and would use them again without question.
Every wall was replaced, insulation installed, rewiring, plumbing, kitchen, bathroom, wardrobes, painting, tiling, every part of our house was touched. It has been over a year later and we are still thinking how lucky we are to be living here.
We unreservedly recommend Ted and his team and would use them again without question.
Tania and David
(Teacher and Auckland Council Consultant)