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Sustainability in Action: Woodsmith's Passive House Advantage

At Woodsmith Building Co., we believe great building goes hand in hand with responsibility to our clients, our team, and the environment. Our director, Mike Smith, is now a Certified Passive House Tradesperson. It’s an internationally recognised qualification held by just 65 people in New Zealand and represents a serious commitment to sustainable, high-performance building....

In Conversation with Business North: Keeping Clients in the Loop

Mike recently spoke with Business North about the foundations that have built Woodsmith’s reputation; from the importance of trust and hands-on service to the team’s focus on delivering high-end homes with care and precision. Big thanks to Business North for the feature and to Fletcher Plumbing, Resolution Roofing and Blake Steel for the solid support (on and off the tools).Click on the image below to read the story by Hugh de Lacy....

Better Builder Podcast: The Reality of Running a Building Business in Auckland

Our owner Mike Smith joins Brad Visser on his popular podcast to share his insights on navigating the challenges of the building industry and more. He also discusses the experience of having doubts while pursuing your goals but the importance of persevering.They delve into the philosophy of fairly 'laying the cost' for your team, the value of cultivating long-lasting relationships with clients, and the strategic approach of hiring individuals to complement and address your weaknesses.W...

In Conversation with Archipro: Understanding Historical Renovations

We had the opportunity to speak to Archipro about navigating historic renovations. In thie article, we explore the ins and outs of working with heritage homes, common obstacles and how the right team plays an incredibly crucial role in a project's success.Heritage restorations stand as an archetypal style of Auckland City architecture.Blending historic charm with modern construction, the art behind this preservation requires a careful balance of skill and an appreciation for the vintage—this i...

What it Really Costs to Renovate a House in Auckland

The decision to renovate your home in Auckland is a big one. It’s a substantial investment, and it's no secret that building costs are higher than ever. Before you say yes to the lowest quote, there are a few things to consider.The key to a successful, cost-effective renovation is choosing the right builder - one who understands the delicate balance between budget constraints and maintaining high-quality workmanship....

Home is where the heart is: Sharing Mike’s story this Foster Care Awareness Week

It’s our job to build homes of quality but this week we’re turning our hand to building awareness of the people who open their homes and hearts for children across the motu in need of foster care.It’s a cause close to our hearts as Mike himself is a foster child. Here’s his story:For the first 15 months of his childhood Mike Smith was a little boy from Glen Innes waiting to find his forever family. Thirty-six years on, he’s a proud [biological] father of two and ready to reflect o...

What we think about women in construction

Poppy had never stood on a site until 2023. She joined our team after signing up to her BCITO building apprenticeship and we’re thrilled to be supporting her.  Having Poppy in the team has been a game changer for us, changing the dynamic of the whole team in a positive way.  Jasmine Lawrence is an advocate for women in construction and invited Mike to join her on her podcast, Pocket Rocket, to learn more about the way we do things here at Woodsmith. Our chat with Jasmine covers gende...

Woodsmith + Buildology: The power of architect + builder working hand in hand

In construction and renovation it’s not uncommon for architects and builders to find themselves at odds. At Woodsmith it’s our job to turn architectural plans into reality so it makes sense that we approach the architect-builder relationship as one of mutual collaboration.We’ve joined forces with architectural agency Buildology on a number of Auckland projects. Buildology’s Principal Designer, Romé Smit, shares her thoughts on why a united approach between architect and builder wor...