Build It Better was founded in 2018 by Pete Halligan following off his GutterSucker business and contracting to Housing New Zealand. Later that year he was driving along and spotted Chris building a letterbox, chatted about a history of renovations, real estate work and boat building and so it began. Combining years of experience with an eye for detail and enjoyment of good customer service.
MEET THE TEAM
Chris Heywood
Director
Chris joined Build It Better in late 2018 as a handyman and contractor. Before taking on part of the business with Pete in 2019. Originally trained as a boat builder in Picton, a profession needing an eye for detail. Has completed his building apprenticeship and is fully qualified.
Chris worked for the family business in direct marketing of domestic water filtration system and getting plenty of experience in customer service. Having gained a taste of small business went back to boat building as an independent boat builder and a marine rigger and engineer before leaving Picton and heading over to Nelson.
In Nelson Chris spent 4 years working in real estate seeing another side of properties and customer service. Moved to spend 3 years working on major renovation work. Then was spotted by Pete and joined Build It Better. Completed apprenticeship and qualified as a builder in his first two years there.
Chris has now taken sole ownership to let Pete follow other dreams while retaining Pete for his industry experience on a contract basis.
Pete Halligan
Project / Account Manager
A 20 year Police career helped Pete develop his passion and obsession with building and land development, which began in the Marlborough region. Since 1996, Pete started as a builder’s labourer in his spare time and branched out into all aspects of building, project management for both new builds and renovations and then into land development and subdivisions.
With his wife Nicky, of 35 plus years, they moved to Nelson in 2016 and in 2017 Pete formed Build It Better Ltd to fulfil a life long dream of running his very own building company. Build It Better Ltd was then sold to its current owner and Pete’s very first qualified builder, Chris Heywood along with Chris’ wife Julie in 2021.
Pete is currently employed by the company to project manage many of the new builds and large renovations. Pete also specialises in assisting clients with land development, subdivisions and every size and type of retaining wall when the need arises.
He has a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of building and land development and loves helping people through what is sometimes seen as a very challenging time whether it is building a new home or getting a much needed renovation done.
Ryan Dunn
Ryan is Nelson born and bred. He has a background in building construction and worked in panel beating. He is also a qualified tyre technician. Ryan enjoys downhill mountain biking and camping. Has an interest in cars and enjoys the outdoor work that Build It Better offers.
Barry Newport
Barry (Baz) is Nelson born and bred. He has a background in sawmilling and driving and trained people in forestry & Commercial Road Transport with the qualifications to back it all up. Barry enjoys outdoor activities – camping, hunting, fishing and motorbikes and the outdoor work with Build It Better.
Gary Coles
Gary is originally from England but has been a kiwi for 17 years. He’s been a mechanic since he was 15 years old until 2022 and is now working on his building apprenticeship with BITCO. Building and renovations have been a life long hobby and loves to do a job properly. Kurtis enjoys the variety of work that Build It Better offer. Whenever he can he enjoys fishing.
Shane Prentice
Shane has lived in Nelson for 50 plus years with a background in building supplies for 30 plus years. He is a Guttersucker expert, has a practical approach to most situations and will help out where he can. Shane enjoys working with people and meeting people from all walks of life and is a fan of all things sports.