Culture: HOW WE OPERATE
A culture founded on genuine, personalised service and family values is at the heart of what we do and how we operate at Thorne Group.
Our vision to Exceed Expectations Every time applies to the homes we build, our quality, our service and our people.
Our values and brand promises underpin the way we act and behave every day, driving us to deliver the best for our clients, industry and community.
Part of the Community
Having been in business in the Bay of Plenty for decades, we take immense pride in the local knowledge, connections and relationships we have formed across the community.
Over the years we have built amazing relationships with our trusted suppliers who stand behind their products and service. Regardless of budget, we ensure the very best people are working on your job. Transparent pricing ensures our buying power and volume rates are passed on to you creating value for money for our clients.
As a family business we enthusiastically support community initiatives that align with our values and are relevant to our coastal location. Each year our team participates in a range of events and activities to promote health and wellbeing in our local community. Over the years we have contributed to Live for More (surf programme), Breast Cancer Support Services and Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, Women’s Refuge, Variety Club, KidsCan, Hato Hone - St John, Surf Lifesaving NZ – and more.
We have also been proud sponsors to up-and-coming young water sport athletes in both junior surfing and canoe slalom.
Planting Programme
As a building company, we're keenly aware of our environmental footprint. That’s why over the years we have initiated a planting programme, focusing on environmental projects in the Tauranga region, aiming for outcomes that future generations can enjoy. By planting native shrubs and trees at Summerhill Farm and Recreational Park, along with other projects, we’re working to offset the carbon footprint generated during construction.
Our staff and their families are incredibly passionate about this initiative. Over the years, they’ve planted thousands of native plants in the wetland area and surrounding pastures at Summerhill Farm, adjacent to the Papamoa Hills Regional Park. This effort isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about protecting waterways, sequestering carbon, and creating more native bushwalking areas for everyone to enjoy.
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Homestar
As well as applying building methodologies that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, we work alongside architectural designers to create healthy homes using sustainable products and aiming for superior Homestar / Green Star* ratings, that reflect our commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
*Homestar and Green Star are independent national rating tools that measure the health, warmth, and efficiency of NZ houses. Talk to us about incorporating Homestar or Green Star assessment into your project.
“One Team” - Collaborative Approach
With years of experience collaborating with a diverse range of providers on various projects, we understand the importance of strong relationships in the construction industry.
Our relationships, built over decades, are the foundation of every successful project which is why we prefer to take a “one team” approach to projects - drawing together from the outset your preferred designer, interior specialist, landscape designer, along with other third-party professionals such as engineer, Geotech consultant, building surveyor.
This enables us to establish a single point of contact for your project where planning, design and construction are interwoven into a singular, seamless service.
Applying a collaborative approach from the outset opens lines of communication and creates efficiencies, driving budget-led design decisions that optimise efficient use of materials and labour.
Technology / Systems / Tools
While we hold strongly to traditional values like craftsmanship and ethics, Thorne Group leads the way with world-class technology and systems enabling you to track your project online from anywhere in the world. Access documents, check the project schedule, keep up to date on progress and view photos as your new home takes shape – all at the click of a button.
Continuous Improvement
At Thorne Group Homes, we are committed to continuous improvement, to ensure we are delivering an exceptional experience for our clients. We employ the services of an independent researcher who conducts deep dives with our previous clients to uncover areas for improvement to ensure we have meaningful change. By addressing and reducing any friction points and refining our processes, we ensure a seamless journey for our clients. Our approach today is significantly more advanced than it was just a year ago, reflecting our dedication to improvement.
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Our Brand Advocates
We take great pride in collaborating with individuals who share our passion for outstanding design, superior products, and quality craftsmanship. Many of our valued clients, who uphold these same principles, place their trust in us, often inspired by the positive experiences shared by friends and family who have partnered with us before.
To give you a genuine understanding of the Thorne Group Homes building journey, we offer opportunities to connect directly with our satisfied clients. Hear firsthand from those who have gone through the Thorne Group Homes process and gain valuable insights into what it truly means to build with us.
After Care and Support
As a family-owned business, each home we create carries our family name – something we do not take lightly.Although we are proud of our reputation for quality, we understand that concerns sometimes crop up as you settle in.
Our after-care service ensures any defects or maintenance queries that occur within the first 2-years after completion are promptly responded to and resolved, and ongoing support is provided throughout the 10-year Registered Master Build Guarantee period.
OUR PROCESS
While we are happy to meet you at whatever stage your project is at, most clients come to us with just a broad idea or conception mind, seeking guidance to help turn their dream into reality.
Our seamless, integrated design and construction process will take you on a naturally evolving journey to bring your vision to life.
Vision & Brief
The first step in your journey is creating the vision for your project. We will assess your building site and identify any potential geotechnical or compliance issues. Together we will discuss your requirements, your lifestyle and design preferences and work on an initial project brief including timings and what can be realistically achieved within your budget.
Design & Refine
This crucial phase involves the architectural designer, interior consultant and construction team working together to bring your vision to life. A process of sketching, reviewing, refining and modelling occurs as we progress through the design phase, regularly checking against budget and involving other external consultants such as engineers and geotechnical consultants as required.
Pricing, Contract and Consent
Once the design is sufficiently developed, we will undertake a full pricing exercise with our suppliers and subcontractors and compile a detailed cost estimate for your project. We will present this to you and talk through every detail and inclusion. If adjustments are needed to meet your budget, we will revise and re-price as required. Once finalised, we will enter into a building contract and proceed with construction drawings for council consent.
Interior Design & Selections
While we wait for council consent, your design journey continues with your interior specialist guiding you through decisions such as colour schemes, floor and wall coverings, cabinetry, plumbing and tapware, lighting etc.
Construction
Once building consent is issued, we will meet onsite, introduce your Project Manager and discuss the construction programme. You will have access to our state-of-the-art online project management system to keep track of your project right through until your move-in date and stay updated with regular progress reports, photos and scheduling.
