Behind the Build: Meet Greg Steele from Navigation Homes Bay of Plenty

Tell us about yourself and how you came to own a Navigation Homes franchise.

I’ve been in construction for over 18 years. I started out as an electrician, then moved into project and contract management, which gave me a good view of how a build runs from start to finish. I took over Navigation Homes Bay of Plenty in 2022. What appealed was the support of a national brand with proven plans and systems, while still running a local business with a local team. Our trades have worked with the Bay of Plenty franchise since 2015 and have won four Master Builder awards, so I came into a strong team.

Tell us about this home: who was it built for, and what was the brief?

30 Bill Miller Drive is one of our two show homes. The brief was to build something that stands out. Most building companies build fairly similar houses. They’re great homes, but we wanted to show people who are after something a little different what’s possible, and give them the chance to see and touch those options in person. So we packed it with features: feature walls, an open staircase, a courtyard and pool, a hot water heat pump, solar, and an attached multi-generational unit. It’s about showing a point of difference you can walk through, not just look at in a brochure.

What mattered most when choosing the flooring, and how does it shape the feel of the home?

We wanted the flooring to tie the whole home together while showing a range of options. In the main living areas, Pergo Drammen Isla Oak brings warmth with a natural oak look, and it’s tough enough for sand, kids and pets this close to the beach. In the main bedrooms, Jacobsen Andes Peak in Olca feels luxurious underfoot for a great price, so it’s real value. Keeping the tones light and consistent makes the home feel bigger and calmer.

Were there any challenges during the build, and how did you overcome them?

The flooring brought a couple of complex issues. We had to fit the install dates around the scaffolding, so we dropped the scaffold early to keep the flooring moving. We also had to manage the maximum run lengths the product allows without an expansion joint. Because we kept talking with Flooring Xtra and have a good relationship with them, we worked through both without any delays. We adjusted the design together so the floor runs through the open-plan areas and looks seamless.

Which part of the home are you most proud of?

The open-plan living, dining and kitchen. It opens to the courtyard through a corner slider with no corner post, so when the doors are open the whole corner disappears and inside and outside become one space. The flooring blends the different areas and their features together so it all reads as one. It feels like a space you’d love to live in.

What factors do you see influencing your customers’ flooring choices?

Practicality comes first. People want floors that are easy to clean and hard-wearing, which is why wood-look laminate floors are so popular in living areas, especially near the coast. In bedrooms it’s comfort, so carpet is still the go-to. One thing we do is upgrade the carpet underlay to 11mm. It makes a big difference to how the carpet feels, whatever range you choose, so it looks and feels top of the line while staying affordable. We also see people choosing lighter, natural tones that suit the Bay of Plenty lifestyle and won’t date quickly.

What advice would you give someone about to start a new build?

Get your pre-approval in place, then talk openly with your builder about how much you want to spend. A good builder can help you separate your wants from your needs and decide what to do now or later. Choose a builder you trust and can talk to easily, because you’ll be working together for 8 to 12 months. Ask to see homes they’ve finished and check they offer a Master Build Guarantee. Then enjoy it. With the right team, building should be exciting, not stressful.