Our story
Built on trust.
Backed by action.
Building has always been part of my life.
Bay Building Solutions / Tauranga
Recognised by our community
Award-winning building,
year after year.
Bay Building Solutions was named a Most Trusted builder in the Bay of Plenty in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Our work has also been recognised in the Most Trusted Business Awards’ later results.
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Richard’s story
“We do what we say we’re going to do. We build it properly.”
I grew up in Samoa where if something needed to be built, you didn't wait around, you just got stuck in. Everyone helped. You learned by doing. That's where I first got exposed to building, and from early on I knew it was something I wanted to do properly.
When I moved to New Zealand, I got the opportunity to start working with my uncle and that's where things got real. Long days, learning on the tools, and understanding that if you don't get the basics right, nothing else matters.
Back then, being qualified wasn't pushed as hard as it is now, so for a while I just focused on experience. But over time I realised if I was going to build a proper career in this industry, I needed to back that experience up.
So I went back and did the work. Night classes while still working during the day. That's how I gained my National Certificate in Carpentry, became a Licensed Building Practitioner, and later completed a Project Management qualification.
One experience that really changed how I operate happened while I was living in the UK.
I was working for a builder who went under. At the time, I kept trusting that we'd get paid. Every couple of weeks we'd get small amounts just to keep us going, but the reality was we were never properly paid. To this day, we're still out of pocket.
That was a hard lesson.
I realised pretty quickly that being too trusting in this industry can cost you. But more importantly, I saw what it looks like when someone doesn't take responsibility for the people relying on them.
That stuck with me.
When I started Bay Building Solutions with my wife, it wasn't just about building houses. It was about building something better than what I'd seen.
Spaces that bring people together
We wanted to create a business that does things properly, treats people fairly, and actually keeps its word.
Family is a big part of that.
We've got three young daughters, my brother lives with us, and we come from a large Samoan family with strong ties back home. That's shaped how we run the business. We've built a team environment where people can work hard, take pride in what they do, and still have a life outside of work.
Because at the end of the day, this isn't just about building. It's about people.
What I enjoy most is seeing a project go from nothing to something real. Starting with a blank space and turning it into a home that someone's proud of. There's something about that process that never gets old.
One project that stands out was a multi-dwelling development in Tauranga where we built five homes on one site. It wasn't just about completing the job. It was about what those homes meant. Warm, safe, affordable places for families to live.
Seeing that come together and knowing we delivered it on time, the way we said we would, that's something I'm proud of.
We've also worked on smaller, more personal projects, like converting a garage into a flat so a family could bring their parents closer to home. Those jobs matter just as much. You're not just building space, you're changing how people live day to day.
Outside of work, life is pretty simple. Time with family, getting out camping, being outdoors on our property, and playing golf (when I get the chance). We're involved in our community where we can, support apprentices coming through, and stay connected to family back in Samoa.
That balance matters to us, and it carries through into how we run our jobs.
At the end of the day, when someone hires Bay Building Solutions, they're trusting us with a big part of their life.
Their home. Their money. Their plans.
That's not something we take lightly.
We do what we say we're going to do. We build it properly. And we make sure the experience is as straightforward as possible along the way.
Our vision
To be the builder Bay of Plenty families recommend first: known for keeping our word, building homes that last, and training the next generation of builders to do it right.
Our mission
To run a business that does things properly, treats people fairly and keeps its word.
From the ground up
We build it properly, and we
stand behind it.
Our values
What we stand for.
01
Integrity
We do what we say we're going to do. If something changes, we address it early and directly. No surprises, no hidden costs, no saying one thing to win the job and doing another once it starts. This matters because clients are trusting us with a major investment, and we take that seriously from day one.
02
Respect
Respect shows up in how we treat clients, each other, and every job site. There's no tolerance for disrespect or dishonesty on our sites. No shouting, no cutting corners, no ego. If someone lies or disrespects others, they're gone. Clients feel this through how smoothly the job runs and how comfortable they feel throughout the build.
03
Accountability
We don't pass blame or make excuses. If something goes wrong, we own it and fix it. That includes staying on top of communication, keeping the project moving, and sticking to the agreed budget as closely as possible. Clients shouldn't have to chase us for answers or feel left in the dark.
04
Standards
We don't drop our standards to save time or money. Clean sites, safe practices, and quality workmanship are non-negotiable. Even when a project is under pressure, we don't rush or cut corners to catch up. That's how we protect the end result and make sure clients get a home that lasts.
The people
Meet the crew and the partners behind every build.
Customer reviews
Hear it from the
people we build for.
Read current feedback on Bay Building Solutions directly on Google.
★★★★★
Bay Building Solutions’ dedication to their industry sets them apart from other construction companies. Professional and knowledgeable.
★★★★★
I had a problem with a leak in a bedroom wall. Matt found the problem and fixed it professionally. He is an experienced and competent builder. I would recommend him highly.
★★★★★
Richard and the team did a great job and any work we have in the future will go to them. Reliable, good workmanship and trustworthy. Thank you.
★★★★★
What the client wants, they get — expert advice and recommendations to make sure your dream project becomes reality. This is how BBS make it happen for you.
★★★★★
My dealings with Bay Building Solutions have been great. They are a social-minded business employing local builders who do an amazing job. Very easy to deal with.
★★★★★
Bay Building Solutions have consistently been a trusted and highly valued customer of Placemakers. Richard & Lisa are super easy to deal with, have great industry knowledge and always deliver exceptional results for their clients. We could not recommend them highly enough.
★★★★★
Super professional and efficient building company who deliver builds to the highest quality. Nothing is too hard for this team! I would hire them any day.
★★★★★
Richard and his team have been a pleasure to work with. They are experts in their field and can deliver on time and on budget. They are my go-to builders and I recommend them to anyone I can.
★★★★★
We had Bay Building Solutions advise us and quote for what we thought would be a large renovation of our home. Nothing was a problem and I immediately felt Richard had our project under control. We highly recommend BBS and the team for any construction or renovation project. Thank you, Richard and Lisa!
★★★★★
We were very comfortable having Richard working at our house. He is a good builder with a pleasant and trustworthy nature. Good communication and turned up when he said he would. Definitely recommend.
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