Simplify your project with NR Local Trades. We bring decades of local building, roofing & plumbing expertise together as partners who offer practical advice on materials, options & what works. Expect reliable, quality results from our single licensed & insured team.
Simplify your project with NR Local Trades. We bring decades of local building, roofing & plumbing expertise together as partners who offer practical advice on materials, options & what works. Expect reliable, quality results from our single licensed & insured team.
We get the Northern Rivers; the beauty, the quirks, the specific ways things need to be built to last in our unique climate. While NR Local Trades officially launched in 2020, the collective experience powering the company stretches back over 30 years.
This deep local understanding highlighted a common headache: juggling multiple tradies was often stressful and inefficient for homeowners and businesses in our region.
Recognising the need for a simpler, more reliable approach, NR Local Trades was established.
The idea was straightforward: create one dedicated team you can call for the whole project. By combining hard-won trade skills from across our crew with smart organisation, the NR Local Trades one-stop shop model came to life.
From day one, NR Local Trades has been grounded in community values. This means a steadfast commitment to prioritising local suppliers and tradespeople first, ensuring investment and jobs stay right here in the Northern Rivers community we love. When specific local options aren’t available, our next step is always to source quality Australian-made and supplied materials.
It also means believing knowledge is power, our team explains the why and how behind the work, ditching the jargon so you feel confident and in control. The goal has always been clear, create genuine partnerships with clients and make projects run smoother. Today, NR Local Trades is driven by a fantastic team of around 80 skilled locals. It’s about getting the job done right, actively supporting our local economy, and making the whole process less stressful for you.
Want to see this approach in action? Explore our building services, roofing services and plumbing services, or simply get in touch.
With 21 years of experience, Temo van Tongeren is the visionary Owner of NR Local Trades Group Pty Ltd, a construction company dedicated to servicing the Northern Rivers area. Temo’s career began in the world of large corporates, working globally before transitioning to small-to-medium businesses in the construction industry a decade ago. His journey has been defined by innovation and a desire to make a meaningful impact on his community.
Following the devastating Lismore floods, Temo’s passion for creating solutions led to the development of Chill Mobile Apartments, a company producing high-end, fully-automated mobile homes.
The concept was born from the need to provide luxury and functionality for those seeking genuinely mobile living solutions, while also addressing housing shortages in the wake of the disaster.
Temo’s approach to business is rooted in his favourite quote: “A ship in a harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” This philosophy has driven him to take risks, step out of his comfort zone, and live life to the fullest, principles that underpin his work ethic and entrepreneurial vision.
Born at 23:44pm on February 28th in a leap year, Temo’s unique birthday is a reminder of his approach to life, embracing rare opportunities and seeing the world from a different perspective. It’s fitting for someone who has consistently forged his own path and pushed boundaries throughout his career.
With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and qualifications as a roof plumber and construction company owner, Temo bridges the gap between corporate expertise and trade know-how, offering a one-stop shop for local trades solutions.
Plus our entire dedicated crew of approximately 80 skilled local builders, roofers, plumbers, electricians, painters, fabricators, and support staff working hard across the Northern Rivers!
Beyond tools and skills, our tradespeople build trust. Read firsthand accounts of our commitment to reliability, quality craftsmanship and exceeding expectations. See how NR Local Trades has become the trusted partner for countless projects.
Words cannot describe the exceptional experience I had with Northern Local Trades Group when they installed a Colourbond roof on my home. The entire process was handled with seamless precision by Temo. The project management was amazing. The roofing and building specialists were available and informative, keeping me in the loop with the stages of the roof replacement.
As the Secretary of a Strata Committee the process of obtaining quotes for maintenance of Strata dwellings is fraught with many difficulties. I have found Temo and his teams at the NR Trades Group personable, professional and reliable. At this stage of our process, and before any quotes have been accepted, Temo and his teams have exceeded my expectations.
These guys did a great job. They were excellent communicators and the work was completed really efficiently. Our new guttering looks and works beautifully. I highly recommend them.
The guys were great to deal with, kept me informed on progress, dealt with difficult weather conditions, and importantly, did a great professional job. We recommend this company to others.
Recently had the roof rescrewed, painted and restored with new flashing added. I’m really happy with the teams who completed the roof restoration and the painting including the electricians who removed and reinstalled the solar. The communication from NR trades was excellent and I was happy with the advice I was given and the end product. Thanks to all.
We are pleased to recommend this group - communication was prompt, options fully explained, the roof painting result met all of our expectations.
Picking a team for your project is a big deal. You want folks you can trust, who know their stuff, and won’t disappear mid-job. Here’s the lowdown on why NR Local Trades is a smart bet, as your fully licensed (Lic: 465043C) local crew:
Led by Temo van Tongeren, combining 21 years' experience (corporate & trade) with a vision for innovation. Benefit from 30+ years of combined team know-how.
Tired of waiting for tradies who treat appointment times as vague suggestions? We get it. Reliability is huge for us. We respect your schedule. If we say we'll be there, we'll be there.
We're not some faceless franchise. We're Lismore locals employing 80 + local tradies. And we prioritise support for homegrown businesses and Australian-made products.
Want to see real examples of our work and get practical tips for your own project? Our blog features case studies showcasing recent Northern Rivers projects, from renovations to new builds, and expert advice from our experienced team. See how we make projects easier!
Got questions about how we work or what makes us different? Find answers here.
Pretty much! We’ve got skilled in-house crews for the big stuff, check out our Building, Roofing, Plumbing, Electrician, Painter and Excavation & Earthworks services for the details. If your job needs something really specialised, we have awesome local partners we bring in and manage for you. Easy peasy, just contact us!
Great question! While NR Local Trades kicked off in 2020, owner Temo rolled 30+ years of hard-earned, hands-on trade experience (from running his own successful roofing biz, etc.) into this company. So you get all that real-world smarts plus the smooth coordination of our one-stop approach, the best combo!
Yep, 100%! We can’t stand vague quotes either. Our quotes break everything down, every task, every material, nice and clear, so no bill shock later! And they’re free, with no strings attached.
Because they’re so detailed, they’re often useful for more than just booking the job. Clients use them to support insurance claims, negotiate better property prices (especially when repairs or upgrades are needed), or plan for future stages of their build. It’s all about giving you clarity and control, upfront.
We handle jobs of all sizes, seriously! From fixing that annoying dripping tap (Plumbing Services) or one pesky broken roof tile (Roofing Services) to managing larger projects like renovations, extensions, granny flats and structural work through our licensed builder team. Our crew of around 80 skilled locals loves a challenge!
Get in touch with our team for all your building and renovation needs.