Having previously built and having a satisfactory but at times frustrating experience in Auckland we had a good idea of the processes and concerns we wanted to address before choosing a builder for our now completed (2015) canal home at Marsden Cove.
After initially talking to housing companies it became clear that engaging an independent designer we liked would give us far more flexibility with selecting a builder.
The alternative option of locking in early with a housing company, paying money up front but still not owning the plan or concept which meant losing the freedom to go elsewhere didn't sit well with us.
Once we settled on a designer and plan we asked around about local builders and Cogan Custom Homes came to the forefront.
From the outset to completion and beyond it has been a pleasure to deal with Craig and his friendly team of professional tradies.
The quoting process was detailed and transparent, their online build system made us feel very much part of the process which finished ahead of schedule and on budget.
We really liked that we were always dealing with experienced builders through the entire process and we loved the quick communication throughout.
We thoroughly enjoyed the build and would be more than happy to share our experience if you are considering building with Craig.

We have built several houses and since doing our last build with Cogan Custom Homes, the bar has been set to a level that most will not achieve. The whole process was faultless and the systems that are in place make it hard to drop the ball. Craig made us feel as though we were the only build he had on, he was thorough from start to finish and this was greatly appreciated since we live some distance away.

The site was the cleanest site I have been to and his team were second to none, very helpful and went over and above. Thank to Craig and his team it was a very enjoyable process and we love the finished the product.

Building our holiday home in Martingale Lane, Marsden Cove was a very rewarding experience with Cogan Custom Homes.
Craig initially introduced us to Adam Welford of Maxar Architecture (who is local in the area) who took over our plans and with the help of Craig made them practical, simplified and above all buildable within our budget.
Craig's building systems were impeccable and the whole process was completed on time and under budget producing an elegant and professional result. The Cogan Custom Homes Carpenters and Sub-Contractors were excellent, motivated and competent to deal with.
We met on site at least once a month but his weekly reports over the internet made it easy to make decisions remotely including while we were away overseas for 2 months.
Miriam and I fully recommend Cogan Custom Homes and Maxar Architecture as professional, honest and capable of building projects such as ours.

The beach home we purchased in Langs beach in early 2015 needed to be re-clad and renovated, but because we lived two hours away, we didn't have any builder contacts. Also, we led busy lives so we knew we wanted a builder in whom we could place a huge amount of trust.
After asking around we arranged a meeting with Craig from Cogan Custom Homes, because they had invaluable experience in these types of jobs.
Together with their Architect, Adam from Maxar Ltd, we roughed out a brief, a budget and a time frame for the job.
Once we had approved the Architect's concept plans, and before going to full working drawings, Craig gave us a rough, but detailed, estimate to confirm that the concepts were within our budget. Then, upon receiving full working drawings the estimate was revised and various parts of the job were either quoted or estimated depending on complexity.
From then onwards the Cogan Custom Homes handy online build program enabled us to make decisions and communicate with his professional team of builders and sub contractors directly from our home and offices. It also kept us up to date with weekly photos and schedule of how the job was progressing.
We really noticed how being able to communicate with Craig and get questions and decisions in a timely manner improved the efficiency of this build over previous ones. It also kept us updated on the budget.
The job finished a month earlier ahead of schedule and we were thrilled with the workmanship and professional standard of all the team involved.

We built our original beach house in 2000 with all the features and materials that everyone runs away from today (no eaves, untreated timber, no cavity and plaster exterior) so when we started having issues we decided to make the changes that you only realise after you have lived in a house for a while, we had plans drawn up and approached Craig for his input and advice and to get an idea of cost. Craig was very open regarding the challenge ahead and produced a cost plan that we could live with, with fixed pricing where possible and open book for the ‘unknowns’.
This worked well for us and let us make the inevitable changes that come with renovations of this type without it being a big hassle. Being remote, customer communication was very important and we received regular updates and the website was great for seeing how progress was going. During the course of the build the Cogan Custom Homes team came up with several suggestions that have made such a difference to the finished product.
At the end of the day we are very pleased with the final result and especially the relative ease with which any problems were dealt with.

Craig is easy to communicate with & is very particular with regards to quality of workmanship and punctuality."

Having spent most of my life as a tradesman I wanted to build with what I call a “real builder”. Being able to have such great communication with the guys on the job made me feel like I was building the house myself.
This house build has been such a great process and if we were to build again we would not hesitate to use the Cogan Custom Homes team. (Brian)
When we decided to build a home I assumed we would go “The Big Company” way. After meeting with Craig and getting to hear his building philosophy I was sold. Craig’s professional approach, understanding of our needs and willingness to listen to us were not to be faulted.
Craig’s online building process helped me understand how things worked - who was on the job on any particular day and what if anything was needed from us. Not only did Craig’s team keep to schedule but we finished ahead of time. I would recommend Cogan Custom Homes to anyone.

We would recommend involving your builder as early as possible in the design stage as it would save plan changes and the extra cost involved. We appreciated the building and sub trades on our job who were highly skilled, flexible, patient, had great ideas and enthusiasm.

The end result is an amazing practical and quality home - we would definitely recommend Cogan Custom Homes and his team.

We had a remarkably smooth build process with Cogan Custom Homes, and highly recommend building with them. Going into the build planning process, we were nervous about costs given the increases post covid. Craig was involved during the design process, and was immensely helpful at helping us understand the cost impacts of our decisions, ensuring we kept things simple but didn’t skimp on the things that mattered to us. We were not living nearby during the build, but we felt completely comfortable that Craig and his team were keeping us in the loop and checking in regularly when there were decisions to be made. Craig was happy to give us his opinion where we were unsure, and we valued his experience and viewpoints – he never put us wrong!

We are very happy to provide a testimonial for Cogan Custom Homes..

We contracted Craig to build our retirement home following very good recommendations from others. As we were living in Kenya and could not return to NZ until after the foundations were laid, we were a bit nervous about the process.

However, we need not have worried with Craig and his team. Throughout the building process, Craig demonstrated a very high level of professionalism, integrity, attention to detail and client responsiveness. He and his team – his direct employees and the sub-contractors – are very competent and professional, as demonstrated by the very high quality of the work and the fittings. In addition to delivering on our expectations, they gave excellent suggestions that turned our concept into the reality of our perfect home with which we are delighted.

We recommend Craig and his team without reservation.

Let us conclude with comments made to us by others:

"If you maintain this house, it should last forever" – Whangarei District Council building inspector.

"Cogan Custom Homes builds some epic homes" – solicitor handling our legal paperwork.

Recently, when friends from Auckland visited our new home, they were impressed and curious about how we found such a highly competent local builder. We explained how we initially worried that our 'forever home' plans weren't coming together as envisioned.

That’s when Craig from Cogan Custom Homes entered the picture, a name we had heard of shortly after moving to Bream Bay. From our very first phone call with him, we felt confident in his ability to understand and realize our vision for the home.

Craig swiftly addressed our concerns by connecting us with a reputable local architectural firm. From that moment on, he and his team handled every issue with remarkable speed and professionalism, continually putting our minds at ease.

It is a pleasure for us to highly recommend Cogan Custom Homes.

From the very first initial discussions, to the meetings with the Architect, to the pricing guidelines, to the excellent building advice, to the easy to follow Personal App, every effort was made to ensure our dreams would be fulfilled.

At every stage of the building process , we were treated with respect.

Every single builder and subcontractor that came onto our property was an expert in their field.

Nothing was compromised or neglected.

We noticed that every one of the builders did an excellent job - always going the extra mile and helping above and beyond their actual work.

The project management by the company was exemplary.

The build was finished on time and very close to budget.

Our property was left in perfect condition.

At all times we were fully informed of all progress by phone calls, emails texts and photos.

We are utterly delighted with the finished results. Our dream has come true!

Our new home in Marsden Cove is our third building project. We were looking for a builder who could not only achieve a high quality build within an agreed time and budget, but who would also allow us to be involved in parts of the build.

Craig and his team were a pleasure to work with. Always friendly and well organised. Variations were processed quickly and efficiently allowing construction to proceeded on time, on budget and to a very high standard.

We are completely happy with the end result and can highly recommend Craig and his team.

Cogan Custom Homes was recommended to me by a friend. Craig and his team exceeded all expectations across the board. Craig kept me in the loop throughout the project, made helpful suggestions along the way, checked in with me often to make sure I was happy, was flexible and attentive when I had suggestions, and ensured the project came in on time.

had fantastic service from beginning to end. I love the final product and, having lived in the house for six months, I am now only fully appreciating the attention to detail in every aspect of the build. Craig has kept in touch post build to ensure that all is going well. I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending Craig and his team to others.

Cogan Custom Homes are professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. It was our first time building and we were cautious about placing so much trust in someone, especially when you hear some horror stories from others who have built. Craig gave us so much of his time and knowledge even before we signed a contract.

Craig is a very good listener and nothing was too big to small to discuss. His team were driven to get the project completed on schedule, on budget, and to the highest quality possible. We enjoyed working with the whole team and appreciated having a local builder for our project. I can't fault Cogan Custom Homes and no-one else I've spoken to can fault them either.