Drinkrow Building

Drinkrow Building

About

At Drinkrow Homes, we specialise in building custom homes across Hawke’s Bay — from Napier to Hastings and Havelock North. As a family-run business, we take pride in delivering a personal, transparent experience from design to completion.

Whether you’re planning a design and build project, looking to create an architectural home, or ready to start your new home build, our team guides you through every stage with clarity and care.

With a proven record of high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional client communication, we’ve become one of the best home builders in Hawke’s Bay, trusted by homeowners who value quality, detail, and stress-free project delivery.

Our portfolio includes new homes, and renovations across Hawke’s Bay, each tailored to reflect our clients’ lifestyle and vision.

If you’re considering building in 2026 or beyond, discover why so many Hawke’s Bay families choose Drinkrow Homes — your local design and build specialists for custom homes that stand the test of time.

Meet the team

Jesse Drinkrow
Jesse Drinkrow
Owner operator
Michelle Drinkrow
Michelle Drinkrow
C0-owner and custom relations manager

Drinkrow Building
Drinkrow Building
Drinkrow Building

Testimonials

There are a number of reasons why I would never hesitate to recommend Jesse of Drinkrow Building as a company that I would build with:

Jesse, as a builder built our first new home in Havelock North almost 10 years ago. He was always friendly, personable and clearly demonstrated an acute knowledge and ability within the building industry.

About 4 years ago my wife and I wanted to build a pergola, not a big job but we wanted it done right. I approached Jesse as he now had his own company. He worked with us to build the pergola. He demonstrated excellent building knowledge. I was so impressed when he hand sawed 5 cuts on big timber at difficult angles whilst balanced on top of a ladder... and each cut was perfect.

This year we took on an architecturally designed major renovation of a dwelling (over $500,000 spent). Jesse was our first and only choice and he never let us down. He has a great team behind him, including his wife Michelle, who manages administrative matters. Jesse also has excellent working relationships with a great team of electricians, plasterers, roofers etc that allowed for a near seamless process in a timely manner.

Jesse has a real eye for what will work. He can adapt a build as needed with innovative solutions to issues that inevitably arise. Everything he does is executed to perfection for a classy finish. Jesse doesn’t just build, he owns a project and makes it work.

Jesse’s strongest attribute is that over and above his excellent workmanship is that he demonstrates absolute integrity and honesty. When you commence a significant building project this is the most important thing. Jesse and his team never let us down.

Tony, Home owner

I’ve worked with other builders on projects before but there were always delays and I’d be having to chase things up. With Jesse I don't have to do anything if I don't want to, he and Michelle take care of it all. I get Jesse involved from the outset with my draftsperson as Jesse gives invaluable advice on how to build a project efficiently and cost effectively. He has the right team of tradespeople who are all really skilled and easy to deal with, which makes things so much easier. The quality of the workmanship is awesome, there is no stress and everyone is very willing to make changes if need be. Michelle is great to deal with in terms of the paperwork side of things, building consents, advising about what I need to do regarding insurance etc. I do visit the sites from time to time but I don't really need to as everything is always going really well. That means I can spend my time doing other things, with family or looking for other land to build on so we can do more projects together.

Ross, developer

After our first meeting with Jesse and Michelle, we knew they were the right people to build our home. Their approach to both building and project management aligned perfectly with what we were looking for.

For the first few months of the build we were living outside Hawke’s Bay, but Jesse and Michelle kept us fully informed with clear, consistent weekly updates. They also shared recommendations based on their experience, which really helped us make product and design decisions along the way.

The entire process was seamless, delivered on time and within budget.

We absolutely love our new home and while this is intended to be our forever home, if we were ever to build again, Jesse and Michelle would be our first call.

Tom & Kylie, Te Awanga

We worked with Drinkrow Builders for an extension and new fit out for our 1950s weatherboard home. Professional right from the get go. Timely, efficient, logistics, everything was excellent. Timeframe from beginning to end of build was flawless. Communication between them and us was awesome. Very easy to talk things through.
Highly recommend to anyone thinking of starting a home building project.

Mark & Kerry, Havelock North

Building with Drinkrow Homes was our second time building in the Bay. Jesse, Michelle and the team were outstanding throughout the whole process and a step up from what we had experienced prior. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and they kept us in the loop throughout. Our house was finished to a high standard and we love our home.

We would highly recommend Drinkrow Homes.

Matt & Nikki, Napier
Drinkrow Building