J.Grae Building

Jesse-Grae
Owner / Director
Hi, I'm Jesse. I started J.Grae Building in 2014. At the time I had 10 years building experience in the Wellington region. Owning and operating my own company has fueled my passion for producing quality homes and renovations. What I enjoy most about owning J.Grae is working with an awesome team to produce high-quality work. For me, owning my own company means I can set a high standard for our work. My team will tell you, I'm pretty particular about the details. We only work with architects, designers and sub-trades that we know produce the quality of work we expect. We have a great team and we hold ourselves and each other to account. I build because I love it. For me, building is only fulfilling when it's done right.

Ricci
Kia ora I'm Ricci, I joined J.Grae in 2018. I've been building for 10+ years, doing everything from bathrooms to seismic strengthening. A career highlight for me is a new project to build a home for my family. Both my dad and brother are in the industry and the wisdom of their combined 50 years of experience has been pretty handy. Hopefully they'll give us a hand with the new house too! I love to surf. I'm known for spending all hours of the night shaping up a new board in the garage. Its been awesome to introduce my kids to the surfing world and all there is to discover out there if you just go looking!

Koro
Kia ora, everyone I’m Koro. I’ve always been around the construction industry. Growing up I spent school holidays on site with dad and when I left school I knew building was the career for me. When I joined J.Grae Building in 2019, I had 10 years experience in renovations, extensions and light commercial projects. Highlights from my career include leading stages of the Parrot Dog Brewery fit out in Lyall Bay and rebuilding The Backbencher Bar after it was gutted by fire. I live in Alice town with my Partner Annie and our three kids.

Tony
Kia ora, my name is Tony. I started my building career fabricating pre-cut frames and trusses with Carter's Manufacturing. With Carter’s I learnt the importance of getting building fundamentals right. In 2019 I joined J.Grae as an apprentice. A big part of my journey to where I am today is my Whanau, especially my supportive partner Katarina and our one year old son Arlo. Rugby league has always been a big part of my life. I love getting involved with coaching and playing, and being able to represent my home, club and region.

Irene
Commercial advice +
Hiya, I'm Irene. I'm Jesse's partner. I support the business with commercial advice and other odds and ends. We joke that I started my apprenticeship when we built our own home together. Memorable moments include trying to choose between 10 shades of white paint for the walls, tying steel for foundations in minus 5 degree wind chill, pumping rain water out of 3 metre deep holes for the concrete to be poured (3 times before the weather obliged) and driving 7000+ screws into frames. After building our own architectural new build from the ground up, we know the ups and downs of the building process from the inside out. We know what you are going through!

How We Work With You

1. Initial Consultation

Lets chat! We like to get together early. New build or renovation? Options for design - Registered Architect, architectural designer or draughtsperson? Timeline? Budget?

2. Design Concept Plans

First basic concept plans are drawn up. We can give you an estimate based on these plans. This is an important set because if the concept is well beyond budget this is the best (least expensive) time for you to revise your plans.

3. Detailed Plans

When you've settled on your concept design. Your architect, designer or draughtsperson will complete detailed drawings including building and material specifications.

4. Pricing

When your detailed plans are complete we can price your build. Together we will agree whether a fixed price or charge up contract best suits your project.

5. Council Consents

Your detailed plans are submitted to council for building and (where necessary) resource consent. Sometimes changes are required to meet council requirements.

6. Construction

Construction progress is monitored against the agreed timeline and budget. Where material specifications or plans change this is considered a variation and typically increases the cost. The Council completes regular inspections throughout the process to ensure the build complies with mandatory codes. You'll make payments as construction progresses in accordance with our contract.

7. Final Stages

When your build is completed the Council will carry out a final inspection and provide a code of compliance certificate. We will work with you and our sub-trades to complete any remedial work required such as final paint touch-ups.

Why You Should Engage Us Early
We want our clients to enjoy the building process. Work with us early in your design process to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of our expertise and experience.

Progressing with a design you can afford

We've had too many clients come to us with plans that are 3 (or more!) times their budget. The bad news is your architect, designer or draughtsperson is not likely to be a pricing expert. J.Grae Building can usually provide an estimate from your concept drawings. This means you can avoid paying for expensive detailed plans of a home you cannot afford to build. Concept Design is the best stage to refine your plans to your budget. Do not miss this opportunity.

Your plans revised with our practical advice

Your builder's advice is even more important when it comes to detailed plans. As you refine your design details and chosen materials with your architect, J.Grae Building can help with practical advice on ways to tackle problems that arise. Whether that is further revising your plans to meet your budget, working through a tricky detail or complex site issue, or considering alternative materials we've seen used before.

Our pricing is backed by expert advice

For a complex renovation or new build, we typically engage a qualified third party quantity surveyors to price detailed plans. This gives you added confidence that your build can be delivered on time and on budget.

Let us establish trust for the road ahead

We want you to enjoy your build. When we work together from early in the process we have the opportunity to build trust and understanding. We know you better and understand what you are hoping to achieve with your build. Ultimately the process is more rewarding for you and for us.