ORDINARILY you’d expect the owner of a home building company to use all of his own resources for all stages of the project. In this case, having Customkit as part of the team was a real advantage, says Kirsten Sabine. 

“We had a lot of laughs building this house together, and way less arguments than anyone would imagine! We had awesome family support and employees that helped make it all happen and we were in our new home within four months. 

“It also made project management easier as well as delivery of material when they were needed. 

“We could use our own labour and subcontractors, but we didn’t have to deal with the hassle of council and consents as we didn’t have time. Luke could fit our build in with the other jobs that he had running at the same time which was a bonus. 

“It was an ideal way to build as certain things could be decided upon as we went along. I’m very pleased I didn’t have to choose my kitchen or bathroom stuff until I could actually stand in the rooms and have a better feel, than trying to pick off plans.” 

 Luke and Kirsten had a long time to think and plan for their dream home. They had a very strict set of criteria for what they did and didn’t want. 

Having found the dream 10 acre block in Buckland, Pukekohe, they set the wheels in motion. 

“Luke and I have always loved board and batten houses and dreamed one day we could build our own new house, just as we wanted it. We have spent years renovating by buying other people’s problem houses and properties. 

“Rather than starting from scratch, it was an advantage to have a building partner in Customkit Buildings with so much experience in creating precisely what we wanted. 

“The house needed to be user-friendly and ‘bombproof ’ as we have a four and seven year old, two dogs, and we’re all outdoors people. We didn’t want anything precious.” 

Having the flexibility to be involved in all aspects of the project on their terms was really important for Luke and Kirsten. 

There are many aspects of the house they love. 

 “There’s lots of features I like! I like the open plan kitchen, living area that is spacious and you can open it right up to the outside. Luke’s touches like the rimu bedroom feature wall and the ‘added beams’ in the living area to match the LVL portals.” 

Kirsten says the most unexpected aspect was having someone with the same attention to detail as Luke as was part of the Customkit team. 

“It was rather amusing that Kevin and Luke were very alike with how particular they are about things, so Luke loved dealing with him over the production.”