74 | Jennian Homes Taupō We want to build up the Jennian brand. It’s got a great reputation around the country and we want to replicate that in Taupo.” BUILDING T T Virginia Wright Brothers building a local franchise When twin brothers Chris and Ben McEwen were given the opportunity to buy the Jennian Homes franchise in Taupo, it seemed like a logical step up for the two builders. Ben had already been building for several years before Chris decided to do an apprenticeship under him 10 years ago, and it was through building Jennian Homes on labour-only contracts that the opportunity came about. “We wanted to start offering the full package, so taking on the franchise with its well- established brand gave us a way to step into the market,” says Chris. “Now we go from bare dirt to the finished product. We’re involved with the client all the way through, which is a new experience for us, and seeing them enjoy their new home is what it’s all about. The Jennian slogan is’ it feels like family’, and our franchise basically is family with Ben and I owning it, and our younger brother Michael building with us, and that’s what we aim for is for our clients to feel like family too,” he says. With their hands-on building experience, the three brothers all have a practical understanding of what can be realistically achieved, especially when it comes to fitting with a client’s budget. Clients coming to Jennian Homes Taupo may already have a section, or they may be trying to decide whether the section they are looking at will work for the home they have in mind, and Chris will join them for a site visit before they settle in to discuss design, Chris explains. “Then we run through what they’re after, and what the budget is, and we work together to find the right design. We have a wide range of plans that are already drawn up, and we can work through them with clients and alter things to suit until we come up with something that suits the land, their budget and what they’re after.” Once clients find a set of plans for a house that Chris is confident fits on the section, and that works for them apart from a few changes, they can be priced and ready to go in for building consent within a month. The McEwens have already built several houses since they took over the Jennian Homes Taupo franchise in May 2024, including the beautiful three-bedroom home that was a 2025 Heart Foundation’s Lottery first prize, now being enjoyed by the lucky winners. With plans and layouts available to considerably speed things up, clients can then visit Jennian’s Studio J in Taupo, where they can see an extensive variety of products that Jennian typically uses when building a home, from cladding and guttering, to bench tops, vanities, and door hardware. Seeing it for themselves is a huge advantage for clients trying to visualise where they are going to live, and really helpful for making the right selection. Once the decisions are made, Jennian Homes really comes into its own with the purchasing power that comes with being a nationwide company with 30 franchises from Kerikeri to Invercargill. “That buying power’s one of our main reasons for taking on the franchise,” says Chris. “We get satisfaction out of helping clients into builds, even with tight budgets. We want to build up the Jennian brand. It’s got a great reputation around the country and we want to replicate that in Taupo.” With the three brothers still in their 30s they have plenty of years ahead of them to work closely with clients, building their houses, and making sure they are happy with their new homes. Future Proof Foundations Specialists in: • TC1-TC3 • Maxraft Installers • Retaining Walls • Pole Barns 021 026 71202 | kiwifoundations@gmail.com CREATIVE KITCHENS & STONE JOINERS & STONE MASONS With over 30 years of experience, we make your kitchen the heart of your home • Kitchen Design & Renovation • Stone Benchtops • Bathroom Vanities • Splashbacks • Kitchen Cabinet Making 0800 461 295 | creativekitchensandstone.co.nz
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