108 | Offering a full suite of services From its North Shore base, the team tends to work from the centre of Auckland north, up to Whangapaoroa. Blake Homes T T Sue Russell “Communication is a top priority for me. A new home is a huge investment for its owner and I take that responsibility very seriously.” BUILDING Jeremy Alai was inspired to start his business, Blake Homes, after completing his own renovation for his growing family, and the happiness his family gained from their renovation journey is something he wants to deliver for all his clients. Having completed an engineering degree from Massey University, Jeremy pivoted from engineering to building in 2011 in order to be closer to the hands-on side of construction, gaining the satisfaction of seeing projects take shape. He established Blake Homes in 2020, and the Auckland-based company now has a team of four. “We are small by choice as it enables me to deliver a superior service to my clients,” Jeremy says. From its North Shore base, the team tends to work from the centre of Auckland north, up to Whangapaoroa, and in 2025 they had a steady stream of projects, Jeremy says. “We finished off five townhouses in Mt Albert, a new build in Hauraki, followed by a reclad in Glendowie. I like to take on one or two projects at a time to ensure myself or my site foreman can be focused exclusively on one project,” he says. The latest three-townhouse development in Hillcrest has been progressing well, he says. “I always worried about having enough ongoing work because it’s a big responsibility when you take on the employment of someone new.” When he established Blake Homes, Jeremy chose to join NZ Certified Builders, reasoning that it was an organisation that provided good-quality support. “I had access to their contract formats and to allied specialists. They have really useful templates and there’s a standard attached to belonging. That was important to me.” Blake Homes offers the full suite of building services. With new builds, Jeremy says the focus is always to work closely with clients to individualise the home and best reflect their lifestyle. “Communication is a top priority for me. A new home is a huge investment for its owner and I take that responsibility very seriously.” And when it comes to extensions and renovations, Jeremy and the team are in their element – transforming a home to best suit a family’s needs and wishes is a challenge they really enjoy. “These projects are very rewarding, because often a person wants to stay in their home, with their neighbours and things they are familiar with, but the home needs a new lease of life.” Renovations and extensions can also add meaningful value to the home, and give it a look and feel that will see it function well into the future. “We can also take care of upgrades to outdoor spaces that extend the living area to beyond the footprint of the home, with deck, pergolas and even outdoor rooms and entertaining spaces. We can take care of the design as well as the total build,” Jeremy says. For the future, he says the plan is to grow steadily as the market allows. He would also like to get involved in his own development work. “I think it’s a natural use of all the skills and experiences I have and the team with me.” Meanwhile, this year, like last, has started well, with work on the three Hillcrest townhouses due to be concluded in September or October. M: 021 425 775 E: jeremy@blakehomes.co.nz www.blakehomes.co.nz Key products and services: New Builds, Renovations, Extensions, Kitchen and Bathroom upgrades, Decks and outdoor spaces. 66 Bush Rd, Albany t: 9-415 6889 f: 9-415 6661 e: sales@albanytimber.co.nz w: www.albanytimber.co.nz For all your building needs. A family business with over 20 years experience. ph. 0800 JBS 001 e. info@jbselectrical.co.nz www.jbselectrical.co.nz Certified Electricians Based on Auckland’s North Shore RENOVAT I ONS & NEW BU I LDS RES I DEN T I A L MA I N T EN ANCE & SW I T CHBOARD UPGR ADES COMMERC I A L & RE TA I L
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