94 | Jackbuilt Construction BUILDING High profile Kaikoura build uniquely detailed Every project he has done so far in Kaikōura has been uniquely detailed T T Kelly Deeks Jack Dewhirst’s reputation for quality preceded him when he shifted his family and his building firm from Christchurch to Kaikōura in 2021, and Jackbuilt Construction quickly started work on a high-profile architectural build right on the Esplanade which has recently been completed. Jack was all set to head overseas and do some traveling in 2011 when Christchurch’s February earthquake happened and Jack met his future wife on the same day. A friend of the family, Livi had been displaced by the quake and came to stay at Jack’s family farm. The rest as they say, is history. Jack had finished up with his former employer in preparation to travel, but had picked up some building work as well as working around the farm. As referrals came in thick and fast, Jack started his own construction business and was soon building more architectural homes and renovation projects. He also built his own family home in Southbridge, and was working on the fence one day when a couple from Merivale came past and stopped for a chat. “They were looking to build with Colorsteel and cedar as we had done, and they wanted to know whether we were happy with our builder,” Jack says. “They asked me to tender for their project which was a novelty for us, and although ours wasn’t the cheapest price, we ended up getting their job, and a few more jobs through their architect as well. I think our house was what sold us to them, it was exactly what they were after.” By 2021, Jack was ready to build a second family home and the couple decided it should happen in Livi’s hometown of Kaikōura, so they headed north with one of Jack’s employees and set up Jackbuilt Construction. Jack had worked for several years on projects designed by Livi’s Kaikōura-based cousin Mitch Fearnley of MC Fearnley Design, who had the client looking for a builder for their Esplanade project. Legendary Southbridge builder and father of former All Black Dan Carter, Neville Carter, was a mutual contact and told this client if they were going to get anyone to do their job, they should get Jack. Jack was happy to oblige and started the project about two years ago with the demolition of existing buildings, then moving on to build a shed on the rear of the property. “The shed build gave us a chance to show this client our quality and what we were like to work with, and after it was complete we ended up partnering with them to build this new home.” Now complete, Jack is pleased with what he and his team have achieved on this complex project with a high level of detail. Covid-related supply issues added further complexity to the project and Jack was pleased to be able to maintain a positive relationship with his client throughout. Jack says every project he had done so far in Kaikōura has been uniquely detailed, and Jackbuilt Construction is now planning on doing the same for his aunt and uncle at Kekerengu. This couple have built multiple tiny homes including the Airbnb Ellerton Bottle House, and this time their unconventional tastes are set to be expressed in their new family home with all sorts of second-hand hardwood they have collected in Australia. Jack is keen to get his hands on these special materials and get started on another exciting project. “I think our house was what sold us to them, it was exactly what they were after.” Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT... 0800BESTWINDOWS info@fairviewconcepts.co.nz www.fairviewconcepts.co.nz • Project Information • Trade Contacts • Frame and Truss Plant • Delivery • Estimating • All Building Supplies 218 Beach Road, Kaikoura Phone: 03 319 5447 Email: sales@kbcitm.co.nz www.itm.co.nz KAIKOURA
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