You can trust a smooth and easy process for your new home build or renovation when working with Whangarei’s professional, talented high-end builders.
Our attention to detail, craftsmanship and friendly customer service has cemented our position as one of Whangarei’s most sought-after construction companies.
Specialising in custom builds and high-end renovations, we see homeowners, architects, designers and engineers as an extension of the Cates Construction team. Even though we excel at luxury, high-end architectural construction projects, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need a new deck or building maintenance for your Whangarei home.
This project has been nothing short of an exhilarating journey, and without a doubt, the most rewarding build we’ve ever completed. From the very beginning, when the owners first acquired the land, we knew we were embarking on something special. It all kicked off with the exciting challenge of finalising the plans and then, in early 2023, we dug in—literally—starting with a massive cut into the side of a hill for the boat shed.
Just as we were preparing the metal pad for the foundation, the unexpected struck—Cyclone Gabrielle, a force of nature that tested our resolve. But we didn’t back down. We fortified the cut with precision and care, ensuring minimal slippage from the hillside. And with determination, we powered on, bringing in a 100-tonne crane to lift the precast panels into place, one by one, as the build started to take shape.
Watching the structure come to life, level by level, as those concrete panels slotted together perfectly, was nothing short of magic. By March 2024, we were celebrating a monumental milestone—the roof was on! The energy was high, and we pushed forward with one clear goal: delivering the dream home the clients had always envisioned.
And we did it. We completed the build just in time for the holidays, ensuring the clients could welcome their loved ones into their brand new home, ready to make memories and share in the joy of Christmas Day. This project wasn’t just about brick and mortar; it was about building a dream—a journey we’ll never forget!
It was an incredible privilege to bring this stunning family home to life for our clients. The journey began when the owner, having cherished this slice of land for a while, envisioned a space where their growing family could thrive. Perched on the hillside, the location offers breathtaking views, while the house itself has been designed with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, allowing the living areas to embrace the surrounding beauty on both sides.
We kicked off the build at the start of 2020, carefully positioning the house on the site. But then, the world was hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, and our progress was halted by the lockdowns. Despite this challenge, when the restrictions lifted, we returned to the project with renewed energy. The first milestone came with the arrival of the pre-cast concrete panels, marking a tangible leap forward. Through the cold winter months, we pressed on, completing the roof and cladding just in time for Christmas 2021.
And then came the news that truly made this project feel extraordinary: the clients were expecting their first child. With hearts full of excitement, we knew we had to push forward with determination, ensuring that everything was ready in time for their new arrival. Through hard work, coordination, and a little bit of magic, we were able to finish the home on time, allowing them to move in and settle before welcoming their precious baby into the world.
This home is more than just a structure—it’s a testament to resilience, love, and the joy of creating a space for new beginnings. What started as a plot of land became a place where a family’s dreams and future would unfold. What an honour it has been to be part of their journey.
This is a well-positioned house designed to maximize morning sunlight in the kitchen area, followed by afternoon sun on the deck, providing a seamless flow for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The property includes a carport for a camper and boat at the rear, as well as a workshop incorporated into the main garage. We began this build in the middle of a wet winter, and despite the challenging weather, it turned out to be a fantastic project. The finishing touches include stunning landscaping and beautiful Kwila hardwood decking.
Precast concrete structural frames, wall panels and tilt slabs are manufactured off-site in a controlled environment, ensuring high-quality finishes and uniformity. They are then delivered ready for installation, which significantly reduces on-site construction time. The slabs are strong, long-lasting, and energy efficient. Pre-stressed Concrete Unispan can also cover large areas. We recommend it as it provides good sound insulation, strength, and stores heat effectively.