Grant Built

Josh and his team are a bunch of legends delivering high-quality results. I’ve collaborated with Grant Built on several projects now, and it’s always a pleasure dealing with a friendly crew who take real pride in what they do. Their attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to excellence make them stand out. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Grant Built to anyone looking for a reliable and professional builder.

Can you fall in love with a house? In “A House in Spain” (J.M. Coetze Three Stories) the narrator is skeptical, but eventually concedes the possibility. When I walked into the hallway of 16 Bellwood Ave., I immediately did. I’d been looking for something small and perfectly formed for over a year to no avail. The market following Covid didn’t help, and it was not supposed to be the best time to sell and down-size. Finding an immaculately renovated bungalow that had been designed by Pac Studios and built to perfection by Josh Grant was literally a dream come true. Our entry into 16 Bellwood Ave is known as a “turnkey” experience, as we did not commission the house. This meant that the challenges had already been worked through and we could simply walk in and enjoy it, something that was especially significant considering the climate it was (Grant) built in. It was clear from my first visit that Josh had invested greatly in the whole project and that there was a nice synchronicity between builder and architect. Stories from the neighbours (it’s a very friendly street), of watching the new house gradually taking shape from the old, have all been very positive. It’s quite open to passersby, which I like, and there’s a little private laneway between us and number 18, which takes us back to our Melbourne days. The ‘man of the house’ knows more about building than I do, but here are a few features that stand out for both of us as the mark of building excellence. 1. If you look up in the kitchen, dining and living area there’s a beautifully crafted Western Hemlock “sarked” ceiling. We sit and gaze at the meticulously placed wooden panels with admiration. 2. A wooden floor runs down a long and wide hallway. Already a firm favourite with the grandsons, it forms a link between the new and the old. Constructed from engineered oak, it flows straight as a die until you round a corner to the front door. 3. The bungalow end has the same flawless feel. An original window has been preserved, as have other features that one would expect for a heritage zoned house. Quite a few visitors point out the original brass letter flap now positioned (with some humour) in the lower half of the new front door. 4. Having said that, this is virtually a complete rebuild as there was nothing much left of the original house to salvage. Yet it continues to feel of its time, which we appreciate. All the bungalow windows and doors open and shut seamlessly, and the fittings are excellent. It seems that everything old can indeed be new again. 5. The new end feels airy, fresh, and inviting, and every aspect of the build is so finessed you barely think about it. Until you do. 6. There are several sustainable features which relate to the choice of building materials, some of which have been mentioned. We’ll add solar panels soon. 7. The wrap around boardwalk and accessible deck area is an inspired touch, indicating that outside is also given some thought and expertise. Overall, there is a feeling that if this house was part of a building challenge, awards would be given. A last word might perhaps go to Friedrich Hundertwasser who speaks of a “Trinity consistent of Architect- Bricklayer and Inhabitant” (Hundertwasser 1973 New Zealand Catalogue publication) When they are one unity, he says, the house becomes a “living architecture”. I like to think that in a way, that’s what has happened here. Architect-Builder-Occupier all happy with a home – its alive and loved.

We engaged Josh and his team for an extension to our two bedroom weatherboard bungalow. We were very impressed with Josh's communication, project management skills and timeliness of the build- particularly at a time when the construction industry faced significant labour and supply shortages. Josh's team and the subcontractors used were skillful and friendly. Our finished extension is of fantastic quality and we are incredibly happy. Thank you Grant Built!

Grant Built do amazing, top quality work and are great to deal with. We engaged them to renovate our bungalow kitchen and downstairs space, including a bathroom and laundry. They did a fantastic job! The head builder Josh worked really hard to keep to budget and ensured the work was done to a high standard. We found him trustworthy, easy to communicate with, and adaptable to find solutions for working with an old house like ours. Better yet, him and his team are very friendly and approachable, which is what you want when you have a crew of people working in your personal home. We wholeheartedly recommend their work.