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House of the Year 2025: Building to gold standard

“What we say and what we do are the same thing.”That phrase has become a leadership mantra at Faulkner Construction. And in 2025, it was put to the test at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.We entered three projects. We walked away with three Gold Awards and a Regional Lifestyle Award.The results matter. But more importantly, they prove that the Gold Standard we talk about internally is alive in every project we deliver. Awards night = excitement + nervesHouse of t...

Building homes and building culture

A few years ago, I decided to try something different at Faulkner. I gave five carpenters a book, Belonging by Owen Eastwood, and asked them to read it at home. Then I invited them into what was essentially a book club.Five guys straight off the tools, boots left outside, sitting in the boardroom after a long day on site. Me, nervously opening a conversation about ancestry, identity, and legacy.I’ll be honest, I did most of the talking that first day. But something stuck.That book - especially...

From finishing carpenter to foreman at Faulkner Construction

Not every builder wants to lead. And not every craftsman is meant to — until one day, they are.At Faulkner Construction, we talk a lot about site leadership. It’s not just about experience, it’s about foresight, follow-through, and the willingness to carry the weight when no one’s watching. Dan’s journey from finishing carpenter to first-time foreman shows what happens when a great builder steps into that space.For years, Dan’s reputation preceded him. Everyone wanted him on the fina...

Ross Faulkner: 47 Years of building, leading, and shaping New Zealand’s construction industry

In the building industry, there are names that carry weight not just because of what they’ve built, but because of the way they’ve led. For us at Faulkner Construction, that name is our founder — Ross Faulkner.For nearly five decades, Ross has been a constant in an industry that has changed beyond recognition. From his beginnings as an apprentice in the late 1970s, to leading a team that delivers some of Auckland and the Bay of Plenty’s most challenging architectural builds, to shaping i...

Building consent exemptions NZ

Whether you’re reimagining a heritage home or designing a new outdoor space as part of your architectural build, it’s worth understanding where the rules flex - and where they don’t.The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) has published a detail guide, Exemptions Guidance for Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, that outlines specific building activities which can be completed without formal building consent. While these exemptions might seem like a shortcut, in our exp...

Choosing a home builder? How to compare quotes

Disagreements over unforeseen costs are a common source of conflict between residential builders and their clients. These conflicts can ruin the building experience and lead to payment disputes, causing stress for everyone involved.The seeds of this discontent are often planted early in the client–builder relationship.I wrote an article last year titled “Seven things I wish I knew before I started my Grand Design” which outlines an approach to architectural home building designed to avoid ...

Award-winning renovation sets new benchmark in quality craftsmanship

In a competition that celebrates the very best of New Zealand’s residential construction, Faulkner Construction has once again proven why it sits at the top.At the 2023 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, our Auckland and Tauranga-based team was honoured with multiple accolades, including:Regional Supreme Renovation of the YearRegional Pink Batts Craftsmanship AwardRegional Category WinnerRegional Gold Award, placing in the Top 100 nationwideThese awards reflect not just the q...

Heritage villa restoration, ready for modern living

In the heart of Auckland stands a century-old villa, steeped in family history, which has recently undergone a meticulous restoration by the team at Faulkner Construction.The owner, Verna Smith, is deeply connected to the home’s past.“This house has been in my family for one hundred years. It has Heritage house designation and was built under the Workers Dwellings Act 1910 to provide good quality accommodation for working people. My grandmother and grandfather bought the villa in 1924.”Wor...

Jack Nevines named national apprentice of the year

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Jack Nevines has been named the 2023 Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year, in partnership with CARTERS.After taking out the Auckland regional title earlier this year, Jack went on to represent our region at the national finals – and came home with the top prize.A big win for Jack (and the Faulkner team)The finals were held in Auckland over two big days. Each finalist completed a six-hour practical build challenge and a 45-minute interview ...

9 unique staircases that take these homes to the next level

At Faulkner Construction, we believe exceptional homes are built on the smallest of details. Staircases, often overlooked, are one of our favourite elements to get right. When designed well, they go beyond function to become architectural focal points – tying together levels, materials and light in a way that lifts the entire home.We’ve had the privilege of working with some of New Zealand’s most respected architects to bring complex and creative staircase designs to life – each with its...

Celebrating apprenticeship and mentorship at Faulkner Construction

In the world of construction, few things are as rewarding as seeing a dream turn into reality. At Faulkner Construction, that’s been our way of life since 1981 – building architecturally designed homes across Auckland and Tauranga, and backing our people to grow into the very best in the industry.We’ve built a reputation for taking on the “tough jobs” – and doing them right. But more than that, we’re proud to be recognised as one of the most awarded and respected Master Builders in...

7 things I wish I knew before I started my ‘Grand Design’

It’s been over ten years since my wife and I decided to design and build our own architectural home in Auckland.Even though I started my career as an engineer and project manager at Fletcher Construction, there were still many lessons I had to learn the “hard way” as we planned, designed and built our dream family home near Howick Village.Before and after: Building your dream homeThe experience ultimately sparked my return to the building industry. Today, I’m proud to be co-owner of Faul...

House of the Year 2023 | Award-Winning Renovation in Freemans Bay

Faulkner Construction is proud to announce that our work on Shift House has been recognised at the 2023 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards - with multiple honours across both regional and national levels.This special character renovation, completed in partnership with MAUD Studio and architect Natasha Markham, transformed a Victorian villa in Freemans Bay into a warm, liveable home tailored for modern family life. The quality of design and delivery was recognised with the follow...

Renovating Shift House with MAUD

Shift House is a beautiful example of what can happen when architecture, craftsmanship and heritage come together. Located along Franklin Road, one of Auckland’s most iconic heritage-lined streets, this Victorian villa was transformed by Natasha Markham, Director of MAUD, into a contemporary family home that is both deeply personal and quietly elegant.As the construction partner on this award-winning renovation, Faulkner Construction was proud to work alongside Natasha in bringing her vision t...

Bringing vision to life: A collaboration with architect Lisa Day

When a project is rooted in shared values and deep creative respect, it shows. That was certainly the case with Beachlands House – a striking coastal home brought to life through the vision of architect Lisa Day and the craftsmanship of Faulkner Construction.Lisa is the founding director of Day Architects, a practice known for its intuitive and values-led approach to design. Her thoughtful use of colour, space and materiality has earned her national recognition – including two Resene Total C...