...So in 2005 AKBS was born

Auckland Building Specialists have the know how and track record to create your dream home from concept to reality, on budget and on time GUARANTEED

About Us

Auckland Building Specialists started in 2005 when the building industry was in a bit of a state. Cutting corners, understated budgets, projects going over time, miscommunication and low quality work were all common issues.

Andrew Grigg was a man with a dream to challenge the status quo. With over 20 years of building experience under his belt, Andrew’s love for new home builds and renovations fuelled his passion to create his own building business. He was committed to creating a company that restored quality workmanship, excellent communication and delivered projects on time and within budget.

So in 2005, Auckland Building Specialists was born.

And we’ve kept growing since, building a name for ourselves in Auckland as friendly, professional and trustworthy. To keep up with demand and maintain our excellent service, we now have a team of 15 on the tools, ably backed by our support staff and a quantity surveyor.

Along with his wife Michelle, Andrew is still hands-on at the helm of Auckland Building Specialists. Meeting each and every new client, Andrew oversees all projects to ensure a complete and consistent service.

From our central location on Westgate Shopping Centre on Maki Street in West Auckland, we can work with you from the very beginning of your project to the end. So, whether you need to extend your home to fit in more family, spruce up your bathroom or kitchen, build your new dream home, or even landscape your garden sanctuary, we can help.

Working with our community

Auckland Building Specialist’s love to give back to the community, because they believe that when you are in a position to help make your community a better place, then it is your responsibility and purpose as great members of society to help out in any way possible.

Auckland Building Specialists have worked to give back in a number of ways and now is focused on working with Immerse.
The Immerse mission is to help significantly improve outcomes for tamariki whāngai (children in foster care) by providing nurturing sustainable connections, that utilise a therapeutic team approach. Their Vision is to see a transformed and transformational culture of foster care in Aotearoa.

Andrew and Michelle have a heart for helping young people, families in need and as the company moves forward want to invest more time and finance into community initiatives.

Meet the Team

Andrew Grigg – Managing Director

With a dream to challenge the status quo, Andrew established AKBSL in 2005. His love for new home builds and renovations fuelled his passion to create his own building business. Managing the operation of the business and building projects, Andrew is committed to quality workmanship, excellent communication and projects that are delivered on time and within budget.

Starting out as an apprentice, Andrew now has 24 years’ experience in the building industry and primarily focuses on residential renovations, extensions and new builds. But it’s not all work. Andrew is a family man. Married with two daughters his family activities include going to the beach, walks and mountain biking, with a keen personal interest in dirt biking and snowboarding.

Clive Limmer – Operations manager

Clive has been with AKBSL for 5 years and has 20 years’ experience in residential building. His main responsibilities include organising the building teams for new projects as well as all of the special tools, equipment and materials needed.

With a passion for people, Clive enjoys meeting with clients to discuss their requirements and budgets. Working closely with the pricing team, Clive is a mentor to the building teams with a strong focus on staff wellbeing. In his free time Clive enjoys relaxing with his wife and 4 children.

Kevin Tribe – Project, Technical and Training Manager

Kevin has been with AKBSL since January 2020 pricing projects, quoting and project managing. Kevin provides extensive technical expertise by supervising the building teams and providing training for further building qualifications. He is also involved in health and safety management and providing pastoral care.

Having run his own business, Kevin brings over 25 years’ building experience and is skilled in period homes and building multiple residential homes in the Auckland region.

Kevin has NZ Certificate in Carpentry L4, NZ Certificate in Trade Supervision L4 and Assessing Qualification 4089. Married for 33 years with two adult children, his ‘Man Cave/Workshop’ is his happy place. He also spends time restoring furniture and woodturning, reading and adding to his library. Kevin is also involved in pastoral care and leadership at a local not for profit organisation.

Geoff Thompson – Quantity Surveyor

Geoff has been with AKBSL since May 2019 and looks after project pricing, consulting with subcontractors, cost reporting and feasibility studies. Geoff is in his final year of a Bachelor of Construction degree. Born and raised in Auckland, he’s always had a fascination with construction and now enjoys working in the industry with Auckland Building Specialists. Geoff looks forward to new projects and loves the challenge of a few curve balls during the process!

Sarah Fawcett – Operations Coordinator

Sarah came to AKBSL in February 2019. Responsible for planning and overseeing projects, Sarah takes pride in ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and with quality results.

With an eye for detail, Sarah provides support to clients in a number of ways including design decisions, daily building schedules, subcontractor queries, variations and design changes as required.

Her previous work experience has been in Real Estate as a sales coordinator and property manager. Sarah’s background in diverse and fast-paced roles, gives her the ability to efficiently and effectively manage a variety of different projects.

Emma Hilton – Project Coordinator Assistant

Emma has been at AKBSL since February 2020, providing admin support to the project teams and liaising with clients, subcontractors and builders. With 30 years’ organisational experience across Finance, Banking and Retail industries in the UK and NZ, she specialises in business improvement and training. Emma takes pride in understanding clients’ needs and providing a high level of customer service.

With a passion for architecture and design, Emma comes from three generations of builders. Married for 22 years with one daughter, Emma is a keen property renovator with her husband. Other interests include family walks, furniture restoration, reading and travel.

Daniel Martin – Project Manager

Daniel has been with AKBSL for 12 years managing building sites and sub trades, assisting with the subdivision process and providing technical support to apprentice builders. He brings with him 13 years of industry experience as a builder and 6 years as a boatbuilder.

He has Level 4 Trade Certificate in Carpentry and Level 4 Trade Certificate in Composite Boatbuilding. While saving to buy a house, Daniel is Big Buddy mentor, attends church regularly and enjoys the outdoors; hunting, snowboarding and rock climbing.

Ryan Day – Project manager

Ryan has been with AKBSL for 6 years, managing and building the larger projects, from planning to ordering materials, leading the charge with the building teams and organising sub-trades. Ryan started working in the commercial building industry at 17 years old, moving into residential building 10 years ago and becoming fully qualified in the process. Ryan enjoys the variety of work the building trade has to offer; from working in the clay to installing one-of-a kind joinery in Remuera. Other interests include spending time with his new born baby and snowboarding.

Blair Attwood – Lead Builder

Blair has serviced the building industry for eight years. Working his way up from an apprentice to Qualified Builder, he now works as a Lead Builder and Site Supervisor for Auckland Building Specialists. Carrying the same core values and company expectations, Blair will manage your site the right way. Interests outside of work are woodworking projects at home, dirt biking and snowboarding.

Kurt Hansen – Lead Builder

Kurt has been building for nine years and Qualified for five years. He completed a BCITO apprenticeship and is now a Lead Builder and Site Supervisor for Auckland Building Specialists. Holding the same core values and company expectations, Kurt has a friendly and helpful manner in approaching all aspects of his work and customer service. Outside of work he enjoys surfing, being outdoors and spending time with his wife.