As the chosen builder for our purpose-built holiday cottage, the Little Pig Building Company worked very hard to meet our needs at every level. Nick Marer was a very good communicator – we felt that he listened carefully to our requests, especially when we departed occasionally from the plans.
The standard of workmanship was impeccable and the tradesmen were always friendly and trustworthy. They were also quick to make good the inevitable minor repairs which needed to be done after the job was complete.
I have no hesitation in recommending the company to any future clients.
David Short
We are extremely pleased with the house Nick Marer and his company, Little Pig Builders Ltd. Built for us in Nelson in the fall of 2006.
The construction was first class, with every detail attended to in a timely manner. And as we were out of the area for some of the construction process, Nick kept us appraised during all stages of the construction via emails, photos and periodic phone calls.
The Little Pig team was exemplary, keeping the job site neat and tidy and earning accolades from the neighbours. It is with this experience, and Nick’s honesty and professionalism, we can strongly recommend Little Pig Builders Ltd. to anyone.
Karen and Henry H Work
So here we are having sold in the North Island and ready to build a house on a block of land we had bought deep in the Marlborough Sounds.
“Can you build us a straw bale scorpion?” Nick Marer must have thought he’d got a prize lot here, but it never showed. A link with an architect and out came plans for our straw bale house with Nick’s Little Pig Building Company the contractor.Open plan linking to a large covered outdoor living area, a curved roof with dormer windows catching a hold of the morning sun and depositing it at our feet on the south and sunless side of the house – just one obvious feature of this house of straw.
Why Straw Bale? We’d seen one in the North Island and been instantly sold on the concept. There are many shades of warmth and the temperature one is to be expected. But the aesthetic warmth created by the not straight walls shouts the WOW factor.
Why Little Pig Building Company? Straight from the first meeting we came away saying “well we’ve found our builder”. Scorpions aside, Nick’s friendly yet business like attitude gave us the confidence that this guy knows his stuff, has a great pride in his workmanship and will deliver the goods. At no stage either before, during or after construction have we had reason to change this opinion.
As for the house? Well, three years down the track never a day goes by without feeling, this is the best house we have every lived in. The warmth in the winter is matched by the cool in the summer, the insulation is just so perfect. The only complaint is that we should have lived in one years ago.
Helen and Pat Williams
We chose Little Pig Building Company to build our new timber home in Upper Moutere. We were moving to the area from Wellington and had heard about Nick from friends who were building a straw-bale house.
At every stage in the building process, Nick was always available when we wanted to talk through plans and progress. He organised all the sub contractors and listened when we had queries or concerns, remaining personable and approachable throughout.
Above all, the build remained within budget, which was a significant factor for us.
Beverly Sellers
We contracted The Little Pig Building Company to build our new house in Tasman. From the outset Nick Marer was a pleasure to work with. His patience must have been tested by the months it took us to get from initial discussions to pressing the ‘go’ button, but it never showed.
With his help and guidance we got plans drawn and costed and redrawn and re-costed and redrawn and re-costed until we came up with something we loved and could afford.
The quality and tidiness of his builders was next to none and the contractors he used were so good we’ve used several of them for subsequent work.
We were living in Wellington throughout the build so we relied heavily on Nick’s excellent project management skills. Despite the distance we felt totally involved throughout. Nick would let us know well in advance when we were needed on-site and he maintained regular contact via email and phone.
Although we didn’t build a straw bale house we still wanted our house to be energy efficient. Nick was a great source of ideas for how we could achieve this. We have now experienced our first winter in our new house and have been delighted by how thermally efficient it is. We love our new home and can only say that we enjoyed the process of building with the Little Pig Building Company from start to finish.
Laurie Gabites and Jennifer Harris
After extensively researching various building companies we choose Nick Marer and his team at the Little Pig Building Company to take on our dream of building a straw bale house in 2009.
Nick, from the outset, was keen, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and yet always sensible and down to earth. His matter-of-fact direct attitude was great for working with and if problems arose he would deal with them giving us as much information as possible, giving the pros and cons of each decision to be made.
Nick was always approachable and easy to contact if required. He arrived at the site often to check on the progress his team were making.
The on site team were on time and also keen and enthusiastic, even whilst working in some challenging conditions. On site manager Graham was always present and easy to talk to.
The house was completed on schedule and the result is fantastic. The Little Pig Building company, even a year on, are always available for advice and assistance if required.
I would use Nick and his team again and I cannot recommend them more highly.
Thanks Little Pig Building Company.
Fiona Perks
We have recently had the pleasure of working with Nick Marer and his company ‘The Little Pig Building company’ on an extensive alteration project at Iwa Street, Mapua.
Throughout this project we found Nick and his team to be highly professional, pro-active and committed to getting the best results for the project.
This included valuable input at pre design stage, regular communication and a high quality for workmanship throughout.
Based on this experience we would have no hesitation in recommending ‘The Little Pig Bui9lding Company’ for other projects and look forward to an opportunity of working with Nick again.
Yours faithfully
Dalman Architecture Ltd
