Artisanship in an industry dominated by
average.

Elevated living space in this 1990’s full restoration.

The “butterfly” in our name symbolises beauty and transformation.

A building is more than wood and nails. It’s where people make memories. We’ve made it our mission to craft beautiful, functional spaces, transforming them with the precision and passion of an artisan.

However, we believe that transformation isn’t just about your space. The building industry itself can be unapproachable and intimidating. Dishonest companies blindside people with industry jargon and hidden fees, relying on client’s lack of building knowledge to hide shoddy work and poor practice.

We believe the industry can do better, and our values prioritise a transformative building experience not just for our clients, but for our fellow building professionals.

When you choose us, you’re choosing a team of artisans who genuinely love what they do, do it well and care about the people they’re doing it for.

  • Our company is founded on integrity and honesty. You'll get straight up information in plain terms. We do not tolerate dishonest practices or providing deliberately low estimates in order to secure a contract, only to spring higher costs on clients later. 

  • People are at the heart of our company. From the dedicated Butterfly Builds team and our extensive network of subcontractors, to the amazing clients and architects we collaborate with daily. It is this collective of individuals that bring your home's vision to life. The foundation of our success is built on the way we value people first and foremost.

  • We not only meet, but exceed industry standards. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team of artisans who genuinely love what they do, do it well and care about the people they’re doing it for.

OUR VALUES

The Monarch Guarantee

Our personal Monarch Guarantee goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure you get the level of excellence your project deserves.

It’s our personal seal, and we stake our reputation on it.

You get true value for your money:

Never again put up with companies that spring hidden costs on you, especially when you’re too deep into a project to escape.

We engage professional Quantity Surveyors to help price your project to ensure more accuracy. You also won’t find us inflating prices to cover excessive profit margins.

We’ll make sure your dollars go as far as possible, balancing your budget with the high end aesthetics your project deserves.

We actually know how to build:

Did you know that many of the largest renovation companies in New Zealand operate on a franchise model?

That means people with minimal industry experience can enter the market and hide their lack of experience by throwing money into glossy marketing campaigns instead of decent carpentry.

Every member of our building team is qualified as, or training to be, a BCITO carpenter. Crucially, we don’t subcontract our building work to other companies! This means you’re not left with a builder whose qualifications and quality you haven’t had a chance to evaluate.

We do your building work - not someone else.

You get helpful transparency from us:

There’s nothing worse than turning up to your site and not knowing what’s going on. This is your build, so you should be as involved as you want!

Our BuilderTrend software will keep you up-to-date with a updates and photos of your project. Every stage of the build keeps you firmly in control to make sure you’re getting exactly what we promise.

Plus, once the contract is signed, we’ll remain fully engaged and committed to your project from start to finish.

We meet (and exceed) industry standards:

There are standards for a reason - your build needs to be safe and reliable for decades. We keep stringent checklists to ensure quality control at all stages of your project and as a Licensed Building Practitioner (BP140379) you can be reassured that our work complies with New Zealand Building Codes, standards and practices.

Building homes isn’t just about financial investment though. These are spaces where you and your loved ones will live, work and create memories. As a registered Master Builder, we offer a 10-Year Master Build Guarantee to safeguard your investment.

OUR FOUNDER, CHRIS BATH

An eye for detail and a love of creating.

I grew up in Bristol, UK, with an eye for detail and a love of creating. My journey began with a degree in fine furniture design, where I discovered the joy of craftsmanship and a knack for nailing the finer details—literally.

Later, I swapped the drizzle of Bristol for the sunshine of New Zealand, qualifying as a BCITO carpenter and expanding my skills to building high-end homes. Whether it’s a custom table or a whole house, I’ve always believed in doing things properly, with care and precision.

Over the years, I’ve worked with two of New Zealand’s largest renovation companies, taking on roles from project manager to operations manager to renovations consultant.

Along the way, I earned the title of Australasia’s Renovation Consultant of the Year. It’s a fancy accolade, but really, it’s proof of my commitment to delivering exceptional results and keeping things stress-free for clients—because a smooth project is just as important as a beautiful outcome.

In 2021, after 20 years of honing my skills, my wife Hayley and I founded Butterfly Builds. Together, we focus on high-quality renovations and new builds with a simple philosophy: honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship come first.

No cutting corners, no sneaky hidden costs—just homes built with care and a genuine love for what we do. Your project is in safe, trusted, and slightly cheeky hands.

Meet the team

  • Chris Bath

    Hi, I’m Chris, You’ll first meet me on-site when I come to discuss your vision and ideas for your new space. I oversee your project from start to finish and take pleasure in leading our team. When I’m not working, you’ll find me spending time with my wife and three young children or playing pickleball. I love family time and going on bike rides. On weekends, I never pass up the chance to cook on the barbecue.

    With over 20 years in the industry, he is an experienced, warm, and genuine leader who values people and honesty.

  • Jackson Callandar

    Hi, I’m Jackson. You’ll see me on-site where I’m responsible for construction and ensuring that the site is running smoothly. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, helping out friends, renovating my own home, and crafting bespoke items, like my timber guitar. If I’m not cooking, you’ll likely find me at a local café enjoying a big breakfast.

    A great human being and described as an old soul, he’s a talented carpenter who has integrity in spades.

  • Connor Smith

    Hey, I’m Connor. You’ll meet me on-site and will see me building and ordering materials. I appreciate that Butterfly Builds fosters an encouraging work culture that prioritises taking care of people and upskilling. When I'm not at work you’ll find me playing golf and listening to the Radio Hauraki Big Show. I’ve also got a knack for guessing how much the All Blacks will beat the English by, much to Chris’s dismay.

    An exceptional character with first-rate carpentry skills and a great eye for detail. He'll have you in stitches with his dry humour.

  • Tyler Callandar

    Hi, Tyler here. I’m a third year BCITO apprentice and love the team that we have here at Butterfly Builds. You’ll find me on-site building and collaborating effectively with the team of builders and subcontractors. I like the satisfaction that comes from constructing a high-quality build. When I’m not on-site, you’ll find me mountain biking, playing the bass guitar and playing competitive pickleball.

    With a heart of gold, he’s got a dedicated work ethic in honing his craft and is known for his subtle, cheeky smile.

  • Hayley Bath

    Hi there, I’m Hayley. I enjoy working with our team and have a natural eye for making things look good. You’ll find me responding to emails, and working on our marketing. When I’m not at work, I’m in my vege patch, mc-ing local Wellington events (Such as the Weetbix Kids Triathlon, Special Children’s Christmas Party and the Pink Ribbon Walk) and spending time with my daughter, twin sons and my husband Chris.

    She’s a natural communicator who loves people, and enjoys trying to wind up the lads and nagging them for photos.

  • Zara Parkin

    Hi I’m Zara. You'll find me in the office keeping things running smoothly. When I am not keeping the team in check or balancing the books, I spend time traveling the country with my husband and two kids. Or cuddling my two fur babies. I also work for two charities and love giving back to the community. 

    Our office super-hero. She is an all round legend with a heart of gold. Always going beyond the call of duty. 

Light soaked hallway with a thoughtfully and carefully considered window placement.