Against the Grain Building & Renovating

Our new build was a significant challenge for Against the Grain for a number of reasons. Firstly the site was tight as the rebuild had to be within a restricted envelope due to heritage protection requirement of the existing garden. Secondly the design was a one-off with a very high level of structural engineering and unusual specifications such as rammed earth walls and steel rod roof supports as well as extensive fire rated double glazing to capture the world heritage view of the Jamison Valley. Thirdly we specified a high level of finishes especially in the joinery. David Spees who owns and runs Against the Grain is a man of his word who took great personal interest in ensuring the job met our requirements. He was proactive in suggesting improvements to design and finishes, at times involving difficult debate with our architect, which we greatly appreciated. David Spees has an associated joinery shop that produced the beautiful joinery finishes throughout. Site management was exemplary under Errol Boswell who managed a complex large project with great skill, perseverance and good humour. The employed carpenters and closely associated trades worked together as a great team displaying the highest standards. Post completion the builder has responded quickly and effectively to remedy any defects. The home has attracted much favourable comment, including at the HIA awards in 2018 when it was a finalist, for its architecture, materials and the joinery. We are delighted with our new home and have no hesitation recommending Against the Grain.

We used Against the Grain for a contemporary addition in Blackheath and found them to not only be a pleasure to deal with, but their finish and work ethic was of the highest quality.

David Spees and his team at Against the Grain are the holy grail of builders! They were highly professional and produced a result exceeding our expectations. All the tradesmen were highly skilled, a pleasure to deal with, courteous and always left the property tidy every day. The entire team worked as if the house were their own. David made invaluable suggestions in regards to layout and fittings, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Communication was excellent throughout the process. We would highly recommend Against the Grain for anyone building or renovating who wants the very best. This is our forever home, and we could not be more pleased with the standard of work. Thank you!!!