Nick Rowe of Canberra-based NJR Homes always wanted to be a builder.

From the age of eight, his favourite pastime was wandering through building sites.

“I loved the smell of new construction and timber,” he says. “And building different things with my father.”

When Nick turned 18 and left school, he began a carpentry apprenticeship so he could build things for a living.

During this apprenticeship, he also studied to obtain his builder’s licence.

An advantage that has served him well, as he is now one of the less common dual-qualified carpenter–builders in operation.

By age 21, when many of his peers were still figuring out their life plans, Nick was busy completing his first home build in Torrens.

“I actually drove past it last Friday, and it’s a bit nostalgic,” he says.

“I often look back and wonder what on earth some of these clients were thinking when this young 21-year-old came rocking up to their door quoting their jobs.

“I think people can sense trustworthiness, and if someone is honest, determined and confident.”

The faith those first clients put in Nick almost two decades ago appears to have been well placed.

Not only does NJR Homes have more than 150 Canberra homes under its belt, but the highest sale recorded for a Canberra property in 2025 was built by the company in 2015.

The luxury residence at 52 Mugga Way, Red Hill, sold only recently, was owned by former Home Affairs Secretary Mike Pezzullo and his wife, Lynne Pezzullo, a former managing partner at Deloitte.
Like the majority of NJR Homes’ clients, Mr and Mrs Pezzullo were recommended by a previous client and subsequently engaged Nick to undertake their dream build from start to finish.

Nick acknowledges that an opportunity for a builder still in their twenties to undertake a multimillion-dollar build for high-profile clients such as Michael and Lynne Pezzullo is far from common.

The property took just under 14 months to complete and included a grand spiral staircase and double-height void, a swimming pool and spa, a pool house, seven bathrooms, five bedrooms, a four-car garage, study, library, artist studio, tennis court and porte cochère.

Many of the home’s features were imported or handcrafted using traditional building methods, contributing to a sprawling 850m²+ manor with a Georgian influence.

NJR Homes’ ability to continue attracting referrals is something Nick prides himself and his company on.

“My motto is that I build for others how I would build for myself,” he says.

Nick has seen many builders come and go during his career, including so-called quality builders.

“It’s a hard industry to stay relevant in and at the front of,” he says.

So how has Nick done it?

“Everything is transparent with me so there are no additional margins applied to any extras along the build,” he says.

“Clients will receive invoices and quotations directly from the trades so they see the exact costs,” Nick adds.

According to Nick, it is all too common for builders to misrepresent the actual costs charged by trades during a build.

“A lot of transparency equals a lot of trust. There are a lot of horror stories associated with builders.”

The integrity of NJR Homes is paramount to Nick.

“After all, it’s my initials out there. You can’t hide from your own name,” he says.

“And I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that there’s someone out there I’ve offended or have built incorrectly for. I’m not that sort of builder. I’d rather lose money than cut a corner.

“And your last client is your future work.”

Based on the quality builds now commanding the attention of the market, NJR Homes seems set to continue building relationships that keep everyone wanting more.

To get in touch with NJR Homes, contact 0424 981 716 or visit njrhomes.com.au