Nathan's DIY KIT HOMES Cairns
We would like to congratulate our customer Nathan for selecting the Kit Homes Cairns design for his project near Wellington East, SA.
Why Choose iBuild
From Western Australia to Wellington East
A Father-and-Son Build for Family
After years in Western Australia, Nathan Fichtner and his family were ready for change. They set their sights on Wellington East, a riverside township on South Australia’s lower Murray River. The move brought them closer to family in Victoria and South Australia while opening the door to something Nathan had always wanted: the chance to build his own home, his own way.
As an experienced tradesman and passionate builder, Nathan saw the opportunity to secure affordable land in a growing region, use his skills to create a lasting family home, and build a smart investment for the future alongside his son.
When it came to choosing a supplier, Nathan knew exactly what he wanted – and what he didn’t. After nearly a year of researching kit home providers, iBuild consistently stood out. His frustration with brick-and-tile construction ran deep – not just aesthetically, but practically.
“It was probably 80% because of the way you build,” Nathan explained. “We’ve done a lot of building work over the years, and I’ve got my mind pretty much set on what I think is a rubbish way to build and what’s a good way. The way they build in Western Australia to me is a joke – it’s windy, it’s sandy, and they build in brick and tile, which makes no sense at all and everything cracks.”
Having dealt with difficult builders in the past, Nathan understood that owner-building required more than just quality materials – it demanded a trustworthy partner. iBuild’s flexibility sealed the decision: the ability to customise elements, work with his own trades, and access professional support for approvals meant he could stay hands-on while still having expert guidance when needed.
“I saw your process. I saw your customer reviews. I saw your business on TV news and different things. Everything was very positive, and it seemed like you dealt with your customers very well. We were looking for someone we could trust.”
Nathan chose iBuild’s Cairns design – a warm, open-plan home that connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, with a separate family room and private master suite. Working with iBuild’s drafting team, he customised cabinetry and layout details to enhance function and durability, ensuring the design reflected his building experience and suited his family’s relaxed riverside lifestyle.
A year of research led Nathan to one conclusion: iBuild builds the way he believes homes should be built.
“Awesome, Antoine. Been very happy with everything you guys have done so far, and Mark has done a great job looking after everything as well. Very thorough planning, and looking forward to getting into it.”
Now, Nathan and his son worked together – combining their trade experience with iBuild’s proven systems to create a home that’s personal, practical, and a smart investment in their family’s future.
Kit Homes Photo Album
Click on the Facebook Album to check out this project’s progress.