The story of Jones Builders Group (JBG) could be made into a movie. Nathan Jones, hailing from the green valleys of Wales, visits his builder dad in LA, and falls in love with the warm sunshine of California. Eventually moving to the US, he works on building projects with his dad, before moving on to work with other contractors.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As the plot thickens, Nathan finds himself working on the home of Baywatch star David Charvet, but under a contractor that was not performing to standard. When David ended that contract before the project was complete, he needed someone to finish the house \u2013 and he asked Nathan to step in.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI stayed on and finished David\u2019s house, and we formed a great relationship,\u201d says Nathan, taking up the narrative. \u201cHe would refer me to his friends, and I would build houses for them. Eventually he purchased a house that Mel Gibson owned, and he wanted to build a brand-new house on that land. David asked me to take on that project, and by this time he really loved the building process, and asked if he could join the business. I suggested he take on the sales role, finding and getting projects on board for the future, while I focus on operations and building. Basically, I ended up with a really great salesperson!\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The match might sound unlikely, but Nathan and David have now established Jones Builders Group (JBG) as a creator of dream homes and commercial properties in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Santa Monica, and Brentwood. Their reputation for the highest standards means that they are approached by clients months before they even break ground, in order to gain their valuable insights and skills, as well as utilize the state-of-the-art technology they embrace as part of the process.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe have an in-house 3D modeler, where we input all the plans from architectural to plumbing,\u201d explains Nathan. \u201cWe create a 3D model, which we use to work through any problems that may arise as part of the design or build. That way we can minimize any delays to the build resulting from unforeseen conflicts.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But it is the truly personal touch that sets JBG apart, and David joins the conversation to give more details. \u201cWe pride ourselves on our level of finish, and we\u2019re very detail oriented. We like everything to be as close to perfect as we can get it,\u201d he says.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe also live the same kind of lifestyle as our clients in Malibu, we understand the materials and comfort levels they are looking for, because we have that in our own homes. I think we bring a synergy to our clients to make them feel comfortable with the process.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Given the scale of the projects worked on by JBG (with clients\u2019 budgets starting at a minimum of $4 million) it\u2019s not surprising that the pair can\u2019t discuss individual homes, as they are covered by non-disclosure agreements. \u201cWe work with a lot of high-end, well-known people who like to keep these details private,\u201d David notes. \u201cOur projects incorporate world renowned architects such as Giannettis in Malibu, and luxury designers, as well as carefully chosen subcontractors,\u201d adds Nathan.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Assembling and retaining that team of people can be a challenge though, particularly in an expensive state such as California. \u201cThe house prices here are so outrageous that younger people are looking to move away, especially if they want to start a family. We\u2019ve lost some amazing people from the business, who want to own a home \u2013 it\u2019s the American dream after all! But California is too pricey, and so they are forced to relocate to other areas they can afford,\u201d Nathan reveals. \u201cBut we subcontract around 90 percent of the work and we have established a very reliable subcontractor network, and make sure not to overwhelm one contractor with too much work.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve realized that managing our own people is a job in itself,\u201d adds David. \u201cFinding the right people who fit with us and can do this day in, day out for years is sometimes a challenge. I think what is missing for me is finding people with enough experience. We are always trying to find people who will continue to work in our company, who have the same vision, who have the same mindset and who can contribute to the JBG family that we have created.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Working in California engenders enhanced legislative and regulatory requirements, including around renewable energy. \u201cCalifornia is really cutting edge in this area, and there\u2019s a certain number of solar panels that have to be included on new homes, as well as an electric car charging point,\u201d says Nathan. \u201cWe\u2019re finding that when incorporated with a Tesla battery storage backup system, it not only greatly reduces energy bills, but it protects the homeowners from blackouts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIn high fire zones there can be a lot of power cuts, because high winds cause power lines to fall, and they cause fires. So, in Malibu they cut the power on high wind days, and we find that clients who didn\u2019t get a backup system initially experience a few blackouts and are then keen to investigate it retroactively!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Given its understanding of what is required to deliver the most luxurious properties in California, it\u2019s not surprising to learn that JBG is considering sharing the benefit of its experience in a new location, as David reveals. \u201cYou know, Aspen is incredible, but it is Miami where we\u2019ve been talking about opening a division, as we have noticed that there aren\u2019t a lot of high-end builders there.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere are a few great ones, but I think that very high-quality builders are a little bit harder to find. When Nathan and I were there, we felt the city was what LA was maybe ten years ago, and when we talked to owners\u2019 reps, they told us that it\u2019s very hard for them to get the level of quality they are looking for.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey have hit a huge boom and they\u2019re building a lot of beautiful homes, and we know what these owners\u2019 reps, architects, designers and clients expect,\u201d adds Nathan. \u201cWe are very familiar with the requirements of coastal building, we can advise on the right materials for the environment, as well as make sure we deliver the JBG level of luxury that these premium builds require.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe would have to find the right subcontractors, because I think that the real missing part in Miami from the homes that I\u2019ve seen is that the contractors don\u2019t realize what works and what doesn\u2019t work long term,\u201d David states. \u201cI\u2019ve been in homes that were two or three years old, and you see all the outside cabinetry, you see the stone, you see the roofing, you see all the waterproofing that is not well done. We take huge pride in making sure all the finer details are taken care of \u2013 we would even over waterproof because we don\u2019t want to see any issues.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMalibu is a hard place to build, and I think we could supply a service in Miami because we\u2019ve already been through the challenges, battling the ocean and the elements. We could be an asset, and save people money down the road. Some beautiful homes are being built, but the products they are being built with are not sustainable.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAt this level, clients want a forever home,\u201d Nathan continues. \u201cThey are doing this once, and it must last. Of course, if we are building a home such as this, our reputation is on the line as well. When we\u2019re relying on word of mouth to get future work, we need clients to endorse our services, and recommend us to their network. That means the standards must be exemplary every time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As we talk about future work, the conversation returns to the first house that David and Nathan built together, which has become a showpiece to illustrate to future clients what they can deliver and remains as a testament to their philosophies. \u201cWe still show people around and in fact it got us a couple of jobs this year,\u201d says David.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTrends always change, and the pandemic was a huge turning point,\u201d adds Nathan. \u201cToday people are designing their houses to have everything they need in one place \u2013 they want an office, a gym, and sports facilities at home \u2013 and very personal to them. The process is about how they want to live and how they want their house to work. Everyone now is including a pickleball court, and cold plunge pools.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI am surprised Nathan is endorsing pickleball when he\u2019s a padel fan,\u201d laughs David. \u201cBut the point is that clients spend a lot of time and energy making sure friends and family are comfortable \u2013 and impressed! That helps us as well, because when we do a great job, they tell their friends who built it.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Having worked together for nearly two decades, David and Nathan are well established in their roles, and continue to play to their strengths. David notes that he doesn\u2019t \u2018get in Nathan\u2019s lane\u2019. \u201cBuilding our first house turned out to be a great way to get to know somebody, and I learned quickly that Nathan is someone I can totally trust, which is a trait I really respect. We\u2019ve never had a single query or accounting problem, and in this town, you don\u2019t last long if you\u2019re known for cutting a corner. We have complete trust in our relationship, and while I don\u2019t know half of what Nathan knows and I would never pretend to, we\u2019re becoming bigger and I am trying to help manage the team a bit more and check in with clients. But my focus continues to be ensuring the JBG order book is healthy.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It will be exciting to check in with them again to see how the Miami plans are unfolding. But before then, JBG looks set to continue to deliver exceptional craftsmanship, and unparalleled service, creating exquisite living spaces that play a starring role in the lives of their clients.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n www.jonesbuildersgroup.com<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nSeamless synergy<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Reliable relationships<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Expanding operations<\/span><\/b>
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<\/span><\/h3>\nLuxury living<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Dream team<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n