Caldow Builders delivers professional HIAB transport and lifting services across Wellington, helping both commercial and private clients move and place heavy items with precision. From rooftop HVAC lifts in the CBD to cabin deliveries in hillside suburbs, we provide the right equipment and operators for the job.
At Caldow Builders, we provide expert HIAB services across Wellington, a city of over 215,000 residents (2018 census) located at 41.2865° S, 174.7762° E. Known for its steep hills, tight roads, and dense urban builds, Wellington projects often require precise lifting solutions in challenging environments.
From coastal suburbs like Island Bay to inner-city builds in Te Aro, access issues and site restrictions are common. HIAB lifts here demand careful planning, proper gear, and operators who understand the terrain and council regulations.
Whether we’re lifting roofing materials onto a building on The Terrace, delivering a cabin to a tight driveway in Brooklyn, or assisting with equipment relocation in Newtown, our team handles every job with care. We also support container unloads in Kaiwharawhara, farm machinery moves in Upper Hutt, and scaffold gear transfers across the wider region.
With decades of local experience and a well-equipped fleet, Caldow Builders delivers HIAB solutions that are safe, accurate, and built for Wellington’s terrain.
Get driving directions from Wellington to our office.
From the hills of Kelburn to the narrow lanes of Island Bay, we understand what it takes to plan safe HIAB lifts in Wellington’s tricky terrain and built-up suburbs.
Whether it’s moving scaffolding across the country, unloading containers, relocating farm machinery, or delivering cabins — we’ve got the gear and experience to handle it.
We know Wellington City Council regulations and plan every lift around road access, footpaths, and pedestrian zones. Our operators are fully qualified and safety focused.
Need a rooftop lift or cabin delivery on short notice? We offer responsive scheduling and adjust to suit your site, timeline, and equipment needs.
We regularly assist HVAC specialists and builders with lifting air conditioning units and ventilation systems onto rooftops. These jobs require pre-planning for traffic management, crane positioning, and overhead clearance — especially in built-up areas. We frequently operate in suburbs like Newtown, Thorndon, and Wellington Central, where long reach and precise placement are essential. Every lift is handled with strict safety and site coordination.
Our team lifts and moves machinery, tanks, and tools for farms, commercial depots, and industrial sites across the region. Jobs in places like Tawa, Upper Hutt, and Makara often involve long-distance transport and rural access — both of which we’re equipped to handle. We plan each move for weight, terrain, and placement requirements. Whether it’s a one-off lift or part of an ongoing project, we’re ready to assist.
We work with scaffolding companies and construction crews to transport gear quickly between sites. From full scaffold sets to steel frames, pallets, and site boxes, we ensure loads are secure and delivered on time. Our HIAB trucks can load and unload on difficult sites, helping teams stay productive. We regularly service areas across the Wellington CBD, Lower Hutt, and coastal suburbs.
Wellington’s hilly terrain and compact sections often require cabins to be lifted into position with HIAB. We assess site access, slope, and clearance ahead of the job to ensure safe delivery. Our operators place cabins with accuracy — even in tight backyards or narrow driveways. It’s a reliable way to install portable buildings without damaging driveways, gardens, or structures.
If your job involves lifting or transporting gear in or around Wellington, contact Caldow Builders today for professional HIAB services backed by experience and local knowledge.
Mandy Fitzgerald2023-08-06Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you want great customer service and are looking for good honest people then look no further. Emma Caldwell2019-08-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly staff very helpfulLoad moreGoogle rating score: 4.3 of 5, based on 7 reviews
HIAB work in Wellington typically costs between $150 and $220 per hour. The final cost depends on the location, load type, access conditions, and time needed. Lifts involving rooftops or tight urban sites may require extra setup time. We provide fixed quotes for standard jobs like cabin delivery or container unloads. You’ll receive a clear breakdown before we confirm the job. There are no extra fees added after booking.
We lift air conditioning units, scaffolding, cabins, steel, site boxes, and farm equipment. Our HIAB trucks handle rooftop installs, container work, and gear transport for both urban and suburban jobs. We regularly support tradies, builders, and homeowners in places like Mt Victoria, Karori, Island Bay, and the CBD. We confirm all load details — including weight and dimensions — before the lift. This ensures safe setup and smooth delivery.
Lifting on public roads, footpaths, or council land in Wellington often requires a permit. This is common for jobs in the CBD or any location with public access or traffic flow. We assess each job during booking and tell you if council approval is needed. For private property or driveways, a permit is usually not required. We follow Wellington City Council rules and can help with the permit process if needed.
Most HIAB jobs can be booked within 1–2 days. For urgent work, we may offer same-day service if we have truck availability. We regularly service central Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, and Porirua. Our scheduling depends on truck type, job size, and access. Once booked, we confirm your time and stay in touch if anything changes.
Our team arrives on site, checks the lift area, and sets up the truck and crane. We confirm that there’s enough space and that the site is safe for the lift. In Wellington, we often work on hills, driveways, or narrow roads, so we plan accordingly. Most jobs take between one and three hours. You’ll get updates before and during the job. We complete the lift safely and pack down the site once finished.
Need a hand with a rooftop lift, container unload, or heavy gear transport? Contact our Wellington HIAB team today. Call, email, or fill out the quick form — we’ll get back to you fast with a quote or advice based on your location, load type, and access.
Caldow Builders is a family-owned construction and contracting company based in Foxton. We’ve been working across the North Island for over 40 years, handling everything from commercial construction and civil projects to rural builds, hydrovac work, and heavy transport.