A variety of home styles and localities

Builders don't just build houses

How can the builder help the homeowner? Someone needs to be in charge, even small bathrooms are complex.

The builder is principal contractor who manages construction work, directing various suppliers of material and services subtrades or “subbies” (eg. carpenters, plumbers, tilers etc.) to deliver buildings, kitchen and bathroom renovations, extensions etc.  

The builder starts as an apprentice, becomes a tradesman/subbie then over years through study and experience acquires more and more knowledge about other sub-trades, production techniques, contracts, building design and approvals, job costing but most importantly “how to give clients what they want.” Single trades like Plumbers don’t do this, they want a straightforward plan, a pile of pipe to cut up on site, a can of glue, a radio and fine weather!

The builder is like a Sea Captain, in charge of a construction project instead of a ship. Sea Captains know about the sea, ships, about crew and passengers, know where they are going and how to get there. The builder is responsible, the ships master on a renovation voyage.

EXAMPLE: Take a bathroom renovation.

First “the plan” and agreement needs to form. The plan is an amalgam between client and builder, between reality / conflicting constraints of practicality, building regulations, and clients wishes, budget, fashion trends, physical size and potential of an existing property.

The builder spells out the plan in an offer letter. A contract between builder and client is formed and payment schedule agreed, the builder executes “the plan” within the time frame specified.

The builder schedules 6 or more different subtrades (carpenter, plasterer, electrician, water-proofer, tiler, painter) plus half a dozen different suppliers (timber, plasterboard, tiles, plumbing supplies, lighting, windows, rubbish removal etc.) coordinates all those moving people and parts, delivered from “the plan” to completion for a single bathroom, then guarantees work for 7 years! 

How you can pick the right builder for your renovation voyage?

Testimonials and referrals are THE universal hard earnt currency of successful renovation builders.

Greg Secomb

SECOMB builders + plumbers

The Secomb’s family home, which cleaned up at the 2003 HIA Housing Awards, is situated in the Brisbane suburb of Murarrie. It was designed to not only maximise views of both the city and the surrounding parkland but to maintain the city views for the rear neighbours.Featuring the latest materials and techniques, Greg Secomb from Secomb Builders has created a distinctive home. 

Cutting a sharp profile against the sky this home stands out in a sea of brick veneer and tiles, visible with the naked eye from Mt Coot-tha, 25kms away. Maximising the use of a small lot, the home has been designed over three levels to ensure views are capitalised on from almost every room, particularly in the main living and entertainment areas. Zoning of sleeping/children’s and adults living areas and multiple outdoor spaces creates a harmonious liveable home. 

The home comfortably accommodates their many guests and allows them the space to feel welcome. (Some of them don’t want to leave!)A four-car garage and workshop space occupies the lower level. The second entry level contains the rumpus room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry, home office and foyer/library. Level 2.5 has a powder room on the landing, cleverly using some dead space under the articulated pantry cupboard to achieve the required headroom.The third, upper level, houses the main living, kitchen, dining and outdoor entertainment areas with large expanses of glass to maximise the views. 

Veranda, garage and office buffer the home from the western sun. Adjustable aluminium shutters help control the elements. Solar hot water and foam-insulated cladding add energy efficiency and ceiling fans are a design feature.

While building an award winning home was a bonus, Secomb Builders’ main focus is renovation and additions to all styles of homes.From colonial through post-war, semi-modern and 70’s/80’s styles Greg works with their owners and brings out the best in the house to transform it into a modern, liveable home. 

From kitchen and bathroom to deck, carport or full home makeovers you will love the results Secomb Builders help you achieve.