4Walls News archive
Miss Kate performing in spades
Aug 31, 2010

Kate Keown, 2nd year carpentry apprentice is testimont to following your passion and believing in yourself.

Second generation carpenter, Kate has been working with contemporary home builder 4Walls since October 2009 and has made a great addition to the carpentry team, and aspires to running her own building company. 

4Walls build modern contemporary new homes and major renovations designed by architects for their clients.  "It's pretty exciting stuff to work on" Kate enthuses, "not every carpentry apprentice would have access to such high quality, detailed architectural construction work, so it's an amazing platform to learn from".

"There's alot of satisfaction in knowing you are building people's 'dream home'.  Clients are moving in with their new born babies or having their first Christmas in their new home, and that's when you realise, you're not just building homes, your building memories". 

Often being the only female onsite doesn't phase Kate, who enjoys the lively banter of the crew, and interaction with all the trades.  "Being a carpenter, you need to understand how all the other trades fit into the construction process.  We all need to work together and respect each others' contribution.  Often, you can have five trades working seemingly on top of each other, so it's crucial to 'work safe' and have an awareness of how we all contribute in delivering a high quality job for our clients on time" Kate explains. 

In addition to her Carpentry Apprenticeship, Kate is also studying for her Certificate IV in Building Construction with Swinburne TAFE.

Kelly Savvides, 4Walls Business Manager says she's "delighted to have Kate in the 4Walls team.  There's a very tangible career path for Kate into Site Supervision where she can gain valuable experience in how to run a building business before she ultimately steps out on her own".

 

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4Walls website not a luxury for prestige home builder
Dec 01, 2009

4Walls featured in BRW Magazine Nov26-Dec02 2009

Kelly Savvides, 4Walls Business Manager was interviewed by Business Review Weekly BRW magazine last week regarding the uniqueness of a small luxury prestige builder investing in business intelligence (the 4Walls website) as a deliberate marketing and customer service strategy.

Here is an exert of the BRW article:

....small businesses, which stand to gain the most from investing in IT services are often most reticent to take advantage of the opportunities technology provides.

.....SME's are often founded and run by specialists....the carpenter...know their trades, but don't necessarily have the time to investigate emerging technologies...those who do take the time to investigate and invest in IT, however, often establish for themselves a substantial competitive advantage over their competitors, and ultimately enable themselves to exploit the access to resources, staff and range of customers that otherwise would be out of their reach.

....By integrating search engine optimisation technology into the company's website, 4Walls was able to respond in a more targeted way to web-based searches. And as a result, it could win more work.

"There's no point in having an aesthetically pleasing web site that no one can find", Savvides says. "We only need to win one contract as a result of being easier to find on the web and we cover the extra cost of making it more functional". 

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4Walls prestige home builder wins construction industry award
Nov 24, 2009

4Walls has won the Small-Medium Professional Builder of the Year in the 2009 HIA CSR Victorian Housing Awards.

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 4Walls Director, Theo Savvides said: "It is an amazing honour to receive this award.  It makes all the hard work worthwhile.  4Walls have built prestiguous, contempoary and luxury homes for architects and our clients.  We strive to make the building process as stress free and transparent as possible....That's why our referral rate is so strong."

Business Manager, Kelly Savvides added that "the award is a result of a huge team effort by ourselves, subcontractors and suppliers to improve our customer service, marketing, training, and the introduction of management tools which create improved efficiencies for construction schedules.

It's a great way to finish 2009 and the best award a professional builder can aspire to in the residential construction industry.  We can't wait to start 2010!"

The prestiguous award night was on November 6th 2009 at Crown Palladium Ballroom.  The 4Walls team was joined by core subcontractors including Laser Electrical Burwood, AS Plumbing, Borella Kitchens, and Palacon Concrete.

 

 

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4Walls FINALIST in HIA 2010 Small-Medium Builder of the Year
Sep 29, 2009

4Walls contemporary builder is delighted to announce we have been selected as a FINALIST in the 2010 HIA Professional Builder Awards, Small - Medium business category.

4Walls was judged against criteria spanning five core categories including:

  • Business background
  • Customer service
  • Leadership of the business
  • Business management
  • Financial management

Business Manager, Kelly Savvides states "We are absolutely delighted.  We have spent alot of time 'planting seeds' in the form of training, business coaching, hiring, and refining business and sales strategies.  It is wonderful to be recognised as a leader in the industry".

The winner will be announned at the Palladium Ballroom at Crown on Friday 6th November.  "We are really looking forward to raising a glass of champagne to celebrate excellence in the residential construction industry - what a great way to wind up the end of the year!".

 

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4Walls 'No More Lawns Make-Over'
Jul 15, 2009

If you're lawn is hard and barren in summer and a tapestry of weeds in winter then it's time to bite the bullet and get rid of it.

4Walls promises you won't be disappointed.  4Walls Landscape Design services will transform your lawn from Mt. Disappointment to Mt. Talking Point !

The inside front entry of this modern residence was originally laid with expensive instant turf which looked great initially, but quickly dried out due to the drought.

The owners briefed 4Walls Landscape Designer to create a sculptural space with drought tolerant, low maintenance plants.

Three granite boulders anchor the courtyard and echo the grey Colourbond tones of the house; an example of how 4Walls provide creative continuity between residential and landscape design.  Japanese ginko trees bordered in black mondo grass form the centre-piece of the design which is inlaid with granitic sand reflecting the earthy tones of the merbeau timber boundary fence.  The sculptural garden is loosely framed by a strategic selection of drought tolerant plants which accentuate the grey, purple and blue hues of the home.

The owners are delighted with the result, the adults sighting the low maintenance, whilst the children love climbing on the boulders. 

Why not take the plunge and contact 4Walls to see how we can transform your garden >>

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HOW Insurer's reinforce need to choose your builder wisely
Jul 14, 2009

This week CGU Insurance announced their withdrawl from the Home Warranty Insurance market. This follows Lumley's withdrawl earlier this month. The insurers decision indicates the volatility of the current insurance marketplace and now only leaves three recognised insurers in this segment - Vero, QBE and Calliden. 

As a result, 4Walls predict some pricing volatility in terms of how much the remaining insurers charge builders for HOW insurance, a price increase which is passed onto consumers.

The cost of HOW insurance may increase because the insurers' need builders to effectively guarantee their predicted sales revenue with company equity or sign unconditional bank guarantees.  This puts financially unstable and/or poor quality builders at risk if a construction project leads to an official dispute. 

From the end customers' point of view, it has never been more important to select a quality builder rather than be tempted to choose the lowest quote. 

Often the lowest quoting builder may have made an error in their pricing structure to achieve this price point, which means Variations during the project and/or a dispute.  Also, at quoting stage, consumers should insist on builders providing a Certificate of Currency which states how much HOW insurance or sales turnover the builder is registered to undertake in the respective building category in which they operate (domestic unlimited for most residential projects).

The Recession will see many builders undercutting each others' margin to win work.  However, this strategy is short-sighted because these builders will not earn profit on these jobs, and will therefore try to cut corners to minimise their loss. The end losers are consumers who have put their faith in the builder with one of their largest life purchases - their home.

A home that is quality built will re-pay you in spades as it will stand the test of time, cost less to maintain, and not leave you with a bitter taste in your mouth. 

Call 4Walls on 909 58 580 to discuss plans to renovate or build your home>> 

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Relax @ Home Alfresco Style
Apr 21, 2009

  

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Alfresco living has never been more relaxing with the trend to bring the outdoors in.  Contemporary homes are utilising floor to ceiling windows with concertina openings, so glass walls can be pulled back to welcome a relaxing outdoor haven.

This outdoor area incorporates Greensmart passive cooling and heating principles.  Iodised aluminium louvers shade the west facing windows with help from the ornamental grape vine.  The grape vines stunning canopy and the louvers dramatically reduce cooling bills in summer.  Likewise, the deciduous vine allows warming winter sun to penetrate the indoor concrete floor which retains the heat, so the heater isn't required during the day in winter.

The pond is home to over 40 gold fish enjoyed by all ages alike, and the stone stacked feature wall has a cascading water feature which instantly relaxes the senses whilst creating a positive Feng Shui energy for this stunning contemporary home.

4Walls can help you design your outdoor alfresco area, incorporating Greensmart principles and sustainable landscape designs by Tanya McCabe, our inhouse Landscape Designer and Horticulturist.

Contact us now for an obligation free chat about how we can create your new outdoor room!

 

 

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How do I protect myself from dodgy home builders?
Feb 10, 2009

It's fair to say that most people do a lot of homework when selecting their new home or renovation builder.

It's vital your builder is a member of either the Master Builders Association (MBA) or Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Also, check your builder has a registered domestic builders licence - demand to see evidence of their licence.

And of course, the respective state governments have legislated that all builders obtain Home Owners Warranty insurance to ensure you project is completed in the event of insolvency, death or disappearance of your builder.

However, even all of these checks don't protect you from unscrupulous building practices. But relax, now you can sleep easy.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to use a Building Ethics Australia Accredited Builder.

Only trustworthy, financially stable, and competent builders can become BEA Accredited Builders.

4Walls is a Builders Ethics Australia Accredited Builder.

4Walls became a Building Ethics Australia Accredited builder to guarantee our clients a first-class job without all the worry and stress that comes with being in unfamiliar territory.

As a BEA Accredited Builder, 4Walls clients only make progress payments after having received a BEA Authority to Pay Certificate. This confirms that an independent inspection has been carried out prior to 4Walls making any requests for client payments. Building Ethics Australia verifies all aspects of 4Walls building projects to ensure they meet prescribed industry standards.

By choosing 4Walls as your home builder you are guaranteed we will deliver your building project with :

  • Professionalism
  • Financial stability, and
  • Ethical, reliable management

So call 4Walls today on 0401 061 161 to talk about how we can guarantee the success of your next building project.

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Looking for a Greensmart home builder for your contemporary home?
Feb 09, 2009

If you're looking for an accredited Greensmart builder - then you've come to the right construction company.

4Walls is proud to announce our recent accreditation as a licensed Housing Industry of Australia Greensmart Builder.

So, what does it mean to be a Greensmart builder?

Greensmart builders such as 4Walls are leaders in the construction industry, providing environmental solutions for new sustainable homes and renovations.

Greensmart homes:

  • Are better for the environment
  • Provide improved comfort of living
  • Are more cost-efficient to run (energy bills are lower)
  • Are designed using cutting edge practices - so your home is 'future proofed' ahead of regulation and has better re-sale value

As you can see, you don't have to be a 'greenie' to want a Greensmart home - rather, just someone who wants a comfortable, healthy and efficient home, rather than just bricks and mortar.

In 2006 the Building Commission conducted consumer survey research that showed 86% of building consumers regard environmentally sustainable buildings as being important.

Additionally, 43% of consumers engaged in conversations with their builder.

That's why it's important to speak to a HIA Greensmart Accredited Builder such as 4Walls.

So why not have a chat with 4Walls to discuss how we can help you achieve a Greensmart renovation or new home.

Call us today on 0401 061 161.

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Home Maintenance Tips
Sep 03, 2008


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Top Trends in Luxury Home Design
Sep 23, 2008

 

Earth Friendly

A home should be conceived from it?s natural environment, use recycled and eco-friendly materials and appliances wherever possible.

Preserve Architecture

Homes can be conceived from non residential constructions that have architectural or historical significance such as Post Offices, Churches, Schools, Convents. There is a recognised charm, history and value in this.

Homes that are good for us

We can increase our health by building with friendly materials. Avoid synthetic materials and chemical additives used in paints and composition wood products.

Homes that withstand the elements

New homes need to be built to better cope with bushfires, floods, heavy storms.

Flexible floor plans

Homes need to be flexible and transitional to change with our changing family lifecycles and also the change in seasons. Summer suits open plan and open flow ventilation, whereas in Winter we crave the coziness of smaller ?den? type rooms. Rooms that can change with our needs using sliding walls, barriers, and indoor/outdoor rooms that can change roles will be adapt to a variety of specialized needs.

Accessible home design

People are less niave about the need to plan ahead either for themselves or re-sale value when it comes to accessible housing that can be used by the elderly and people of all abilities. Consideration for ramps, wide halls, and bathrooms and kitchens that accommodate nursing chairs and wheelchairs are easy to accommodate at planning stage, and make the home more user-friendly and seamless for everyone.

Indoor - outdoor living

These days, the outdoor living spaces are just as relevant to the way a family plans to use the overall living space. The differentiation between indoor and outdoor living blurs further, as kitchens, bathrooms, cellars, living areas, and even theatre systems find themselves in the outdoor rooms.

Storage, storage, storage

Speak to most women when dreaming about a new home, and they will talk about the desire for endless, and well conceived storage. Walls of storage are replacing the traditional linen closet of the 1970's and this has implications for the construction budget, as it adds to joinery. However, the result is a home that accommodates the storage needs of the user and has great re-sale value.

Energy flow & all that stuff

Even those not well versed in Eastern ideas in home design such as Feng Shui, are quietly taking notice of what is meant to work and what doesn't. Perhaps the laid back Australian attitude is: "we've got nothing to loose and everything to gain by designing our home with the right Feng Shui in mind?. Certainly, more and more people are discussing these design theories with their Architect and Builder.

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4Walls Home Builders commentary on Herald Sun article 11/9/08 titled "Builders forced to cut prices"
Sep 11, 2008

On 11/9/08, The Herald Sun reported that "many builders were cutting their prices to stay competitive in tough times" resulting in twice as many building firms failing than the standard industry benchmark in the 12 months to March 2008.

In response to this article, 4Walls Director, Theo Savvides advises those people hiring a builder to "really know who you are dealing with" before you sign the contract. "It takes an average of 12 months to build a prestige, luxury home. You therefore need to have complete faith in the financial security and established background of the builder you choose. It all comes down to trust that you're dealing with a reputable builder who isn't going to leave you high and dry half way through your contract".

 

Theo recommends you investigate the following things about your builder before you decide to appoint them to your project:

  • How long has the building business been trading? Have they grown fast or steadily?
  • What is the former job history of the registered builder/s in the company? Have they been long-time employees to other builders before starting their own business? This will give you an idea of their loyalty.
  • Do they have appropriate insurances? Home Owners Warranty? Public Liability?
  • Ask the builder if you can speak to firms who supply them, such as their timber or sanitary suppliers. These suppliers can testify as to their payment history. If the builder pays their suppliers on time (and has done so over a period of years), this is a sign of good financial health and cash flow.
  • Speak to Architects the builder has worked with. You can ask the Architects about the builders' professionalism with regard to submitting Progress Claims. Have the claims been appropriately timed and reflected the value of works in progress? A builder who tries to claim more than the value of work in progress may be struggling to manage their cash flow.
  • Seek client testimonials from the builder. This will give you an accurate indication of the ethics and values of the builder. Clients get to know their builders' character very well over the period of construction.

 

Finally, Theo advises against appointing a builder soley based on the lowest quote. "Builders who under-cut on price may cut corners or try to load the job with Variations down the track, which end up blowing out your budget. Always choose a builder who delivers quality craftsmanship and minimal defects. It costs less and is ultimately more time-efficient to do things correctly and to a high standard the first time".

Theo's final word of advice makes perfect sense: "At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If the builder checks out well and you have good vibes from them, then this is a great sign you are on the right track to a successful working relationship".

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