Building projects you’ll love, and love building together – since 1989.
Project of the month
Vaucluse residence XVI
What began as a simple installation of some fans to increase the airflow and introduce fresh air into a realtively new 4-level home, soon became an exercise in identifying the causes of some major building issues, then collaboratively designing solutions to overcome them, and finally executing the plan, in conjunction with a major refurbishment of the entire home, set in one of the best locations in Sydney to take in our world-class harbour. Working closely with the design teams at Hare+Klein and Sophie Ellen Designs, and keeping our overseas-based clients abreast of all developments via regular online meetings, we managed to deliver this now beautiful home in record time, and during the height of the pandemic!
Interiors by Hare+Klein; Sophie Ellen Designs
Photos by Christopher Walters; Jen Wilding
Blog
Tough times ahead, it seems…
If it hasn’t already difficult to find a new way to build and operate in order to survive a global pandemic; then manage the effects of huge price increases, massive supply chain shortages, and a critical lack of skilled labour over the last 2-3 years, most economists believe that not only are the tough times not over, but they will in fact get significantly worse before getting better…
Multiple insolvencies in the industry, high inflation, coupled with record low unemployment, high food and utilitty costs, and most importantly the continued raising of interest rates (which haven’t yet stopped…) have put many families and businesses under extreme pressure. As more people come off of fixed loans of 2% and start to pay 6% and over (in some cases a tripling of their interest payments), the pressure will just continue to grow.
In tougher times, we need to be even more careful of whom we engage with – clients with builders, builders with clients, builders with subbies etc etc.
We’ve prepared a list of a few suggestions when doing due diligence on your builders, along with seeing their work, checking past client references, and meeting the proposed team.
How big is your project as a ratio of their overall workload? Might it too big or too small? Have they got too much work on? Too little?
Who manages the finances in the business? Is it someone with the requisite training appropriate for their turnover?
Ask your builders about the level of debt in their business, and ask yourself if you think that it is healthy.
Perhaps ask your builders for a letter from their accountants, confirming their confidence in their solvency.
Ask what their discount is for HBCF warranty insurance, if they have one at all. The maximum discount is 30% off the premium. Some builing companies even get ltheir premiums loaded, which is an indication from iCare that they are considered a risk. Perhaps you should too.
Ask their subcontractors if they are getting paid by the builder regularly, and on time.
Ask whether they have other jobs on, and are they getting paid regularly on those by their other clients.
Try and decipher if the builder is just trying to “buy” a job and ride out the storm. If there’s no profit in it for them at the beginning, it’s unlikely to be there by the end, unless they try and grab it along the way…
Hope that helps!
DM.
Employee of the month
This month we meet Horizon’s Financial Controller, Tracy Sher.
How long have you been at Horizon?
13 years.
What do you love about your job?
The people. What are you working on at the moment?
Horizon’s budget for the next financial year.
Recent news
Where were you born?
South AfricaWhat has been your greatest professional achievement to date?
The successful implementation of our current financial and job costing system which has added an increased amount of efficiency and productivity in the business.
What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned throughout your career?
Multi tasking Three people you’d have over for a BBQ?
Nelson Mandela
My grandmother
Liverpool soccer team (more than three people, but would make my boys very happy)
Favourite dessert?
Chocolate mousse What do you do outside of work?
Exercise, socialise with friends, read, be a mum :)
2023 Horizon Golf Championship
The invites are out, and together with our amazing sponsors, we already have over 20 teams booked for our annual golf championship on Thursday September 21st, 2023.
This year, we will be hosted at the exclusive Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club, and our goal is to raise at least $15,000 for each of the Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Chris O’Brien’s Lifehouse @ RPA. Both organisations are close to our hearts.
Contact Jo in our office if you’d like to participate, and we’ll find you a group to play in. Or even better – arrange a four-ball with friends, family, colleagues or clients!
If you can’t make it, but would like to make a tax-deductible donation to one or either of our causes, click on the logos below.
With extreme gratitude to our sponsors:
We couldn’t put a day like this on without our incredible sponsors! It’s not why they do it, but if you get a chance, please support one or all of them in return!
Coming Soon – Tiny Habitats, by Horizon!
We are excited to announce a new venture that we have spent the last 18 months developing with our in-house team… Tiny Habitats! We have designed a range of tiny homes to meet the increasing demands of our clients looking for a granny flat, a separate dwelling for children or guests, and of course somewhere to generate some extra income via Airbnb or the like. We currently have three options ready to go to market – a studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom tiny homes. Initially, we are concentrating on delivery through our Southern Highlands division, but in the future we hope to be able to deliver them anywhere you like! Contact our office if you would like more information.
South Head Roughwater (Bondi to Watsons Bay Ocean Swim)
Horizon’s Director of Marketing, David Goldman, recently completed a marathon 10Km ocean/harbour swim from Bondi Beach around South Head to Watsons Bay, raising money for Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, to protect our environment and restore Australia’s biodiversity to its natural state. We couldn’t be prouder of his massive effort!
Horizon signs up 1Breadcrumb
We are delighted to have signed up 1Breadcrumb to assist us in managing our sign-in and sign-out processes on our sites, & also manage our induction processes at each location we’re working at – all in order to make our sites safer, and more efficient!
Horizon gets highest iCare rating possible
We are proud to have received the highest HBCF discount rating possible – 30%. Where clients of other builders pay the standard premium, and others still get their premiums loaded, Horizon’s clients can be pleased to not only get 30% off their premiums, but also feel that with iCare’s approval, they are dealing with a building firm with a soild track record, and sound financial base to deal with.
Peace of mind goes a long way in these economic times!
Cool Products
We have recently installed another Savant smart home, and more than anything, we just love the extremely stylish designer wall controls that take the guesswork out of what the switches do!
Under Construction
We have recently commenced a refurbishment of a home in North Bondi, in collaboration with interior design firm Handelsmann & Khaw. The five bedroom home is being completely remodelled, including a new feature stairwell, and plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views over one of the world’s best beaches.
Our Northbridge residence II is progressing a lightning speed now that the rain has abated! The Waterfront boathouse above will be a major feature of the property, and allow our clients to store their kayaks a stone’s throw from the harbour’s edge. Close collaboration is ongoing with Design King Company & Partridge Engineers.
Horizon – Building projects you’ll love, and love building together.
Since 1989.
We’d love to speak with you about your next project.
