The HomeBuilder program has set up builders across the country with months if not years’ worth of work as a result of this Federal Government incentive, but many face a new challenge in keeping up with the business growth and will be breathing a sigh of relief with the news that the Federal Government has extended the construction commencement requirement for the grant.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s office reports that 121,000 Australians applied for the HomeBuilder grant since it was announced in June 2020, providing between $15,000-$25,000 per successful applicant.
Now with the application period closed and builders preparing to deliver on the promised projects, the government has provided an extra relief in the form of extending the construction commencement requirement from six months to 18 months.
Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia shared that, “The surge in new home construction driven by HomeBuilder has averted the valley of death that was confronting residential builders and tradies due to the pandemic.”
Chief Operating Officer of G.J. Gardner Homes NSW/ACT/WA, Simon Curtis, said the HomeBuilder grant played a significant role in the number of sales generated across their three states.
“We’ve seen 100% growth across the board and while we are thrilled with this outcome, particularly after a stint of uncertainty last year, we are just as confident that we are well positioned to continue to service new clients whilst managing larger build volumes,” Mr Curtis said.
With his extensive experience in successfully managing businesses through large growth stages, a clear agenda was developed during 2020 to guide the 28 G.J. Gardner franchise offices through this time.
“Growth is great, but it must be planned and managed and we spent much of last year determining a path forward to ensure all of our offices are well equipped to deliver on our clients’ expectations.
From our perspective, it’s very important that every single client has the same high quality build journey experience that has become the foundation of the G.J. Gardner Homes brand.
“To do this we addressed 5 key growth considerations and focused on planning and forecasting, structure and staffing, contract administration, construction, and communication as well as motivation and culture to support all our teams to excel in their delivery of the current home sales as well as future sales opportunities.
“Planning, preparation and communication will be the key to success for all builders this year and that’s our number one priority at G.J. Gardner Homes,” Mr Curtis said.
Local G.J. Gardner Homes owner Simon Hvalica said that he was very confident in working through the builds planned for the year, continuing to engage local trades and suppliers.
“Our industry has certainly faced challenges in this last year and will do for the year ahead, but we have no concerns with meeting our current build commitments which is reassuring for our clients as well as our suppliers and contractors.
Our forward planning, as well as our G.J. specific processes, enables us to be well prepared to deliver on our clients’ expectations,” explained Mr. Hvalica.
For G.J. Gardner Homes Goulburn, visit 400-402 Auburn St, Goulburn, New South Wales, 2580 or call 02 4821 0102.
Contact: Lizzie Henebery: 0402 809 650 / lizzie@lizziehenebery.com
