Unit Development - Claremont

We had been planning to subdivide our block of land in Shenton Road (Claremont) for a number of years. Having previously built 2 homes and renovated 4 others, we had had some previous experience. This time we wanted to have the plans drawn up by a designer so that we could go out to tender and obtain independent quotes from Perth builders.

Due to the size of the block, we realised that it would be extremely important to find the right designer who could maximise the available space while creating interesting and usable spaces.

At this point, we were not sure where to go or how to choose a designer. There are plenty around but how to find out whether their work is good? We knew we could go to a Perth architect, and we did consult one, but the overall cost to design this 3 home project together with an architect’s fees, would result in the project becoming too expensive.

We were then introduced to Tristan Kirkham from New Home Building Brokers through a work colleague. We had a meeting and discussed the project and our concept ideas and Tristan took over from there. He discussed a number of different designers and then created a shortlist of 3 that he thought would be suitable for the type of project we had in mind. We asked for quotes form these three and proceeded to make a choice based on their overall ideas and cost.

Armed with our wish list and our must have list, the designer that we eventually chose proceeded to draw up some concept plans. We had received absolutely no pressure from Tristan regarding our choice - the decision was made totally independently. Tristan took care of all the details, attended meetings, liaised on our behalf, made recommendations and finally took the plans to the Town of Claremont and submitted them for Development Approval. He has continued to liaise with the Planning Department on our behalf and smoothed the whole process through. Nothing has been too much trouble to him and we have greatly appreciated his energy and informed suggestions.

Tristan then put together some specifications and submitted them to 3 different Perth builders in order to get the project quoted. We are now at the point where we will choose a small, personal, individual builder to make our venture come to fruition. Tristan’s help and advice has been invaluable throughout this process and we are extremely grateful to him. His knowledge of the industry and his ability to read things in the plans that we had not noticed or fully understood has been greatly valued and even relied on.