Castlemaine builder Edifice Construction has claimed a national award for business excellence at the Master Builders National Business Excellence Awards in Melbourne.
The local builder of ‘forever homes’ was awarded ‘Small Residential Building Business of the Year’.
The family business is an exemplar in an industry facing considerable challenges.
The judges noted the combined passion, expertise, and experience of husband-and-wife founders, Dugald and Ellissia Campbell and their team, who actively prioritise business excellence.
Rigorous criteria acknowledged the quality of building work, strong customer and supplier relations, and Edifice’s astute project and financial management.
Business Manager Ellissia Campbell said the national win reinforces that they are on the right track.
“It tells us that we are leaders in our community. It shows clients that we take our jobs, their homes and our business seriously. We don’t just build great projects but we have a thriving business,” she said.
Director Dugald Campbell said over the past couple of years Edifice has implemented a range of business improvements behind the scenes.
He also attributes the company’s success to its loyal and capable team.
“Many businesses in our industry are struggling with skills shortages but we develop, appreciate and retain our people, all locals from the Bendigo and Castlemaine communities.
“Earlier this year one of our apprentices, Lewis, won the MBAV Chairperson’s Regional Apprentice of the Year award,” he said.
Ellissia said they have also just signed on Liv, a young Bendigo woman who was struggling to find a workplace that would welcome her as an apprentice.
“That means we’ve now got three industry trained women on the team.”
“This award is a pat on the back for our staff. It’s rare in a busy small business that you make the time to look at how far you have come. Awards are a great opportunity to sit down and reflect,” she said.
The win also provides reassurance to consumers. In an economic climate featuring builders going bust, clients need to trust that a builder has credibility and viability; that they’ll stick around to deliver.
Not every builder can point to an award trophy. That’s why Dugald encourages consumers to check with the Victorian Building Authority to ensure that their proposed builder is registered. This delivers legal protections and insurance.
He also advises consumers to gain clarity about the quote and contract, specifically to understand terms like reasonable and indicative costs, and provisional and prime cost allowances.
“Ask the builder if you can get in touch with their past clients to get real feedback. Ask to take a look at a job that’s underway or recently completed to check the feel and quality for yourself,” he said.
The whole nation will get the see the quality of an Edifice Construction build when the award-winner makes its television debut on Australia’s Best House. The episode goes to air on Channel 9 on October 8.