So, Jacob, let’s start with the basics. What does Think Built do, and what is your role within it?
Think Built works on new builds and renovations for domestic and commercial builds, mainly within the Sutherland Shire, but we do cross the bridge occasionally! I’m the Builder and Director of Think Built.
Tell us about building Think Built! How did the company come to be?
Ever since I was young, I loved building and making things. I remember helping the builder at mum and dads when I was a kid, then I did work experience with the same builder when I was in high school, ‘Bomber’ he’s a legend!
Why do you get out of bed in the morning.. What makes Think Built tick?
The long and short is - I love it. Most days I still get to be on the tools, I love the accomplishment of physically seeing something that the team has hand built.
How did you pick the Think Team? Tell us about the guys/girls
We’re genuinely all like-minded people. We have the same set of morals and work ethic. We spend so much time together that it’s important we get along, and we’re lucky we do.
What is your biggest pet peeve on the job site?
Laziness and whinging!
You’ve had enough practice.. what does your dream home look like?
Hmm, a single storey home, lots of open living space, high ceilings and an unbelievable outdoor entertaining area, with an outdoor fireplace.
If not on site, where would we find you?
Spending time with my wife and three kids, spending time with mates, or taking a holiday!
I want some works done. Tell me, how does Think Built work?
We work by openly communicating with clients from start to finish. Each client deals directly with myself. We don’t do cookie cutter. Each project is tailored to the client’s site, taste and lifestyle.
Tell us about your favourite project to date. Why was it your favourite?
Willaburra Road. I liked this project because we got to use some different materials, but also we got to re-use a lot of timber from the original house, so we upcycled materials. This project also had it’s challenges, which made it extra rewarding. It was in a flood zone and we could only excavate certain parts of the backyard, but we worked through it all, and the end product was really great.
Hit us with three tips for when preparing to take on a renovation
1. Live in the house first. Learn about the space before making changes.
2. Plan, plan, plan
3. So everyone is on the same page from the beginng, have an inspiration folder at the ready for your builder with magazine clippings or screenshots
At the risk of generalising, builders are notorious for blown out completion dates. How does Think Built limit this?
We do not sell ourselves on unrealistic completion dates, and I’m passionate to sticking to that. This is part of our open communication – we’d prefer to be completely open and honest about timeframes, than promise a short turnaround time and disappoint our clients later. In saying this, we’re good at sticking to our projected completion date. We plan months ahead, organising trades and products needed throughout the build, and we lock in dates early in the piece, instead of running a day to day operation.
Are there any myths you’d like to bust about the building industry?
Building is not like The Block!
Love it or loathe it.. Name two current building or design trends that you like, and two that you just don’t!
Love the new Colourbond cladding. I also like a nod to tradition in homes, like detailed architraves and real timber flooring. I don’t like cheap imitation products that attempt to mimic premium products – often, they just don’t stand the test of time and end up costing a client more.