The builders I contacted about my renovation provided similar quotes, so my choice came down to the quality of workmanship and work ethic. I still remember working with Yakka Build about a decade ago – long before I started my own firm – and I remember them as being fantastic.

I also wanted the process to be enjoyable, and to know that I could trust my build team. I’ve seen the quality of their workmanship firsthand, and there was a feeling of mutual trust already established from the previous projects we’d worked on together.

The Yakka Build guys were really interested in the design, and took time to understand it. There were times when what we wanted actually turned out to be more involved, and needed extra time or attention, and the guys went to great lengths to ensure they got it right for us.

There’s also a unique talent in being able to identify potential issues on a build project before they happen. These unanticipated challenges can definitely cause delays on projects, but the Yakka guys were great at foreseeing any possible issues in advance, which meant our timeline for the renovation ran smoothly from start to finish.

As an Architect I’ve been witness to the impact a renovation can have on nearby neighbours, and this can often be overlooked on residential projects. I was so impressed with the way the Yakka Build team took the initiative to contact our neighbours in advance and let them know what was happening. Our neighbours also felt reassured that they could contact the Yakka guys directly if they needed to. There was a real sense of community around us while the renovation was taking place, and that has carried through now after completion.

The best advice I could give for anyone thinking of renovating their own place is to select builders you trust, who you vibe with. Referrals are a great source as well, as it’s so important that there’s mutual respect and a good foundation for the relationship you’re going to have with your builders”.

– Kat