Well, it started with COVID — as so much did.
However, there was no spring back to normal.
Supply of the products builders needed continued to be slow.
There was the introduction of new red tape from the Victorian Government, and, for many builders, there was a shortage of trades.
In the good days, it took six months (sometimes five) from “Yes please. Build me that house” to moving in.
And, now there is the cost of diesel, which is affecting prices of just about everything.
I heard that Cavalier Homes had found a way to shorten the waiting period; so, I gave them a call.
They said “Come for a visit and we’ll tell you about it” — and I did.
They can move things along much quicker, in the stage from “Yes please” to contract.
This frustrating wait time has taken up to four months and Cavalier Homes can now shorten this stage to around six weeks.
That saves about 12 weeks. And it includes total costing transparency.
For example, if you want changes to the plan — more outdoor living space or a larger ensuite — the additional costs, with illustrations, are all contained in a detailed brochure.
It enables a customer to choose a façade, select colours and decide how many cupboards they need in the kitchen.
As I read through the brochure, I was thinking how exciting, and important, all these details are.
The customer knows exactly what they are getting and how much it will cost.
At this point, the price is guaranteed.
Customers can take the brochure home, or complete it with Cavalier’s helpful staff, and choose the fixtures and fittings they want.
Jason opened one of the many drawers in the sales office and this section contained hand basins.
This project, designed to shorten the waiting time, is called ‘Fast Keys’.
It could save first home buyers 12 weeks of rent.
About Cavalier Homes
In 2013, Scott and Jason McHugh, who were long-term franchisees, along with Dale Paddle (Albury-Wodonga franchisee), bought the company.
As I understand it, this was a matter of “If we want this company to survive and thrive, we have to run it ourselves.”
Service from head office in Queensland had been less than satisfactory and franchise numbers were dropping.
It was challenging initially, because bringing all the franchisees up to their own building standards was not easy.
Today, Cavalier Homes Australia is strong and thriving — and successfully run by the national franchise manager, Lachlan Olsen, in the office next door.
All of which makes it possible for the McHugh brothers to focus on their local customers in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.
All the builders at Cavalier GV are on staff. (Not just for a contracted period.)
They work together like a well-oiled machine, and they know their product.
They also know what standard of building is required of them and they are an important part of a happy workforce.
It is a pleasure for me to hear laughter in a workplace; you don’t get excellent customer service without a happy team.
By the way, Cavalier GV’s building contains an additional, outstanding showroom.
To be frank, I’ve never seen anything like it.
Customers can wander through an extraordinary display of everything from bricks to toilets and make their choices.
This is a service that makes building a new home much less stressful, even enjoyable.
I thanked Jase for his time. Also Charley Daldy, who is sales manager.
It was informative and it was fun. I love good ideas.
Please take care and keep warm when necessary; the weather is as confused as our premier, and Donald Trump.
And may it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187
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