Aaron I'm Aaron Kyle and welcome to another episode of Build Hatch. On this week's episode of Build Hatch, I got to sit down with Sam from Wilks building group in Adelaide. Sam has our first guest on the show from South Australia. And I'm really enjoying my chat with Sam. I think it's only fitting that this is the final episode of 2021. Because it's been such a crazy year for all, and I particularly enjoyed covering almost everything in the day in the life of a builder or subby. No matter where you are in the world, no matter what kind of construction business you're working in. It was such an insightful chat. And this episode provides a lot of insight into exactly that. Like I said, Sam and I covered a lot of ground. So let's get into it. So Sam from Walt's building group in Adelaide, welcome to Build Hatch. Thanks, Erin. Thanks for having me. This is a good one. So we're recording this in Adelaide, and you're well known for doing some really high end premium architectural builds here in Adelaide. So always like to go back on our guests history and find out how you got into the building industry. Did you always grow up here in Adelaide?
Sam
Yeah, I've been here my whole life. So yeah, went to school here at Westminster. And yeah, been here the whole time.
Aaron What was it like growing up here in Adelaide?
Sam
Yeah, it was really good. It's like a big country town. So yeah, got a great group of mates. And yeah, it's awesome place to be so
Aaron love. It's such a cool city. Like it's completely underrated Adelaide, a lot of people, you know, have a certain perception of Adelaide. And it's such a smart city. How and it's quite similar to Melbourne in that it's built off a basic grid. Yeah. And so yeah, getting around the city. You know, for the people who listen to us haven't been Adelaide, you've got to check it out. Because the whole cities built very smartly and intelligently on how the network works. The the access the infrastructure, like really well done.
Sam
Yeah, definitely. Definitely. And I mean, it's only you know, our furthest job is half an hour away. So yeah, driving through traffic in the afternoon started in that bed. So yeah, it's really good. And even
Aaron traffic is nothing compared to anywhere else.
Sam
In Sydney, but yeah,
Aaron so what was it like growing up? Were you sort of studious kid? Or were you sort of aspiring to do other things? How did you sort of go down the building path? Well,
Sam
I went down the building path, because yeah, I was going in from year 11 to year 12. And mum knew that I wasn't going to go to uni. And she knew that I was going to have a party year in year 12. So she pushed me into going to do a school based apprenticeship. So changed schools. And yeah, went down there and did year 12 and started my apprenticeship with a framing game. So
Aaron So explain how that works. Because there's so many different systems. And I think going back a long time, it sort of started life as doing one practical subject that would contribute towards your apprenticeship. But then I think it's more for now where, like you just said, you can actually do a particular programme where it's what a whole year of your apprenticeship, basically.
Sam
Yeah, yeah, that's right. So yeah, in year 10, it did like a doorways to construction. And then from that in year 12, it was one day for every year of year 12. And then the four other days were out on site working, so they tailored it to your apprenticeship. So that was more practical than anything. So but yeah, very glad I did it, because it was a lot easier to do cert for after that, and then get my builder's licence. So yeah, it was a smart move. Well, one,
Aaron I'd have to say probably the coolest way of doing you 12 you can possibly imagine or I can't Yeah, that's
Sam
exactly right. Still got to go to school. He's got the teeth.
Aaron You started life off sort of in timber framing.
Sam
Yeah. So I was in a gang of eight guys. And we used to knock up frames every day for Higginbotham home. So yeah, we do. You're probably a 230 square metre house, full cut roof in one day. So yeah, we were down in Seaford rise, which is a big development and nearly spent a whole year of my first year in my apprenticeship down there just nailing frames together every day on the drops or cutting continuously.
Aaron So what's the production aspect of putting up frames every day? Like you guys told this expectation with putting so many frames up a day or how does it work?
Sam
Yeah, pretty much well, I guess you just get to site there'd be two guys marking one guy cutting straps. One guy on the drop saw straightaway, two guys cut and then two studs. And then while you go, everybody should have their job and roll and then yeah, you just smack it up. And roofers up. Windows are in done on to the next one. Go, go go. Yeah, go go. Go. Exactly. So especially working for a spec home company. You know, the rates aren't that great. So the bosses on deer Hurry up. So yeah, it's good way to learn quickly how to use drop saws and circular saws and all that sort of stuff.
Aaron The way that works is it's it's a high turnover. Low Margin. Yeah. Yeah, so it's just, Let's go boys. Let's get into it. Let's Yeah, smash it out. And if someone's not performing because you are a part of that group of have a gang of eight, like you said, if someone drops the ball, it really hurts the team.
Sam
Yeah, that's exactly right. Exactly.
Aaron Did you enjoy that working in that sort of environment?
Sam
Yeah, teaches you how to work fast. And everybody was laughing and having a good day. So yeah, it was good. It was good to be a part of so.
Aaron And so what did you do after that?
Sam
So I was there for another six months, and then ended up changing over to another company that was a little bit smaller, still doing framing. And then we ended up going up to Kadena, which is like in the country and started building frames up there, which is where I where I met my leading hand and one of my good mates, that still works for me now. So I started working with him for probably six to 12 months. And then I ended up moving over to one of my best mates, dads to start doing general building. So don't a completely different thing altogether.
Aaron Alright, so what about leading into Wilks building group which is clearly named after you? So how did that come about? What were you sort of thinking the thought process with that?
Sam
Yes, so Well, I started oops, carpentry actually. So I left my old boss that was a general builder. And then, so I've got an opportunity with another builder, that he asked for two carpenters to come out and work for him. Basically doing all of his work first and second week. So got the opportunity to become a subcontractor, carpenter. So started with oops, carpentry, just told me myself. And then moving on from that started, got an apprentice because we started getting busier and busier. And then yeah, it just gradually grew. And then we changes to work to build a construct, which was more general building stuff, and then got the opportunity to do a few more high profile jobs. So yeah, I thought, oops, building group sounds a lot. High, more high end. So that's what we went for. So just branded it differently.
Aaron So I take it you were working here in Adelaide as a cheapy. Basically a carpenter. And then you then went on to obtain your builder's licence?
Sam
Yeah, that's right. So yeah, I had to do my Cert for as I said before, so that's a full two years of night school a couple of nights a week, just learning about all the different trades and different aspects of construction, you have to do like your legal course as well. And then you have to do a bit of an accounting course, all wrapped up into that. And then I applied for my general builder's licence. So I've got a fully unrestricted licence with subcontractors and contractors. So yeah, can
Aaron such fairly similar to Victoria and New South Wales similar process? similar amount of time? Yeah. So what was that like sort of doing that at night and working full time?
Sam
Yeah, it was pretty, pretty hectic. So yeah, but it was a good feeling, like a pass at the first time with a guy because I yeah, I was just reading up on pretty much everything. And a couple of things they quiz you on is waterproofing and concrete. And I've done a bit of that. So yeah, I was really fortunate that he asked me those. So yeah, we went through and spoke about everything. And he said, Yeah, you now have everything. So here you go. Is your full licence. So which was a pretty proud moment? Definitely.
Aaron I'm imagining Sam, the carpenter, the team working together as chippies, you then obtaining a builder's licence. So how did you, I guess, make the move from carpentry crew over to build a crew? Like how did you do that? Because there's a lot of people listening to this who are working away working as a chippy. And they're dreaming of getting a builder's licence so they can go work for themselves as a builder. But it takes a bit of time. And it takes a bit of effort to transition over across that. So how did you do that? Well, we
Sam
were we're still working for another builder, and then started getting small projects and you know, gradually building up so we had a couple of small renovations that we were doing and then a couple of little shop fit out. So always just doing different trades, like plaster boarding and those sorts of things. Just showing boys all different things.
Aaron Yeah. So these could be clients, I guess, reaching out directly to you saying, I need some carpentry work.
Sam
Yeah, that's right. Exactly. And then we're saying Yeah, well, we can do that for you as well yet we can organise that and then just gradually progressing. progressing through. Yeah, so
Aaron it's like a transition to take over different trades. You know, can you do this? Can you do that? And then all of a sudden, yeah,
Sam
the builder. Yeah, that's right. And I guess with you know, even doing like pergolas and those sorts of things, you start doing the roof sheeting and you know, you start progressing that way and anything else that you need to be doing there? So
Aaron did eventually the builders hat take over from the carpenters hat.
Sam
Yeah, I guess I've sort of got a bit a bit of a workaholic. So I just Yeah, I want to always you know, be progressing in every thing that we do. So I sort of started reaching out reaching out to a lot of architects and just ringing and saying, Oh, you've got any work for me to tender on and and just kept pushing the envelope that way. And then I was fortunate enough to start pricing a few projects and a couple dropped. They came and saw me as well. So three referrals from carpentry works. They said, look, they do a bit of building as well go and see them. And yeah, it just, it just went from there. So
Aaron now I have this conversation regularly with with young builders particularly and we talk about that, that first step going from, I guess the opportunity coming your way where you mentioned about ringing up an architect or, or coming across an architect, and then suddenly they say, Okay, here's an opportunity, you can price it. Yeah. What did you do? Take me through that, of how that first sort of opportunity that you've got to price it? How did you do it?
Sam
So while we were fortunate enough, before we went to the architects, we had a client come to us and yeah, I just got my builder's licence. And they're like, well, we've had the plans designed, we want you to build our house. So basically, that was our first introduction to everything. So yeah, we broke everything down, had a consultant that I spoke with just go look like how is the best way to set this out? We just worked together, you know, for most of that project, and he said, Look, this is how we do everything here. And yeah, took me through the whole lot. And then from there just built on that pretty much. Completely open book. No, it wasn't open book. But with the consultant, we he was just working with myself. He's an old retired building now. And I said, Look, I just need a bit of help on this first one, let show me how to break it all down. And then yeah, we've just progressed from there. So writing this schedule, and those sorts of things. I feel like I'm pretty organised. So I think I took two scheduling quite quite well. So
Aaron and what was the margin? Like? Like? Did you sort of think, well, this is an opportunity, should I go in a bit tight with this?
Sam
Yeah, it was, it was definitely tight. And like, you know, on the first one, you're not you don't make your millions of dollars and retire. So yeah, but we didn't lose money, which is the best thing about that. So we had a really cool project as well at the end.
Aaron Yeah, that's great. So still kind of working as a builder wearing the builders hat, doing carpentry? Yeah. How did you sort of grow and expand from there? And how did that happen?
Sam
Well, we're fortunate enough, as well as doing carpentry. We work with a signage company that did a lot of like architectural things in Adelaide as well. So we were fortunate enough to do a big boardwalk down at Summit and Park, which is 150 metres of boardwalk and decking and had a lot of different cool stuff in that which supplied a lot of different building principles. And then, yeah, did another big project, which was on a bridge, all in Alucobond cladding. So just did a lot from there. So that helped me like high traffic areas, basically. Yeah, yeah, that's it. And but we wanted, that helped me to expand though, because we had a lot of volume of work. So I could have guys on my carpentry stuff, and then they could come back to my building stuff. So it wasn't the case that I needed, you know, five projects to have 10 guys on the go, we could bridge across both areas. If
Aaron say, you sort of had the foresight to think we're working in a sort of high traffic area, we'll spend a bit of money and invest in some really cool signage to take advantage of that exposure. Yeah, definitely. Yeah. And then where to from there like did that? Did you get inquiries from those those projects?
Sam
Yeah, we definitely did. And, like I've big believer in luck, our Instagram and those sorts of things. So every time we do something really cool, we post it on there and get people to share it. So I think that's definitely helped us a lot.
Aaron Now, we're blessed to have you as our first guest on the show from South Australia. He's so it's a real privilege to be sitting here talking to you. I wanted to highlight to people listening to this, who we've had the year from hell, you know, which pretty well summarises how the US sort of performed, but how have you been able to navigate through that, but more importantly, you How did the projects evolve from one project to the others? So was there a particular job where you carried out that marketing and you did the signage and you did the social media and that's then led on to another really cool project on your books?
Sam
Yeah, so we had a project we recently finished at the start of this year in March and that was in only only park so it was a single storey, sort of mid century modern home that we undertook and yeah, we had this through that architect we had a few clients coming through having a look at the progress of our work and then they got to see the finished product at the end. So yeah, that's resulted in a couple more projects and now we're just completing one just around the corner or sorry, the street over which is another fantastic project. So it all just starts with the one and you know that one opportunity and then it can expand to you know, to four or five if you treat the client Right. And yeah, you have a good relationship with them. Because at the end of the day, it's their, you know, it's their one thing in their life, it might be this one home in their life, that they're going to spend all their time there. And it's their biggest investment. So you've got to treat it. Right and treat them right through the whole process.
Aaron Yeah, so that's, that's really important. I think a lot of builders make this mistake where they wait until the very end of that particular job to show clients through. Yeah. Whereas if you actually treat that project as a billboard sign, yeah, exactly. On one of the busiest roads available, and you've got people driving past, you've got people walking past, walking their kids walking their dogs, whatever it is. And then if you have clients on the side who are potential clients, you're actually able to invite them in to have a look at the project whilst it's being built.
Sam
Yeah, definitely. And that's the thing how I sort of do my Instagram is doing a lot of videos throughout the construction process. So just feel myself a little bit like future flip up in the East Coast. He he does it a fair bit and just documenting like details and how something's built or trades on site? Or, you know, the concrete is being poured, like being able to see that construction process. So many people love the block now, you know, they just want to be involved in their in their project as much as possible. So
Aaron yeah, they they want to see the skeleton and the bones of the operation, if you like, rather than just the finished product.
Sam
Yeah, that's exactly right.
Aaron So tell us about the building industry here in Adelaide. What's what's what's been happening here?
Sam
It's very busy. Definitely. But yeah, I mean, you've got to be as organised as possible now, but even being that organised, you know, deliveries, they say, yeah, it's coming next week and never comes in, they say are not supply issue or you know, it's been delayed. So I think that's everybody's favourite word. I'm busy. And and it's delayed.
Aaron Yeah, that's right. Or blame COVID? Yeah, that's exactly right. So similar process to the other states where you've had to step up and be a lot more organised with different ordering materials and things like that.
Sam
Yeah, that's exactly right. Definitely. A timber is probably the most everybody talks about that. Yeah, that'd be the biggest thing for us. You know, you just can't go down to Bunnings. Now, if you need another 10 sticks, or 90 by 35, at six, oh, you can't you can't do that. You can't even get it straight away from the supplier either. You know, you've got to make sure you quantity to bang on and yeah, be organised when you exactly need it.
Aaron Have you seen sort of an even play in renovations in new buildings? Is that or is it's pretty equal? Like how has it sort of played out?
Sam
Well, for us at the moment, we've got mainly renovations on next year, we've got a couple of exciting, big new homes that we're going to be starting in midway through the year. So I'm really looking forward to them. But at the moment, yeah, we've got large renovations that we're doing. So I mean, my, my business is fortunate enough that I've got guys that worked for me. So I've got eight guys that work for me. And we we do most of the building works, you know, the demo and the carpentry and anything we can try to be able to make sure that we're always busy. So I guess from a supply point of view, we're not as impacted as much with the the timber side of things. If you've got that, you know, we've got that ready to go. We can still be installing Windows or finishing off demo cutting doorways out anything really. So
Aaron yeah, that's a really important point. And to be fair, I mean, you're you're operating in sort of a high end part of the market, too. So I guess it's a good lesson for anyone that's actually wanting to stray away from renovations, is renovations can be somewhat COVID proof in that you're able to be a bit more flexible with. Yeah, I mean, they can have challenges with people if people are still living there. But if you're operating on a separate parts of the house and things like that, like you said, you can you can move things around. And if you're getting delays in one aspect of the job, you can work to the other one.
Sam
Yeah, exactly. It's just all about being adaptable. At the moment something happens. You gotta go. Right. That's it. Let's move on. Yeah, yeah.
Aaron Moving forward. Yeah. Just on that. I mean, I get a lot of feedback from guys that are that are building in the renovation market. And to be fair, that the reason a lot of the reason people like to move away from renovations is because building a new home can be somewhat easier in some aspects. Yeah. So how do you manage the estimating of labour and materials of renovating? Because it's a bit of a challenge in operating and fixed price environment? Definitely working in the renovation market?
Sam
Definitely. And I guess, you know, you've got to take it on the home as well, like a house built in the 70s is different to compare to a house, you know, built at the turn of the century. So, but I mean, you've got to, you've got to allow for certain things when you're moving through the renovation and the estimating. Stage of it. So, site inspections is always the best thing, but you don't know what's underneath the floor when you get to it. So, yeah, we had a job once when I was working for another builder and we took up the bathroom floor and the old builder before us did the Reno decided to put all the asbestos underneath that floor and then fill it in with concrete. So you just don't know. You can't prepare for everything. But yeah, as I said before, you've got to be adaptable. And yeah, I'll get down about it. So
Aaron and does it come from experience that you just get used to? Allowing for certain things along the way?
Sam
I think so. Definitely. And sometimes you might lose the job, because, you know, the other guy hasn't estimated for that, and you gotta look mate. Like, that's definitely gonna happen. But yeah, you know, you just got to, you've got to stick to your guns when you're estimating and, you know, making sure that you've allowed for as much as possible. So,
Aaron yeah, I think it just comes down to experience and learning the hard way. You know, there's no magic formula or lesson or magic book you can read or software, like, at the end of the day, it just comes down to experience. Yeah, that's
Sam
exactly right. But and at the same time, you know, not to two houses on the street are the same, you know, because not everybody builds the same. So, yeah, you've just got to do best.
Aaron Now, you mentioned before this only project, which looks thoroughly impressive. So tell me about that project.
Sam
So yeah, as I was saying before, it's a mid century modern house, so designed around a big oak tree at the back. So yeah, we had a, not a few problems. But yeah, we had to really work around that working with the arborist and the council. And yeah, working with their restrictions, because it wasn't it's a significant tree in the park. So when we were doing the footings, we had to target back everything out, which is yeah, basically, high pressure water getting sprayed into the dirt and then sucked out with a vacuum truck. So yeah, that was definitely a cool experience. And
Aaron it's interesting. So I mean, if you don't want to know trees, like they're like a really Gothic classic tree. The thing about oak trees, root systems,
Sam
Yep, definitely. So and the roots always go the opposite way to the the overhanging branches as well. So that went underneath our building. So everything was done in the back section of the house all on piers. So we had to basically if we saw a route bigger than 50, mil, had to suck everything out and then had to shift the footing away from it. If if that was required. So having the arborist out there and checking all every step of the way. So
Aaron So alright, so hang on a minute. So explain this, because it's really interesting. So you're excavating around the tree root system. Yeah. You use logic and you think the branch is above my head. I'll follow you know, the root system out here, but it's actually the opposite.
Sam
Yeah, it's the opposite way. Because yeah, the braids, counterbalance. So yeah, if you think once it's leaning over, so yeah, the roots are holding it back the other way.
Aaron Now, you mentioned target back.
Sam
Yeah. So that's just that's just a company here in Adelaide. But yeah, so they're just a hydro vac, basically. So they just, it's a big pressure hose or high water jet. And then they suck it out with a vacuum. So
Aaron so this is to protect the region. So rather than excavate and damage the tree root, you're relying on a high pressure hose, basically, of water to clean and clear away all the material to expose the tree root system. Yep, exactly. Say your footing was planned to go right there. What did you do then? Well, we
Sam
had to assess it with the engineer. And then also the arborist had to come out. And he was the only one allowed to cut cut the roots. So it's not like one of the boys who get the Recipro out the trailer and cutter, the arborist would have to come out and review it. And then we would have to assess it with the engineer also.
Aaron So yeah, so these are the stories that you don't see or read online. Like the the information, the knowledge, like now you understand about tree roots is Yeah,
Sam
yeah, yeah, definitely. Yeah. And that's something about being a builder. Like you just know, it's just a broad knowledge of lots of different stuff and not in the high end space. Not two projects are the same. So that's what I mean, estimating, you know, you've got to be hard on it. And just remember, and the experience from your other projects adds to, yeah, onto the next one.
Aaron So say you were quoting a job and you're in that situation before, did you have to allow for the arborist so do you sort of say look, I can't do that that needs to come from the client on an as required basis.
Sam
Yeah, that's exactly right. So we allowed for the tiger backing because you know, you can work that out per hole per day sort of rate, and they Yeah, when you've got to take away the sludge as well so you can work all those costs out but to have the arborists or engineer out that's just an extra additional cost to the client. So
Aaron it's interesting stuff and you know, I I'd imagine will you don't seem to face about it now. But was it challenging at the time? Were you thinking, how am I going to handle this? I haven't done this before. Oh,
Sam
not not really, I thought it was quite a cool process, how they Yeah, vac it out and you know, your high pressure water, you seem always on the side of the road, but to be able to bring it into your project, and just, it's just another feather in your cap on how to build something, you know, you just think you have a different way that you can actually construct it, because I would definitely use it again, because the hydrovac systems into places that, you know, an excavator or a digger can get can't get into. So you know, you could use that in a different space. And you can allow for that in your project to make it easier rather than the boys trying to, you know, Barrow through a tiny doorway or something like that. So it's definitely another way to build something. Yeah, look, I
Aaron looked into a system, probably about 10 years ago, when they were first doing this in Europe. And similar to where you're building these amazing renovations that the older period, Victorian sort of era style of homes where you're renovating, usually on tight sites, you don't have a lot of room out the back. And so they're these old Victorian homes from the front. And then the new extension out in the back. And there's some technology over in Europe. And it's I've seen it around here now, but they're basically high pressure vac trucks that allow you instead of excavating and having to load a truck or double handle material, you're able to just basically open the roof cavity up or put a boom over the top of of the building, like you would with a concrete pump and excavate the material through vacuuming and up as opposed to hydraulic excavation, which is a lot more efficient, providing you're able to suck on large volumes of material.
Sam
Yeah, that's exactly right. And they use a lot for underpinning. Yeah. So the contractor that we use a lot for underpinning uses as a hydro vac system all the time.
Aaron Yeah, it's definitely an emerging sort of space as technologies advance where you can have a lot more high pressure pumps and things like that. And then the beauty of these things is you suck it basically straight into the truck, you can fit five or six cubic metres of material at a time in the back of the truck. And then just take it away and then pump it back out the other end. Yeah, that's exactly right. Yes. Smart, a lot more efficient, you know, as opposed to good on the back. Yeah. Or get a little Kanga down the side. You've got to excavate it once, then you've got to take it out the back with the little Kanga. Then load it again into the back of the truck and then tip it at the other end. Like it's so inefficient when you can do these sorts of emerging technologies. Yeah, definitely. Definitely. So you don't strike me as coming across as someone that has been faced with a difficult problem. But have you ever had any issues on sites where you think Jesus is, this is a really tough situation how we're going to get out of this one
Sam
would just feel definitely would be fences and neighbours is the is always the fun one. Your your work their worst enemy straightaway. As soon as you go all the fences in the wrong spot. And they go right. I don't like you. So yeah, it's not good to get on the wrong foot with them. So yeah, it's yeah, it's definitely a difficult topic when they don't believe a survey plan from a registered survey operator, and then they go and you know, spend the money on the exact same thing again. So yeah, it's it's always a fun topic at the start of the project to you know, become the mediator if the international, you know, translator between the two parties. Yeah, it's sorry, you get blamed. It's all your folders as the builder. Yeah, that's right, exactly.
Aaron The best thing I love about that situation. And that scenario that you mentioned, is always fine, no matter what. Yeah. And it might take two years after the job's finished. But at some point, the neighbour learns to deal and adapt and respect you for what you have to do. It does. It does happen. It takes time, but it does happen. Yeah, definitely.
Sam
Definitely. One Yeah, one one job, we, the neighbour will move the fence and we only had about 500 miles to the edge of the house. So we couldn't get a digger down the side. So it was myself and the apprentice had to dig nearly 25 metres of storm water and made a date with a shovel because we couldn't get anything else down. This neighbour didn't definitely like us till the end of the job.
Aaron And that's right. And, you know, it's it's problem solving. And like you said, thinking forward and trying to navigate our way around these tough situations that are always changing. And every site is always unique and different. Definitely. Definitely. I agree with that. We're seeing a real shortage in trades emerge at the moment, and there's a bit of a crisis forming in that. Have you experienced that here in Adelaide?
Sam
It's been not too bad for us. We try and use the same trades on most of our projects. So yeah, they've been really loyal and reliable most of the time. So yeah, it's been fantastic. Going through this and I think By building those relationships, he's definitely going to see well, for the years to come, you know, we COVID and everything, people are so busy, they're going to pick people that they want to work with, and they enjoy working with because there's no nothing worse than working with somebody that you know, is a pain in the bum every day. So you're going to want to work with builders you can rely on or that are organised. So that's why we try to be as good to our trades as possible,
Aaron the guys that look after their trades, and pay them on time and develop these long lasting relationships. They're the that's what it's about going forward, you can have certain crisis happening around you and in shortages and things like that. But if you you sort of future proof your business by by doing that by looking after your trades,
Sam
definitely. And I mean, it makes our job a lot easier as well. Because I mean, everybody that builds they, you know, they build slightly differently. But if they work with you all the time, they they're going to no way, Hey, you think, Hey, you want things placed on the job site? Or how they need to leave the job site or how they communicate with you. And yeah, when they need to get it done. Boy, it's definitely good to have reliable trades.
Aaron All right, so what's on the cards for the next 12 months or so weeks building group?
Sam
So we've got, yeah, we've got a few, we've got three large renovations that we're working on at the moment. So as I was saying to you before, they're at first fixed stage, so yeah, coming into the year, we'll be cracking in and making sure we can hand them over by the middle of the year. And then in that middle of the year, we've got a couple of new home starting as well, which we're really excited about
Aaron on that you've obviously got a decent pipeline of work in future. How do you sort of juggle or manage? Am I taking on too much work? Or do I need to take on a bit more work? How are you sort of managing that?
Sam
Well, it's a different space, because I mean, every day, you know, you're in that initial concept stage with clients, you know, potentially designing their houses, because we've done a few designer construct projects, and then you move to preliminary stage of pricing things and then you moving to on site, and then you move on to like handover as well. So you're, you're in this constant flow of back and forth from start to finish, basically. So yeah, it's it's definitely a fun space. Some days you go, Oh, no, there's there's heaps coming up. And then the other day you go, Oh, no, I don't have enough. And then you go and find something and going on. I've got two months. That constant flow. I don't think there's a middle that you go, you know what, I've got enough here.
Aaron Absolutely. Point proven, and I think it's called getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Sam
Yeah, definitely. Yeah. And I'm Yeah, pressure makes diamonds. Definitely. And I'm a big believer of that. So yeah, you just got to keep pushing yourself every day,
Aaron for sure. 100%. What's it like looking back now? And that sort of kid going to year 12. Changing schools and setting about on his little journey?
Sam
Yeah, yeah, definitely. And that's the thing that I've got to remember the most like, sometimes we get really frustrated and go, you know, I should be doing better. And I should be doing this and that. But if I turn around and look back and go far out, you know, five, five years ago, you were thinking you wanted to be at this stage, and now you're trying to push forward even further and higher. It's like sometimes you just got to remember where you've come from. So yeah, it's been fantastic to see. And yeah, a big milestone for us last year was entering a house into the master builders awards. So yeah, that was a great achievement. And I'd always wanted to do that. So that was definitely a tick. And yeah, hopefully, you know, we can enter the three in one year, that'd be even better. So yeah, that's what we're pushing for. Definitely.
Aaron Well, Sam, you're doing some amazing projects and work here in Adelaide. And I encourage everyone to jump online and check you out. And and just on that if if someone's listening to this and wants to reach out to you and get into touch and enquiries works building group on the next upcoming project, what's the best way to go about it?
Sam
Either Instagram or our website? So we're just at works building group on Yeah, on Instagram, all our contact info is on there. So
Aaron it is up? Well, Sam from worlds building group has been really nice to sit down and talk to you and really appreciate you coming on to Build Hatch. And I hope you keep kicking some amazing goals here in Adelaide and doing some wonderful things in South Australia. So well done to know. Thanks
Sam
for having me back.
Aaron Well, that was another Build Hatch episode with myself and Sam from worldbuilding group in Adelaide. That's our final episode of 2021. Walk I've said a lot lately. I don't need to remind anyone about the year it's been. I'm so privileged and honoured to meet every day as he's having a go in the building construction industry. Like most of you, I'm really looking forward to the and I'm very confident that we are blessed to be part of such a resilient industry. And with the right attitude, the right network and the right systems, the leaders will continue to lead. And we have some exciting new announcements coming away right around the corner in 2023. So stay tuned for those ones. As usual, please check out our Instagram page and other socials where you'll be able to learn more about our guests and some of the features of their work that we talked about. Have a great week, and you hear me again on the airwaves next week. Thanks for listening to another episode.
