First Avenue Homes

It’s been just over a year since Anthony and the team at First Avenue Homes completed our renovation. We wanted to write this on the 1st anniversary of the completed project because we felt we could then give a much more objective, honest review than in that first flush of excitement moving back into our dream home. This is a long review so please bear with me. We had started our project with another building and design company, but they went bust just before our plans were to be submitted to council so we needed to find a new builder quickly. Interestingly, there was another house that had just started being built by the defunct company in our area and was now sitting idle so we were interested to see who would take it over. That ended up being First Avenue Homes and watching this house come back to life, we loved what we were seeing. We decided to call them, figuring if they were able to take over someone else’s failed project and make it look stunning, they must be good. Suffice to say Anthony was brilliant at our first meeting. No hard sell, friendly and engaging and understood straight away what we were looking for as our project was a similar style of period house renovation as the one we saw him working on. He also knew all the pitfalls of the design work done by the defunct company and was able to point out where the issues were, how we could fix them without compromising the design and then helped us navigate the final engineering and approval steps which we had no idea about. We spoke to 2 other builders at the same time but didn’t have anywhere near the engagement that we got from Anthony. His pricing was very clear and competitive with the other quotes we had and spot on with our budget so it was an easy decision to choose them. If you’ve been able to read this far, you’re probably telling me to get to the point – were they actually any good? The short answer is absolutely yes, we still feel so lucky that we found them for our renovation. Our place is brilliant, the quality of the work has been great and we’re incredibly happy. To put this into perspective, our house nearly won a recent Victorian home renovation awards competition – we were pipped by just ½ point in the end. The amazing thing about this is the house we first saw First Avenue Homes working on when we chose them actually won the same award the previous year so they can obviously bring the consistency to their work year on year. So what was so good about them? If I had to sum it up in one word I’d say trust. We felt like we were always listened to throughout the build and that we could trust First Avenue Homes to have our best interests at heart in the hundreds of ongoing decisions that needed to be made. We never felt like we were being ripped off or treated unfairly, even when things went wrong and no matter how well-intentioned, things always go wrong in a build. When there were problems, Anthony always acted with integrity and professionalism, working with us to find a solution and make the fix. We treated him and his team with respect and it was repaid in spades. If the problem was as a result of something his team had done, it was fixed with no issues or trying to put the blame on us. If we made a change that impacted the build (and we did make a lot of changes unfortunately) he was always clear on what the impact of that change would be on time and budget and on some occasions was able to come up with a workaround that wouldn’t cost us any extra money. One thing in particular that still stands out for me today is Anthony personally pulling on his toolbelt and working one weekend on his own time using our leftover cladding materials to build a great looking fence screen in one of our light wells because we hadn’t realised the wall of the house next door that was exposed would be such an eyesore. He really wanted us to be happy. Today, just over a year later and we wouldn’t change anything. We’ve had a few minor post-build issues that have cropped up, but as expected, Anthony always returns our calls and the issues have been dealt with quickly and professionally. Honestly, we can’t recommend First Avenue Homes enough. If you’re looking for a quality, trustworthy building company who will work with you to ensure the right outcome is reached, then give them a call. If we ever build again, Anthony and the team at First Avenue would be the only builder we’d call.

I decided to build my next home as opposed to buying established. I'm a first timer to building and the advice that comes with that is plentiful (and often very strong and opinioned in nature). Before I go further for those who don't want to read an essay, I have had the best experience with First Avenue Homes and nothing was ever a problem. I would call Anthony up again to build my next home in a heartbeat. That said, I better live in my first build first before I think of the next! OK if you've read on, you are either a glutton for punishment (this is long!) or considering First Avenue Homes to build. It took me a few years between deciding I was going to build/find land and then signing a contract. 3 years in fact and this was attributed purely to changing location of the build. I went from a basic ~22 sq single storey home to a custom U-shaped home build, to a custom 2 storey home with views. I first contacted Anthony just over a year ago, at the end of September 2017, after I had been to an architect and had drawings and design done for the double storey home with views. By that time I had been though ~30 builders, both run of the mill and custom. I would have contacted and I met with for quotes with ~12-15 of then. I was aware of the standard of finish I was after which helped with quoting. Some quotes were very lacking on detail, which is fine but I could not add the detail I wanted so I did not pursue them. Some were either too far out the ball park for me to proceed. This goes in both directions! I had 1 builder very confidently quote me "no more than $350,000" for the build and whilst he had my level of finish in the quote I did not pursue it as I knew the price was too low and unrealistic. I was first in touch with Anthony in September and by October decided I was going to sign with First Avenue Homes. It came down to Anthony and another builder. I went with Anthony as he was extremely responsive and was competitive on price. I don't think I told Anthony another reason why I went with him, but he's about to read it here... The first time I met Anthony, one of his workers reversed into my new car. I remember sitting with Anthony in his office going through the drawings and his worker comes in asking if anyone had a particular vehicle described parked outside, that he had reversed into it. Realising it was my vehicle, we went out. Mind you, I actually wasn't upset at all. I had a truck hit me and a motorcycle clip me whilst stationary just in the few preceding months so I was in disbelief to the point of hilarity! They do say bad things happen in triplicate! My car looked like an axe was taken to it... BUT all I could think of in that moment was this guy (I do want to name him but I won't as I know he felt terrible about it) was honest. We were in an industrial estate and there were so many vehicles and movements, he could have easily not said a thing and I wouldn't have known the wiser. He could have driven off and not said a thing but he did and I respected that. The build was completed on time and on budget. There was some to and fro-ing with the architect but I know I was shielded from most of it. If something was brought to my attention, it was already being fixed by Anthony and his team or they had a plan to sort it out. That said through the build, there were no issues. Though to me an issue is something that can't be fixed. Everything I have raised, whether it be a concern or request, was always listened to and talked through and regardless of where it landed, was always resolved. There are a number of things through juggling of the budget that we (I say we because I did have Anthony's help) managed to incorporate. There are a few things which I didn't think I would have been able to have in the home and I do. I am still floored by some of these things when I see them. If money wasn't an option there would have been a heap of things I would have down, but with most people, we have budgets and I know I have received a great house for my budget. Anthony has good trades. From the plasterers, to flooring, tilers, stonemasons, cabinetry, plumbers, carpenters, electrical, painters plus others I'm sure I have left off... They all do good quality work. The difference between Anthony and a volume builder is that if the quality isn't right, it is fixed. He also has good suppliers. I'd build with Anthony again in a heartbeat. He and his team really do make the effort to delight their customers. Thank you First Avenue Homes.

We approached 5-10 builders when looking to start our build, First Avenue were the only builders out of that 5-10 that took the time to explain their process, timings and issues to consider with our build. From our initial discussion over the phone, First Avenue was an easy choice. From the outset of engaging First Avenue to commence our build nothing was too hard. The team took on additional tasks to ensure the entire process ran as smooth as possible. We were kept up to date via regular telephone discussion as the build progressed. Our final product is of excellent quality and we could not be happier. I would highly recommend the team at First Avenue if you a looking for a builder to partner with you through the build process - they do not just build houses, the invest themselves into making sure a standard of service and product is maintained and the process is as stress free as possible. We will be engaging First Avenue again without hesitation. A++

Amazing team from the owner through to all there trades. First Avenue Homes delivered us 2 x amazing town houses, on time, on budget. Anthony was very approachable, his knowledge to building help us achieve more that we expected Would recommend using Anthony and the Team at First avenue Homes, Well done!!!!.

Anthony and Jessica were absolutely amazing - relentless in their ongoing support over and above the core construction project. All agreed timelines were achieved. The finished product exceeded our grandest expectations. Looking forward to the next project together!

We worked with Anthony, Jessica and their team on various new build's across Melbourne. Their professionalism, design and style are second to none. We highly recommend this boutique building company to design and create your dream home.

Great builder for our new family cottage. Communication was constant and clear. Project was kept on track & even better, on time.

We worked with First Avenue Homes to renovate our early 1950's 2 bedroom home to a modern 4 bedroom with open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. Anthony and Ben were always easy to talk to and delivered a quality product and good advice. When things came up that none of us expected, they were flexible in delivery and we are happy with the outcomes. Definitely recommend for any building you require

First Avenue homes completed a renovation/new build of our 1890's built terrace in South Melbourne and we cannot praise them enough for their high standards and professionalism along the way. We have a design where the old meets new and although challenging at times we now have a home that we are extremely proud of, the level of detail throughout is second to none, each and every room has been finished with the highest detail and the outcome has completely exceeded our expectations. First avenue homes and especially Anthony, we thank you for creating such a beautiful home for us, our vision has come to life and we cannot commend the work of Anthony and his team enough. True professionals with the highest standards and a special mention to the great attitude of Anthony and his team that made our experience an enjoyable one and one that made us feel part of the journey through out the entire build.

Was my first time building and what I thought would be a stressful project was seamless with the work of Anthony and First Avenue Homes. Anthony used his knowledge and professionalism to coordinate the planning, organising and gaining council permits and demolition of an old property to build two stunning town houses, which I am extremely happy with. What was great building with Anthony and First Avenue Homes: 1. All questions asked are replied promptly and with excellent customer service. Anthony was helpful along the way, even after construction was complete. 2. They were helpful in changing details on plan, for example we wanted to build bulk head to accommodate TV and Gas Log Heater, I was happy with this. 3. They had fixed quality issues found after the three month inspection. 4. All staff Anthony deals with has been great including draftsmen, product sales people, contractors and laborers Overall Anthony and his team were very helpful throughout the building phase and issues that surfaced were always communicated and solved well and politely. Furthermore, the house was completed much earlier than the contract period. I thank you Anthony and First Avenue homes and will certainly consider building with First Avenue homes in the future.

We hired First Avenue Homes to covert 2 bedrooms of our new apartment into one large master bedroom and dressing room. In conjunction with Triholm Cabinets custom joinery was constructed for the dressing room, study and living area comprising shelving, wardrobes, dressing table incorporating lighting, desk incorporating lighting, filing cabinets, storage, floating entertainment unit incorporating lighting and electrical for AV, bookshelves with ladder and banquette seating all to a bespoke design. This work involved moving air conditioning units and electrical, re-plastering and re-painting. First Avenue Homes demonstrated sound knowledge and experience, good communication and ability to work with others by bringing in Triholm Cabinets to carry out bespoke joinery. We found the quality of work to be good and completed on time and within budget.

Anthony was introduced to me by one of our favourite clients. His approach is can-do and enthusiastic. We have worked together on two projects, both renovations. Anthony is about to start a new home project we have designed, I am looking forward to working on many more projects with him.