For our first SMOKO interview out of lockdown, we had Judy Corcoran of GJ Gardner, Mornington Peninsula invite us to their latest project in Merricks, Vic…
Question 1… Who’s the boss?
Judy: On a good day I am, and on the less good days it’s Scott.
Scott and I run the business, and the ‘buck stops with us’ on all our projects! It takes a village to raise a child, and a team to build great houses; so in that sense we’re fortunate to have a really great team! Our team enables our projects to run smoothly.
Question 2… What’s the best day on the job?
Judy: The best days, are days like today. Just a moment ago, here in Merrick, the client came to speak with us and said how happy they were with our progress. We’ve also had lovely clients leave an esky out for the trades on a hot day. It’s the community aspect of building that becomes the highlights.
Question 3… What’s the worst day on the job?
Judy: Timber shortages! Timber shortages is a challenge for everyone right now, and we need to move through it as smoothly as possible with good communication and careful coordination.
Question 4… What have you learn along the way?
Judy: We’ve learned to help our clients understand that building is nothing like ‘The Block’ TV show, and that great houses, realistically have two or three great features. A Pinterest board of many wonderful ideas a good start, but for the sake of building affordably, we help our clients find the two or three stand out ideas which will make the biggest impact for them!
Question 5… What do you wish everyone could know?
Judy: I wish that people realised that building is an evolving process, and that there’s many details along the way that people should feel free to get more information about. Talk to your builders & talk to your trades, and get further advice from experiences sources when your feeling unsure… and enjoy the process & Journey!
Tara: Thank you Judy for inviting us your site & sharing your local industry insights. We look forward to seeing more of you in the Building Dreams Facebook group!