Our reputation for distinctive homes started in 1975 with Brian Marklew building holiday homes for appreciative clients on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Based on functional floor plans and pleasing aesthetics, these homes set a standard for design excellence not previously seen. They have proven to be great investments as home purchasers continue to seek functional design, good space proportion and an outdoor relationship. The company grew to satisfy demand and by the 80’s was building over 100 homes every year. Consistently attracting awards from both the Housing Industry and Master Builders Associations, Marklews has twice been awarded Australia’s Top Home Builder and Victoria’s Top Home Builder on no less than five occasions. ............................................... Design Philosophy It’s our belief that good design should respond to the needs of the future, drawing from the past but not aiming to re-create outdated architectural trends. ............................................... What Others Say More than 60% of clients come to us from referrals, with past clients referring to their building experience as: “hassle free”, “totally professional”, and “exceeding our expectations”. We value this positive feedback because home building is often not straight forward and good results are directly proportionate to the efforts of the team of client, builder and designers. Our award winning homes have attracted judges’ comments such as: “first class workmanship”, “stimulating and adventurous”, “straight forward, sensible and cost effective” and, “a pleasure to live in”. "When people ask if we would recommend Marklew Constructions, our answer is – without a doubt. We wouldn't hesitate..." Dennis and Anne-Marie "Exciting is the word that best describes the whole process of building our new Marklews home through to the finished product..." Don and Robin "Our beach home 'The Bungalow' is 10 years young... we are just as delighted with our home as the day we received handover from you." Ellen and Noel Services Site Inspection Marklews provides an obligation-free inspection of your site to assess service costs and design implications. A pre-purchase inspection service is also offered to help you decide which site is right for your ideal home. Design requirements, correct aspecting, budgetary restraints, etc. can be assessed before purchase, which may prevent the need for compromise later on. ............................................... Architect Design Service Many builders offer a ‘free’ design service to prospective clients. It may pay to ask whether these builders are simply modifying standard project home designs. Ordinarily, the cost to employ an architect to design and project manage your new home can be in the vicinity of 8.5% to 12% of the contract price. Our Architect Design Service is different, professional, offers good value and starts from the first design principles. We match your requirements to one of our consultant Architects who has a proven track record and will listen to your needs. Your Marklews team then works to produce a design exclusively for you. Rapport and trust develops between you and your design team, enabling the process of design development to proceed smoothly. ............................................... Fees An initial commitment fee of $4,400 is required to enter into a from “First Principles” Architect Design Process. Sometimes it’s possible to draw from the Marklew Design Library for inspiration or to enhance a previous home design at no, or a modest commitment fee. ............................................... The Design Process Like a custom-tailored dress or a tailor-made suit, an individually designed home is a matter of process and most importantly, getting those processes right. Before meeting to discuss a design brief both builder and architect will have inspected your site and discussed features, constraints and complications. At the design brief meeting the agenda will be focused on your individual family requirements, the way your family functions and the required spaces. But most important is the inter-relationship of those spaces, including the outdoors, orientations and outlooks. From the design brief meeting, sketch plans are prepared. The plans are discussed between builder, architect and interior designer, refined as necessary and presented to you at a special client meeting. With no pressure on you to accept or proceed, the developed designs are professionally explained. You are a partner in the process and will take away the plans and explanations, returning with comment and feed back. Once sketch plans are finalised the project proceeds to the preparation of a costing estimate and from there to contract documentation. ............................................... The Next Step The construction quotation for your home takes the paid design commitment fee into account. It includes a professional Architect’s service fee of 2.5%, which is less than half the Institute recommendation. Your comprehensive quotation is responsive to your advised budget and includes specific finishes and features, as discussed. From estimate acceptance, documentation is prepared and after consent, working drawings completed and a fixed contract price specified. Uniquely, the Marklew partnership process embraces the knowledge, ideas and professional input of builder, architect, client and interior designer to create, then detail a cohesive finished product. Marklews consultant interior designer assists clients by preparing a finishes specification that embraces colours and textures as well as electrical and lighting. Four hours of consultation is provided at no cost and many clients extend this service on a fee basis to include special cabinetry, furnishings and even furniture. Exceptional homes whether large or small, modest or leading edge, all evolve from getting it right. The Marklews design and build partnership ensures that success.