Pool building with builders — in conversation with Builder Ben Richardson from BR Building
Ben Richardson of BR Building is the epitome of a big friendly tradie. His company is renowned in the Sutherland Shire for their commitment to quality and their ability to work tirelessly to get their beautiful home building projects finished. Ben has an endearing soft side that shines through when he speaks of his family, and like us at Cronulla Pools, his family are the driving force behind his business.
Cronulla Pools partnered with BR Building in 2018 to deliver a one-of-a-kind waterfront pool build in Loch Lomond Crescent, Burraneer. We soon discovered that both companies share a similar attitude when it comes to business: an emphasis on family, a hands-on approach to project delivery and a specialised focus on the Sutherland Shire and the surrounding market.
We sat down with Ben to chat about his work, what’s contributed to his success over the years and what’s important to him in business these days.
It’s not hard to see why he’s been in the game as long as he has.
CP: Can you start by telling me a bit about BR Building and the projects you work on?
I’ve been in the building game for over 20 years. I grew up in Bundeena, so naturally started there, winning one project at a time until we had built over 20 houses in the area.
We now describe ourselves as a boutique builder in the Sutherland Shire. We focus on quality and building relationships with our clients. We were once larger than what we were now, running 5 or so jobs at a time but have consciously pared it back to a team of 8 working on 1 project at a time.
We sometimes spend over 2 years working on the one project and I like my team to be able to give a project their all.
It also means I have a good work / life balance, which to me is what it’s all about.
CP: What's some advice you can offer clients when looking for a builder?
Like any relationship, work or pleasure, there has to be a rapport. We pride ourselves on our ability to develop open and trustworthy relationships with our clients. And we put it above anything else. Trust and transparency are key. I think overall it’s the relationships that win us the work 99% of the time.
Dealing with smaller, more boutique builders means you’re normally working with the boss. They’re the decision makers so the level of responsiveness is always going to be really high.
It’s about quality too, so I’d advise you to check past work and do your research, ask around and get some feedback.
CP : What do you look for when sourcing trades to assist with your builds?
We strive for a very high level of quality of finishes in our homes so when i’m engaging trades to assist me on the build it always with this in mind. I surrounds myself with a great bunch of trades who help me deliver the level of quality my clients appreciate.
CP : What are the benefits of including a pool build as part of a larger home renovation?
It’s so important to include the pool in the reno from the get-go. It’s usually the first thing that gets done due to access and not damaging any other stages of the renovation, so it’s a crucial component when working on a reno/build with a pool.
It also ensures it doesn’t get forgotten about and that the client has enough money left in the budget to finish it to their desired outcome.
For builders it’s all about scheduling and timelines for the build – they help a job run smooth and keep everyone accountable.
CP : What do you look for specifically in a pool builder?
We want a reliable, accountable pool builder who when they say they’re going to do something – they do it. It doesn’t seem that hard but trust me, they’re few and far between.
CP : Tell me a bit about your experience working alongside Cronulla Pools?
It’s been really enjoyable. Cronulla Pools came on at a really stressful time of the build (at Loch Lomond) and I’d been looking for a pool builder for a while with no luck - it was a really challenging project to take on!
From the get-go Matt and Kate were responsive and nothing was ever an issue. Even when things did pop up that presented challenges they were open about them, and we resolved them without an issue.
CP : You’ve been involved in some pretty amazing projects and Loch Lomond is no different, what stood out about this one for you?
I loved its familiarity to me and my family. I used to live in that street so it felt like home. On top of that, the design is beautiful. It has an amazing street presence and a striking frontage.
It was challenging too. Not a lot was easy given it was a waterfront with access issues. But the owners were great and the finishes were of a really high calibre.
CP What are three tips you would you give to fellow builders when engaging pool builders?
Pool builders need to be on board from the start of the project. Get the shell in first, and get the pool builders price in the overall quote. Check their past work and talk to other bbuilders who’s worked alongside them, you gotta know that you can work with them – not just that they’re capable to actually build you the pool.
To follow Ben and his current projects at BR Building, you can find them on Facebook or Instagram.
Thinking of building a pool but not sure where to start? Here are 5 things to think about before building a pool, and our tips on what to look for in a pool builder.