Quality and value at AustartGOOD, old-fashioned customer service is a top priority at Austart Homes Townsville.

Building quality homes in Townsville and its surrounds for more than eight years, the family owned and operated building company has quickly gained a fine reputation for its quality, custom-built new homes.

Owned by local builder John Matthews, who purchased the franchise in 2006, Austart Homes Townsville has picked up two Queensland Master Builders President’s awards.

The highly sought-after accoladerecognises building projects that demonstrate superior quality and value for money.

The company’s cutting-edge designs can be viewed at their Sanctumdisplay home at 2 Featherwood St, Mount Low, with a second display

home at 8 Highgrove Ave, Greater Ascot due to open in December.

Austart Homes Townsville accounts and administration manager Leah Haar said the company also built larger homes, like the Whitehaven (pictured), which would be ideal for the larger blocks at Mount Margaret

estate, Eden Park Estate at Jensen, or other large acreage blocks.

Value and quality is the central focus at Austart, with sales consultants also priding themselves on their one-on-one personal service to all clients.

“Our sales consultants sit down andpersonally work through all the quotes

and factor in all requests,” Ms Haar said. “We do custom builds and we can modify plans, we take pride in what we do – any ideas our clients have we can make work for them.” She said being a part of a franchise gives Austart Homes better buying power statewide, ensuring costs are kept down for

clients. Austart Homes has completed a few tricky custom builds on steep sloping blocks in Mount Louisa and Toomulla Beach for clients who were delighted with the results. The company has also recently built custom homes on Magnetic Island with more in the pipeline in the new year.

Ms Haar said customers could choose from a large variety of house plans with custom-designed plans also an option. Or if you need a house and land package the builder has a plenty of options in a variety of estates across Townsville available, and again, all packages can be customised.

If you sign a contract by December19, Austart Homes Townsville will throw in split-system airconditioners for your new home as part of its Hot Summer Sizzler special sales deal (terms and conditions apply).

Austart Homes ‘Whitehaven house design is a larger style which would suit larger blocks on estates like Mount Margaret or Eden Park at Jensen; then there are other smart designs (above).

1300AUSTART

T o w n s v i l l e

QBCC No. 1090613 ACN 117 741 8492 Featherwood Street, Sanctum EstateDisplay Open - Monday, Tuesday and Fridays 11am - 5pm & Weekends 10am - 5pm

austarthomes.com.au

VALUE & QUALITY MATTERS

HOT SUMMER SIZZLER SALEFREE AIRCONDITIONING FOR ALL NEW HOMES SOLD BETWEEN NOW AND CHRISTMAS!*offer expires 19th December, 2014, Terms & Conditions apply

• Award winning designs• 10 awards over 8 years• Personalised colour consultant included• We can customise HL Packages to your needs• First home owners/investors range now available

Laguna 267 BLC2600 Starting from $265,182

Opening December 2014

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Opening doors to innovation

MAJOR Townsville builders Homes By DJ Jones, are leading the way when it comes to innovation and style.

The local, multi-award winning builder is currently showcasing a new range of innovative designs at their display homes at Northshore and Bluewattle estates.

The team spent many hoursresearching the latest trends in new homes to present their latest stylish designs to meet the demands of the local market.

The narrow lots found in new estates as well as large family homes ideal for sprawling acreage properties have all been catered for in the latest Homes By DJ Jones designs.

Homes By DJ Jones also work regularly with downsizers, first-home buyers and investors and have numerous designs and ideas for clients who fit into those demographics.

And for those more keen onapartment-style living but not

so keen on the steep body corporate fees that come with it, Homes By DJ Jones has an impressive new range of house- and-land packages to suit the educated buyer.

Communication is key at this building company, with clear standards inclusions and contract build times all accompanying the Homes By DJ Jones fixed price contract to give each and every one of their clients peace of mind when they are creating their dream home.

And big plans are under wayfor 2015, which is expected to bring a cross-section of buyers to Townsville with a large percentage of the city’s new residents expected to be relocating from major capital areas or other regional centres.

“Our home market is set toexplode with new design and new expectations,” Homes By DJ Jones founder David Jones said.

“We have foreseen this market and Homes By DJ Jones

are armed with new designs for the budget conscious right through to our luxury market. All our customers enjoy the personalised service that we have all come to expect from Homes By DJ Jones.

“Come and speak to us at either the Northshore or Bluewattle Display Village and you will be surprised at the faultless finish and the value for money pricing throughout the Townsville area.”

With more than 25 years

experience, Mr Jones is a third-generation builder in Townsville.

The company prides itself oncreating homes to suit all budgets, with large alfresco areas and resort-style ensuites a signature part of their homes.

To find out more about building with Homes By DJ Jones, contact Trent Skinner at trent@homesbydjjones.com.au or 0424 943 005 or Lynne Kerr at lynne@homesbydjjones.com.au or 0437 929740.

The stylish and popular Sita Retreat designed by Homes by DJ Jones, and (right) an alfresco area and bathroom by the builder.

Your home, your future.......... Our reputation

Homes By D J Jones a local multi award winning Builder is currently showcasing his new range of innovative designs. After long discussion and market research the stylish designs that we are presenting are the designs that the market is looking for.

Narrow lots, large family homes, downsizers, frst homebuyers, investors as well as the apartment style living without the ever rising Body Corp fees. This new range will suit the educated buyer. Clear Standards Inclusions, Contract Build time all accompany the Fixed Price Contract to give each and

every client peace of mind that they are creating their dream home.2015 will bring a cross section of buyer to Townsville and with a large percentage coming from major capital areas or regional centres. Our home

market is set to explode with new design and new expectations. David has foreseen this market and Homes By D J Jones are with new designs for the budget focused through to our luxury market and all with the personalised service that we have all come to expect from Homes By D J Jones.

Come and speak to us at either the Northshore or Bluewattle Display Village and you will be surprised that the faultless fnish and the value for money pricing throughout the Townsville area.

Visit our Display Homes at Northshore and Bluewattle Display Villages Open 7 days 10 - 4FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL OUR DESIGN AND BUILD CONSULTANTS

Trent Skinner - 0424 943 005 trent@homesbydjjones.com.auLynne Kerr - 0437 929 740 lynne@homesbydjjones.com.au

www.homesbydjjones.com.au

Northshore Display Bluewattle Display

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Collaborating for safety’s sake

THE close working relationship enjoyed by Master Builders North Queensland and James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station ensures everyone in both organisations is across issues when it comes to being fully informed about building industry cyclone requirements and developments.

The Master Builders North Queensland Cyclone Testing Station tour, which was followed by a barbecue lunch run by Queensland Country Credit Union in early October, was an excellent example of how different groups work together for the overall benefit of the community.

Master Builders North Queenslandregional manager Melissa Coulter said by working closely with the CTS, members were across all developments in the way buildings cope with cyclones and severe wind events.

“These links are further strengthened by John Galloway’s dual roles as CTS board chairman and his longstanding membership of Master Builders in addition to being our only NQ Master Builders Life Member.

“Plus a few years ago the Master Builders Foundation donated a vehicle to the CTS,” she said.

“We attempt to do an annual tour ofthe station, not only for our local members but also those in Mackay and Cairns with the aim of exposing them to information from data collected from North Queensland’s previous cyclones. With Yasi particularly, a lot of the data and information collected was invaluable in further developing construction techniques.”

Ms Coulter said understanding ofsuch information by both builders and consumers was vital as it had an impact on approvals and engineering, which also included a cost factor.

“It’s up to the building industry to beable to pass such knowledge on to homeowners when providing maintenance on homes,” she said.

“Knowledge is power, and if we can

convey the importance of preparing for the cyclone season, then we have a better shot at less devastation.

“Natural disasters over the last fewyears have really had an impact on insurance premiums in our regions so it’s vital that research and development on issues such as water penetration continues to be worked on by the CTS.

“With the 2014/2105 cyclone seasonfast approaching, the tour was an excellent opportunity for all our members to share knowledge, ask questions and make sure everyone was up to date on the latest developments in the building industry.”

James Cook University’s CTS focuses primarily on the performance of houses and other low-rise buildings

in severe wind events such as cyclones and is actively engaged in research, testing and community education aimed at ensuring that buildings designed to resist severe wind events are safe, economical and sustainable.

For example, following the damagecaused by Cyclone Yasi, the CTS assisted in changes to garage door standards, ensuring that doors need to be rated for use in cyclone regions of Australia, as well as roof tile standards, roof-mounted solar panels and the wind load provisions for eaves and soffit linings.

Additionally, with financial assistance from the Queensland Government, the CTS has recently developed six portable SWIRLnet units to more accurately identify the wind speeds experienced by houses and other buildings during cyclones.

These anemometers are to provideinformation about the performance of buildings during cyclonic events, including whether regulations and practices are appropriate.

CTS director David Henderson saidthe station’s relationship with Master Builders was appreciated because through them, his organisation was kept abreast of styles in building.

“They in turn appreciate the importance of our damage investigation findings and feedback on the good and bad performance of buildings which can then be used to ensure the most efficient methods of building,” he said. Master Builders is a national organisation which looks at buildings right across the country, not just here in Townsville and having access to such a network is something else we very much appreciate.”

JAN GREEN

Master Builders North Queensland members were given a tour of James Cook University’s Cyclone Testing Station recently.

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Ellis proud to show supportELLIS Developments are proud and excited to announce they are joining forces with military charity Mates 4 Mates, the well-respected organisation which greatly assists military families and individuals in Townsville and around Australia.

“We are delighted at the opportunity to assist such a worthwhile organisation locally, that benefits so many people” Ellis Developments director Stephen Ellis said.

The team at Ellis Developments wants to acknowledge the enormous financial injection military personnel make to the local business community.

“Everyday items such as groceries,petrol, hairdressers, car dealers and the like, all benefit enormously from military pay cheques and the building industry is no different,” Mr Ellis said.

Mates 4 Mates Townsville manager,Dennis Devantier said he was delighted with the support.

“It’s great to see a local builder recognise the importance of the military community in Townsville. This is a very positive initiative and we want military personnel to get behind it,” he said.

Ellis Developments have committed to donate funds to Mates 4 Mates every time they build a new home for military personnel in Townsville.

Over the next 12 months, Ellis willeither donate $500 cash per house, or provide tradies to assist with renovations/repairs at the Family Recovery Centre in Aitkenvale.

Having already built for military clients, Ellis has over 25 years experience in the building industry and looks forward to giving something back to those who serve.

“The beauty of affiliating ourselveswith Mates 4 Mates Townsville is to see first-hand the benefit of our donations,” Mr Ellis said.

“We have given Mates 4 Mates complete control to decide what they require from us at the time of each donation. If they need cash injection – we will donate funds directly to them, or if they need building work done we will get our team of tradies allocated to assist.”

Ellis Developments is a highly reputable local builder – taking out the Master Builders’ award for Best Display Home $375,000 in 2014.

“It’s the least we can do. We can’t drive a tank, but we build bloody great houses,” Mr Ellis said.

The Ellis starter two-bedroom homes called Park Terrace are a very affordable at $289,000, and will be ready to move-in early 2015.

But the builder constructs every type of home from dual occupier investment properties, townhouses

and three-bedroom homes to riverfront executive homes with media rooms and pools starting at $560,000 for house and land.

Ellis Developments pride themselves on building architectural homes to suit each client.

“We don’t want any two Ellis homeslooking the same. There’s nothing worse than driving down a street where all the homes look the same. It looks cheap and resale values are not as strong,” Mr Ellis said.

The Ellis team of in-house

architects are natives of Belgium and Brazil who use their vast experience and inspiration from around the world to deliver outstanding design concepts every time.

“This ensures the homes retain their value should you decide to sell, or if you decide to keep as an investment property, the quality finishes will sustain the abuse some rental properties sustain,” Mr Ellis said.

Turn-key homes are their forte.A colour consultant works closely

with all clients to choose every aspect of their home.

From designing the floor plan to more tangible items such as the colour of stone countertops, handles, taps, floor coverings, paint, exterior finishes and even plants – the customer is completely in control of how they want their home look.

To make financing easier, Ellis Developments will have a Defence mortgage specialist on-site over the coming weeks who will be able to pre-approve military home loans and answer any questions.

Building your new home with EllisDevelopments will directly benefit our local Mates 4 Mates Family Recovery Centre – call Ellis Developments today for an appointment 0406 729 649, or drop into the display homes at 14 Riveredge Blvd and 14 Huxley Crescent, Oonoonba.

UNITED: Mates 4 Mates' Townsville manager Denis Devantier (centre) with Ellis Developments' director Stephen Ellis (right) and construction manager Mark Glasgow

NAB Defence home loan specialist available.To make an appointment contactGenevieve Kindt ............... NAB Thuringowa ......................07 4755 6400Anita Trevilyan ................... NAB Castletown ........................07 4726 3500Jackie Stewart .................... NAB Aitkenvale .........................07 4726 8200Emily Wright ....................... NAB Urban Quarter .................07 4750 4100Deb Box ................................ NAB Mobile Banker .................0418 773 172Kylie Thomas ...................... NAB Small Business .................0477 300 520 (c) 2013 National Australia Bank Limited ABN 12004044937 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686 A105364-1213

www.ellisdevelopments.com.au | www.facebook.com/ellisdevelopments | phone 0406-729-649 | 0406-729-648

CALLING ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL NEW HOMES FROM $289,000-$600,000+ Ellis Developments will donate $$$ directly to ‘Mates 4 Mates’ Family Recovery Centre Aitkenvale, for every home we build for a Military client. To help get your mili-tary mortgage approved & answer questions, a Defence Mortgage Specialist will be onsite to pre-approve your loan instantly on the following days!

WHENSUNDAY 23RD NOV 2PM - 4PMTHURSDAY 27TH NOV 5PM - 7PMSATURDAY 29TH NOV 10AM - 12 NOON

WHEREEllis Developments Display Home14 Riveredge Blvd, Oonoonba.

Or by appointment. Call 0406-729-649.

WHAT TO BRINGFOR PRE APPROVAL• 100 points ID• Latest two payslips• 3 months (current Statements)• 6 months (current statements, loans, credit cards, store cards)• Proof of other income eg rent, family allowance.

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