Rathmines – The Best of 2020

WHAT A YEAR!

What an extraordinary year 2020 has been. Nup, nothing ordinary about this one.

As we swap “wrap-up” meetings and for physical wrapping up (of presents), I thought it’d be fab to reflect on our #buildhermoments for the BuildHer8 Rathmines Project throughout this year.

As you’re reading this, I hope that it inspires you to think about some of the goals you have kicked. No matter how big or small, please share them with us on our Facebook Group – Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build.

1. BUILDHER8 WAS BORN!

It’s Q1 and magic is in the air.

Rebeka sells #bayviewproject for a record price. The MasterBuildHer intensive weekend in Feb goes off without a hitch. We even throw a big BuildHer mixer with champagne at Ivy’s newly finished renovation in Armadale.

It was perhaps through some of these conversations and connections, we realise community is everything. Developing for profit is FUN! Working together is FUN!

8 women come together to start what is now known as the BuildHer8.

Rebeka, Kribashini and six Master BuildHers join forces to create two architecturally different, yet complementary and sustainable homes in the leafy suburb of Fairfield – The Rathmines Project!

2. WE RECEIVED A PLANNING PERMIT & A BUILDING PERMIT!

No small feat during a period of lockdowns, working from home and overall uncertainty.

But we’ve done it. After navigating through the paperwork, and complex web of planning and building requirements we are proud holders of all necessary permits to start work! 

3. WE DEMOLISHED THE OLD HOUSE!

Have you watched our Insta stories from Demolition Day?

If you love the sound of crunching and big machines, I encourage you to. Seriously satisfying.

Head to our Insta page @buildhercollective and scroll across to “BuildHer8” saved stories.

4. WE HAVE FINANCING APPROVED!

Hooray!

With changing market conditions along with our joint venture structure, obtaining financing was not exactly a simple online home loan application with a Big 4 bank.

We have learned some interesting lessons to be sure, and Louise has done a spectacular job ensuring we are financed ready!

And this kind of knowledge we share within our DevelopHers Inner Circle, so that as a community we build on these learnings!

5. WE BUILT A POOL!

Ever watched a pool get built in one minute?

Hop back over into those saved stories and see for yourself!

It’s pretty darn cool!

6. WE HAVE SEXY INTERIOR DESIGNS AND FINISHES!

I just want a cookie cutter house – said no one ever.

So we have two interior designers. Two very different styles.

An utterly perfect pairing for a development of two sister houses! We couldn’t have designed it better if we tried.

Our internal elevations and interior finishes have been designed, drafted and drawn. We cannot wait to them to life Alison – @alisonlewisinteriors and Rachel – @co_kitchens!

7. WE HAVER SOME FAB PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS COMING ON BOARD!

To give you just a teaser…

RACV Solar will be helping us capture those sunrays and turn them into electrons by installing our solar panels and Telsa Powerwalls! #SustainableIsSexy

4D Doors will be supplying and installing our German-designed state-of-the-art thermally insulated garage doors. Better insulation = less heat loss = more sustainable + lower energy bills! #win!

Haymes Paint we adore. Australia’s ONLY family run and owned paint manufacturer!

Sam Rigopoulos @ Jellis Craig already has a short list of interested buyers who cannot wait for these houses to be done. Quite literally that we may only have one, not two, houses to auction!

KingGee workwear is what you will see us BuildHer8 ladies wearing on and in between sites. Because comfort is king!

More partners will be announced next year.

We are so excited to showcase some amazing local suppliers and trades in the business.

In the meantime, if you know a brand or business who is community-minded and worthy of a showcase please send a nomination (or self-nomination) to buildher8@buildhercollective.com.au.

8. WE DID ALL OF THIS SEPARATED, TOGETHER.

Despite being home-bound in different suburbs and states, none of us felt like we were doing it alone.

This year made us realise just how special the BuildHer community is.

No matter what 2021 brings, we have GOT THIS.

I wish you all a very happy holidays, and very happy building, renovating and developing!!

Don’t forget to share YOUR experiences with us on our Facebook Group.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: IVY @ HOMES BY IVY

A vivaciously fun all-rounder with a background in finance and civil engineering, and international experience as a project manager, Ivy has successfully embarked on a new journey to follow her passion for renovating and developing beautiful period homes, sustainably.

Follow Ivy on Insta here.

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