Testimonials

 

Living in North East New South Wales on the Coffs Coast is all about enjoying the wonderful lifestyle opportunities afforded by the temperate climate. When we purchased our home at Sapphire Beach in 2009, we loved its unique design, contemporary lines and quirky angles but felt that the design did not optimise the home’s opportunity for NE facing outdoor living space.

Happy with our overall design plans, we then began the search for a builder.  We first sought quotes from two sizeable, well-reputed local building companies which had demonstrable track records of success with complex, contemporary projects.  Both companies perceived that ours would be a tricky and time-intensive task - difficult for them to fit into their schedule in the near future.  Our architect then suggested that we contact Mick Fielding from Three Sixty Building - an up and coming, well established young builder who had participated in the original construction of our home.

This was the best decision we could have made!  From our first meeting we were impressed by Mick’s understanding of the complexities of the project and his thoughtful assessment of the issues which could arise during construction.  He also proved adept at understanding and interpreting the complex design plans and specifications. (Some builders had encountered difficulty “getting their heads around” the unusual angles, lines and levels.) 

Subsequently, the quote from Three Sixty Building was presented in a highly professional format, setting out all aspects of the project in a clear, logical and contiguous manner. All stages of the build were detailed clearly and with feasible timeframes.

From the very commencement of work we knew that we had a highly competent and insightful builder.  Mick was unfazed by the incorporation of a new and innovative roofing material as a key feature of the project. He undertook thorough research into the use of this material (Ritek), consulted with the production company and during installation, made practical refinements (such as the purpose-built overflow outlet into the pool) which significantly enhanced the overall outcome.

Mick himself proved to be an outstanding craftsman - meticulous in his work and never accepting less than the very highest quality finish from himself or any other tradespersons whom he employed.  His oversight of the project was absolute and his liaison and collaboration with other professionals employed on the build (eg the pool fencing contractor) was always thoughtful and designed to produce the best outcome for us.

Needless to say, Mick’s ingenuity forestalled and/or overcame many hiccups along the way and all deadlines were met in a timely fashion.  His thoughtful care and planning prevented possible issues with plumbing, drainage and electrical work, ensuring that no time was lost redoing work.
The project was completed on budget, on time and best of all - to a very high standard of workmanship.

We are now enjoying a fabulous al fresco area which seamlessly complements our unusual home and provides continuity of living space from formal living areas through to the pool.   Upstairs we have a great balcony from which to enjoy both the coastal outlook and a mezzanine view through to our new outdoor living space downstairs.

This was not an easy or standard project. It was difficult and challenging, using innovative materials.  It required insight, technical skill, tenacity, professionalism and a touch of daring!

We are highly appreciative of and indebted to Mick, for bringing all of these skills to bear on our project.

G & R Robinson

 

 

In July of 2010 my husband and I commenced inquiry into developing a portion of our land at 30 Coramba Road in Coffs Harbour directly behind our existing house which we were occupying. The reason being was to start planning to own our own home sooner, initially by sub-dividing and ‘selling’ the land at the rear to clear debt on our own home, land which was unused and a hassle to maintain due to our busy work schedules. We believed being so close to town would be attractive to potential developers, and us being inspired by a similar development only two doors down, our work began.

Initial council enquiries proved difficult and daunting to say the least.  We quickly learned that sub-division of the land was out of the question unless a ‘commitment to build’ was undertaken. We reassessed our plans, as someone told us at the time “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. This lead us make a decision to develop the land ourselves.

We contacted the usual project builders, many of whom very quickly brushed us off deeming the land was too steep and the access too difficult, others simply would not listen to what we wanted and were certainly not willing to alter their plans to suit the block. After 5 months of getting nowhere we contacted Richard Malcolm at Design Studio 22, for whom nothing was a problem. After meeting with Richard he was able to deliver plans for an architecturally designed home to suit our block for submission to council.

Being only a few doors away from what is considered land affected by flood in Coffs Harbour; the council raised some concerns over storm water run-off. A hydrologist was brought in to assess this issue and provide a solution for re-submission to council.

In July 2011 after a number of amendments we finally received approval from council and began the task of finding a reliable builder. Richard provided contact details for 3 builders – one of these being Mick Fielding from Three Sixty Building. Being ‘first time’ developers Matt and I were looking for a builder who we could relate to, who would listen to us and who would be willing to work with us. After meeting with Mick, we initially had concerns over Micks’ young age and the amount of experience he would bring to the job however these were quickly overcome with his professional approach. We were immediately impressed with Micks’ enthusiasm straight off the bat. Mick was there when he said he would be, he listened to our ideas, he kept us involved and contacted us when needed to discuss options and ideas to enhance the project and delivered a quote when he said he would. Others we had to chase.  The quote was on par with others – we decided to give Mick the job despite our concerns – however in hindsight this proved to be the best decision we could have ever made.

Construction commenced in November 2011 with site preparations. The block being situated behind our existing dwelling on the always busy Coramba Road proved testing. Mick was required to undertake a traffic control course over 2 days to enable him to direct traffic to allow machinery onto the site – something we always reflected on when hearing listening to the traffic reports on the way to work and picturing Mick out the front with his ‘lollypop’ stick. Micks’ first challenge was to arrange removal of a number of trees on the site, 2 of these being 40+ year old canary island palms from the front of the block situated on a steep, narrow sloping driveway and only metres from the existing dwelling, a huge job. Secondly Mick needed to cut off a substantial portion of the existing pool deck, the pool being kept and attached to the existing house, this requiring Mick to ensure secure temporary fencing was erected.

Mick was then required to carry out work to council requirements on diverting storm water run-off prior to laying the foundations for the build. This involved placing a 10,000 litre water tank underground to enable water to be dispersed underground and not allowed to enter storm water easements. This again proved a challenge due to the confined space, the steep narrow drive and being fully fenced on all sides not to mention the weather in Coffs Harbour at the time. All materials used were required to be delivered either on small trucks if able or manually brought onto the site. At last after much preparation the real building could commence with slabs being poured, part being on bearers and joists the other on the ground due to the sloping block and access to sewerage. At the same time a slab was poured to supply parking for the front dwelling. Concrete being required to be pumped down the drive onto the site. The remainder of the build seemed to run smoothly, which we attribute to Micks’ ability as the architectural aspect of the build we certainly believed would have provided up further challenges.

Throughout the build Mick was always on site. Maintaining a clean and safe workplace, something we really appreciated due to ourselves living there and having a young child around. Mick kept us involved and updated throughout the process. We developed a trust and would ask Mick for his opinions and ideas, in the end often just saying ‘Mick, do what you think is best’. Mick provided us with many innovative ideas on how to further improve the end result, an example being the change to using hardwood timber and stainless steel instead of a dividing wall between the kitchen and living area, this opening this area up and creating the feel of extra space. Mick also added a screen to the winter deck to aid privacy. We were often amazed at Micks’ attention to detail and his commitment to ensure everything was spot on.

The build is now nearing completion and we are looking forward to now ‘moving in’ once turf is laid. Our direction has changed and we are now looking to retain both homes with view to gaining capital in the future. The end result has far exceeded our expectations and provided us with a home we would be more than happy to live in longer term, however we are now busily planning our next project at Valla Beach, another dual occupancy this time building two homes concurrently - we wouldn’t even contemplate building with anyone other than Three Sixty Building.

I would be more than happy to provide further reference if needed and happy to open my home for viewing.

K Craw

 

 

Earlier this year we engaged Three Sixty Building to renovate our en-suite and family bathrooms. The work has been completed and so we are now in a position to recommend Michael both professionally and personally to other people contemplating using his services.

Professionally, Michael pays attention to every detail and stayed on top of each changing situation; he ensured his sub-contractors work was up to his standards and took extensive measures to deal with the inevitable dust and mess that comes with renovating. We found his quotes allowed for flexibility in choosing fittings and we also had the added bonus of having been given an accurate completion date.

Personally, Michael was courteous, punctual and very approachable with any concerns we may have had during construction. He was respectful of our home and each day informed us who would be coming and the work they would be carrying out, thus making it easier for us to work around each other.

We wouldn’t hesitate to ask Michael to do any further work we may require and would unreservedly recommend his services.

L Falkiner & S Smith

 

 

My name is H.J. Train. I was a Gold License Builder for 25 years. I had my own building company in which I employed up to 15 sub-contractors at any one time. I had the franchise for Sterland Homes in the areas from Gosford to Tamworth for many years. On that basis I have had 25 years experience to recognize a good tradesman when I see one. 

I have known Mr Mick Fielding for only short time as the proprietor of the Three Sixty Building Company. After seeing the work that Mick did at our neighbour’s home, my wife and I decided that he was the builder to do our renovations at our home which included our Kitchen, En-suite and Front Patio.  During that time I found Mick to be very professional in all aspects of the building industry and at all times kept us very aware of any changes and costs if needed. His oversight of all his sub-contractors and his awareness of their work schedules allowed the work to run smoothly and finish as stated in the contract.   Therefore, all the sub-contractors were helpful and totally professional under Mick’s supervision. To my wife and I Mick was the correct builder to do our renovations, he was reliable and honest and particular about matching colours and mouldings to our existing home. It would be our great pleasure to recommend Mick to any future clients.

J Train

 

 

We retired and moved from Sydney 12 months ago to our new house in the Coffs Harbour district situated in a rainforest over-looking a beautiful valley and distant ranges. We started to look for a builder that would do renovations to our new purchase, which although in a beautiful setting, was a ‘home builder’s’ nightmare that required a complete ‘make-over’. We had no knowledge of the local builders and tradespersons, so we started our search through the telephone book and local journals and requested a number of quotes from what we later learned, were some very reputable companies. Our original brief was to convert a study that adjoined the master bedroom into an en-suite, and to convert an unusable and filthy laundry, without adequate sewerage drainage and no ceiling, into a usable laundry that would include a shower and toilet. If we were happy with the work, we would consider continuing our association with the builder we select.

Generally the response we received ranged from no-shows, the work being too complex therefore too costly, looking at us for solutions, we have to get our own materials and individual contractors, and some never even returned with a quote as promised.
We selected Three Sixty Building, as represented by Mick Fielding, who ticked all the boxes for what we required. He presented a well laid out plan, discussed our needs and requirements, and making suggestions to supplement our ideas. He was open to any required changes, and due to the low standard of the original construction and difficulties encountered, offered solutions to prevent any further long-term damage. He co-ordinated all his sub-contractors with efficiency and professionalism and there was never any doubt in our minds but that we had made the right choice. He and his workers were well presented, punctual, worked hard, were mindful of our surroundings and environment, and cleaning up at the end of each day. Mick’s eye for detail is relayed on to his workers, with the end result being of a very high standard and quality finish of which we are extremely pleased.

Without hesitation, we have continued our association with Three Sixty Building and Mick Fielding, who have recently completed work on a further 2 bedrooms, a master bathroom, study, conservatory, staircase, and roof extensions over the outdoor entertainment area. The workmanship continues to be of a very high standard and we are looking forward to the next stage of our renovations, which will include the kitchen, lounge area, house verandah, house exterior and surrounds.

To date, all the work has been completed smoothly and on schedule and we have no hesitation in recommending Mick Fielding and his company, Three Sixty Building, to anyone who is considering renovations or building a new home. In him, we find a proud tradesman with integrity, with a complete knowledge of his industry and pride in his work. For us, he has taken the stress out of what might have been a nightmarish experience and we are looking forward to a completed home.

D & C Willis-Rowe