A foundation built on steel
Thirty years ago, Garry Lewis had a passion to build a home that would last.
So, in 1992, Garry purchased a Nu-Steel franchise in the Goulburn Valley.
For the first five months, he began his business by working from home.
Thirty years on, that very same business now employs more than a dozen staff members plus regular sub-contractors, and builds modern homes across the region — still with the same steel foundations.
The company has also constructed a reputation for building quality homes.
Now, Garry is stepping away from the company — bit by bit — and leaving it in the capable hands of Lewis Homes manager John Dellar.
Garry began his journey working in the building industry in 1974 as an apprentice carpenter and moved from metropolitan Melbourne to Shepparton in 1981, where he registered as a builder in 1983.
In those years, he was faced with a very real problem — termites were bordering on rampant in the area.
Following the banning of certain pesticides and with a dedication to create homes built with integrity, he found what he was looking for in steel frames and the rest was history.
Across 30 years, Lewis Homes has seen many incredible moments — being a major part of families’ lives as they step foot into their forever home and seeing all their hard work on display. But along with the good came some more difficult moments.
“We face new challenges every day like most industries, but houses are forever changing,” Garry said.
From forthcoming changes given with notice, like the energy rating system lifting a mandatory six stars to seven and other regulation changes, to those unknown — a global pandemic and the rising costs of homes. Each tough day has brought new tactics for the team, a new way to pivot.
Some of the challenges even brought up a familiar feeling for Garry. He said the current difficulties in the trade industry of sourcing materials and supply demands was reminiscent of the late 1990s at the introduction of the GST.
Garry Lewis
He said in that time, people were buying houses left, right and centre.
“What happened there, you just couldn’t get support — we couldn’t get material, we couldn’t get bricklayers and it’s just like what’s happening now, which is just starting to ease off.”
Aside from introduction of the GST, the company also stayed strong throughout the drought in the 2000s.
“Being steel-framed, a lot of farmers would come to us because they deal with termites every day of the week,” Garry said.
“Sixty per cent of our work was out on farms when the drought hit.”
As times were tough for all — farmers especially — the drought caused Lewis Homes to change direction.
With Lewis Homes’ display homes being based on rural lots, the company had to shift toward an in-town demographic.
“We had to change tactics and move to that part of the market,” Garry said.
With the changes came the discussion — does the company cut costs or keep its extensive list of inclusions? Garry said the answer was clear.
“We did talk about it, whether we go back with the volume builders, do we start at a real low inclusion list?
“But we decided to stay and stick at what we do and where we’re at with quality and standards, that’s one thing we haven’t changed.”
Through it all, the team has stuck together and grown over time.
“I don’t mind a challenge but you need those good people around you,” Garry said.
Lewis Homes continues to take pride in its work, supporting local tradespeople and suppliers to build homes to a high standard.
“That’s what we’re all about — building good quality houses and being able to walk around the community with our head up,” Garry said.
“So to me, that’s what it’s all about.
“With the support of our suppliers and sub-contractors, we continue to produce a quality home and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
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Constructing a solid future
John Dellar has been around the Lewis Homes block a time or two.
With 17 years under his belt, he’s just about seen and done it all.
While now working as the company’s manager, John had been in the building industry for “quite some time” before he began with Lewis Homes.
From beginning as a building estimator then going into sales, John proved himself a jack of all trades — even assisting the draftsperson with home designs.
“I really got to learn all the roles within the company — or most of them,” he said.
“But Garry always had some plans to get me into the role that I am in today, that was right from the start.”
Signing contracts with clients, checking over designs, ensuring staff are on target, even heading out onto sites — John said every day at Lewis Homes proves different, though all equally involved.
Managing allows for a multi-faceted approach and with his background in estimating and experience across the board in many disciplines, he still holds a “hands-on approach” at work.
“I guess it’s sort of hard to let go of that a little bit,” he said with a laugh.
“But it’s a great role to have, there’s so much variety.
“I still try to see clients at the end of the jobs; it doesn’t always happen but I do still try and get out there and have that relationship right through.
“It’s always very pleasing — very satisfying on that side of it.”
Most recently dealing with COVID-19 and the effects the pandemic has had on the building industry with material and staff shortages, John said his main goal was keeping everything — and everyone — on target.
He said over the past couple of years, the company has been able to maintain its quality by balancing the starts and not stretching the trade base too much. Build times in most cases have only been pushed out by a month.
As well as managing the team spread across the Lewis Homes
office and display homes at Kialla, John also occasionally sees how things are ticking along on job sites, checking in on familiar faces along the way.
“We’ve got tradies that have been with us as apprentices and are still working for us 20 plus years later, that’s a big part of Lewis Homes.”
As the company celebrates its 30th year, John reflects on his time at Lewis Homes fondly.
He said the experience had been fulfilling, backed by the
Congratulations to Lewis Homes on their 30th Anniversary
From one family business to another, we thank you for your continued support over the years, and wish you well into the future.
support and goodwill of others.
“I guess I’ve been able to achieve what I have done because of the support from the people around me, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it and with Garry believing in me as well, right from the start.
“So that’s pretty rewarding to get to where I have today, and just being involved with clients and having such a good product — and that’s what I really enjoy, I know that we build a good quality home.”
We would like to Congratulate
Garry and his team from Lewis Homes in building homes throughout the Goulburn Valley and surrounding areas over the last 30 years.
Frames you can truss-t
When Garry Lewis moved from Melbourne to the Goulburn Valley in 1981, he never imagined the impact termites would have on his life — specifically in being the catalyst for creating his own business.
Working predominantly in renovations and additions in the region, he recalled taking a wall out of a building only for it to disintegrate before his eyes.
“I was amazed at how much damage termites created,” Garry said.
“In the late ’80s, the chemical Dieldrin was banned for the use of termite control pre- and post-construction.
“This led me to look for alternative construction methods as I wasn’t convinced treated timber would last the years.”
After making the rounds, Garry began constructing a steelframed home in Shepparton it had the exact integrity he had been searching for.
In September of 1992, he acquired the Shepparton Nu-Steel Homes franchise.
“That’s where the journey really began.”
Following the mantra instilled into him as a child, ‘if you do something, you do it right’, for 30 years tried and tested, Lewis Homes has exclusively used steel frames.
Engineered not to twist, shrink, warp or bow, steel frames are made to last but that’s only the start.
The frames are 100 per cent termite-proof, meaning they don’t require additional chemical treatment to prevent the pests.
And in the harsh climate of Victoria, the structures have proven strong, durable and withstanding to all environments and conditions the steel is non-combustible, meaning it won’t burn or contribute to any fire threat in the home.
Garry said the steel frame industry had “come a long way”.
“It has gone from a clunky welded system where design was restricted, to a lightweight system that is versatile and easy to construct,” he said.
Lewis Homes utilises True Core Steel Framing with steel from Bluescope, ensuring the frames are backed by a 50-year Bluescope Steel warranty.
“It’s about giving clients that peace of mind,” Garry said.
Lachlan Baker has been with Lewis Homes for just over two months, and in that time, he’s handed over five sets of keys to owners heading into their dream homes.
At Lewis Homes, worksites are manned by the same subcontracted companies for each construction site, many of which have been consistent relationships for years.
Lachlan recently came from a commercial background, working at expansive sites in metropolitan areas.
He said the transition into a family business had been seamless and a breath of fresh air in being community-minded.
“It’s a very well-run company this one,” he said.
“Because we have all the same trades do our work, it’s a really friendly environment, everyone knows each other and the systems we use.”
Congratulations
Garry and
Lewis Homes
proud to
Lewis Homes
Let hassle
Congratulations to Garry and staff at Lewis Homes on a fantastic 30 years in business.
been a pleasure to provide insurances to your business for the majority of those years.
take the hassle
“It’s about not confusing people, it’s making sure they know what they’re getting with no surprises,” John Dellar says.
Get up close and personal
Finding it hard to envision your dream
With 18 home ranges on offer, the Oxley and Rosewood displays in Seven Creeks Estate at Kialla depict a snapshot of what Lewis Homes provides.
Wandering through the homes, if any queries or questions arise, sales consultant Joe Bovalino or display home host Lauren Oliver will be there to assist.
Stepping foot into the Rosewood, viewers are met with a spacious walkway opening into an open kitchen and living room area.
The display home showcases a family home with four bedrooms, including a study, featuring all standard inclusions.
Lewis Homes manager John Dellar said every design the company brings into its plan range has the option of three different sizes.
“We’re accommodating for everyone, whether it’s a family or just a couple,” John said.
“There’s usually a three-bedroom, a four and and then maybe one with the rumpus.”
Among Lewis Homes’ 18 plans on offer, the company has curated a Ranch Style Range of nine modern homes including the Rosewood providing a look for every aesthetic desire.
display homes to help bring reality to your imagination.
Standing side-by-side in Seven Creeks Estate, the Oxley display home also has four bedrooms with a large family/dining area — a design John said had been very popular.
The home is fitted with upgraded inclusion options which are listed within the display home so those viewing have an upfront vision of what constitutes additional inclusions, among these is a built-in gas fire, Caesarstone benchtops, floor to ceiling tiling, square set plaster finish and 2340mm high internal doors.
“It’s about not confusing people, it’s making sure they know what they’re getting with no surprises,” John said.
“What you see is what you get and that’s a big part of what we’re about, making processes easier.”
John said all houses had been designed not just for looks, but also for living.
Emphasis on storage, space and accessibility are front of mind when creating clients’ dream homes.
The Rosewood home is no exception, especially advantageous for those living in rural areas.
John said the garage and laundry space were purposely positioned close and leading into the pantry/kitchen, rather than at opposite ends of the house as was traditionally done.
“We’re huge on storage,” he said.
“The Rosewood design incorporates a mud room with space to put down school bags, shoes or clothes straight into the wash.
“You’ll see in both the displays, they have walk-in linens with an additional linen to the passage as well.”
The display homes are located at 48 and 50 Cormorant Boulevard, Kialla, open seven days from 1 pm to 4 pm.
to Cavalier Homes on their achievement.
Congratulations to Cavalier Homes on their achievement.
Congratulations to Cavalier Homes on their achievement.
Congratulations to Cavalier Homes on their achievement.
Congratulations to Cavalier Homes on their achievement.
are proud to have supplied the PGH Bricks for this award winning home.
We are proud to have supplied the PGH Bricks for this award winning home.
Congratulations to Lewis Homes on their achievement of 30 years in business. We are proud to be suppliers to your business.
We are proud to have supplied the PGH Bricks for this award winning home.
We are proud to have supplied the PGH Bricks for this award winning home.
We are proud to have supplied the PGH Bricks for this award winning home.
Proudly working with Lewis Homes for 30 years.The Rosewood and the Oxley home designs are available for public viewing. Lewis Homes has two display homes in Kialla.
Displaying a helping hand
In her role as display home host at Lewis Homes, Lauren Oliver is often the first step on a client’s journey to building a new home.
On Sundays and Mondays, Lauren is there to assist whoever she can, wherever she can — helping visitors make the most of the company’s display homes in Seven Creeks Estate in Kialla.
For Lauren, the job is about meeting new people and making connections as they make the first move to building a dream home.
“I’m here for the meet and greet of people,” she said.
The job has many perks, though in the four years she’s been on board, it’s customer
marks one of her favourite
“Seeing people that have come
they’ve
“So it is just about seeing how
Before Lauren
really
Lewis Homes from every angle
Celebrating 30 years is a feat few businesses can claim, but three decades for Lewis Homes is just the beginning. The home building company is family owned and operated, building homes across the Goulburn and Murray region with an emphasis on quality and professionalism.
Taking pride in the product
Joe Bovalino had his work cut out for him when he started at Lewis Homes.
Having previously worked in sales in the travel industry, Joe had little experience when it came to construction.
But this didn’t faze him, because one thing he knew for sure about Lewis Homes was the integrity of their work and products.
“We are a steel frame home company, and people are seeking that, so that was one thing that really stood out to me from the start,” Joe said.
“We take pride in our product, so that makes it easy to sell.”
In 2015, he started as a display home host and three years on, Joe was offered the chance to step into a sales position of course he jumped at the challenge.
“The building industry has been going in leaps and bounds over the past few years,” he said.
Having learnt all there is to know about Lewis Homes, Joe is the go-to sales consultant in answering all inquiries, from colours to construction.
From the beginning of his journey, Joe knew he was stepping into a company that valued community, but he soon realised it didn’t stop with clients.
“We’re not just individuals, we’re a team so we try and work as a team through sales, planning, everything and it’s there you can feel that team spirit.
“It’s been a great experience, I couldn’t ask for a better crew.”
A friendly face at the front desk
Stepping foot into Lewis Homes’ Kialla office, customers have been met with a smiling face coupled with a warm greeting for 11 years.
When it comes to the intricacies of building a home, receptionist and administrator Lynne Sangster is there every step of the way to keep the process running smoothly on the paperwork side of things.
Across more than a decade, she has seen the lay of the land change time and time again.
“Technology has changed [the role] hugely,” she said. Lynne recalled days of maintaining hard copies of everything to now where documents are stored on computers or online.
Though having changed from the medical industry after 30 years to join the field of construction, change isn’t all new — or bad — for Lynne.
“It’s been fantastic for me. It’s totally different to what I used to do so it’s a whole new learning curve for me,” she said.
Lynne Sangster is the smiling face on entry at Lewis Homes.
Though times have changed, one thing has remained — being a part of peoples’ biggest life decisions.
From the starting stages of building a forever home through to the final handover, Lynne said being a part of clients’ journeys had always been a blessing.
“It’s very exciting,” she said.
“It can be nerve-racking for them, but at the end of the build,
they’re really very happy and that’s truly rewarding.
“It’s really lovely to be a part of it all.”
She said the highlight of her role had been continuously learning, from the people she works with, but also those who come into the office each day.
Plus, working with her husband Gordon three days a week across the past three years hasn’t been all bad either.
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with
Homes and
on achieving this milestone.
Thank you for the professional and helpful approach everyone provided when building our new home. You made the experience of building a house very easy and enjoyable, the attention to detail throughout the construction of our house was outstanding.
Keeping the business running behind the scenes, Gordon Sangster covers payroll and accounts payable and receivable at Lewis Homes.
He knows this unseen hard work is what keeps things ticking along in a timely and orderly fashion.
Equally, he values the community sense of being a part of Lewis Homes. And of course, being able to work with his wife receptionist and administrator Lynne.
Keeping the wheels turning
“It’s been a great experience,” Gordon said.
“It’s always good to feel like you belong, I’m one of the newer staff members here and they’re all very welcoming.”
He was brought into the position by Garry Lewis himself after the pair were involved at the same football club; having heard good things about the business, he jumped on board.
And with more than three years at the company, word of mouth was not far off the mark Gordon says he’s looking forward to the years ahead as the company goes from strength to strength.
Congratulations to Lewis Homes on their 30th Year Anniversary and for supporting local tradespeople.
Daniel and Katie Nicholson, Kialla
Support from start to finish
Every day Dwain Vidler goes to work with one goal to provide clients with the homes they envisioned right from the start.
With 15 years in the construction industry taking on many different roles, becoming a building supervisor was the logical next step for Dwain.
He said the position gave him the chance to meet face-to-face with clients each week and keep them updated on the progress of their new home.
And with a world of knowledge up his sleeve, he understands the ins and outs of building a superb home advice he enjoys passing on.
“Some people come through not knowing anything about how it all works,” Dwain said.
“It can be explaining to people the whole process from purchasing a block of land to the end house the works.
“Answering all the questions in between and solving any problems that may arise day-to-day, week-to-week in that process.”
Dwain has been working with clients for 18 months at Lewis Homes to help achieve their vision of a dream home.
A process that is completed all the more smoothly by the team as they strive to work toward the same goal.
“The end-goal is the same for everyone really us, the tradies it’s to make sure the client gets the best house they can possibly get, exactly as they had pictured it.”
“Congratulations
National Tiles and Carpet Call Shepparton would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Garry Lewis and the team at Lewis Homes Shepparton on celebrating 30 years in business.
are proud to have been associated with Lewis Homes for the past 9 years, supplying their tiles, flooring and carpet and wish them all the best for the future.
Caroline, Lee and the team National Tiles and Carpet Call Shepparton.
Road,
Don’t leave anything out
When building a new home, there’s enough to consider without being blindsided by any hidden costs or additions.
That’s why traditionally upgraded inclusions are just part of the package at Lewis Homes — and the list truly goes on.
The team at Lewis Homes pride themselves on providing a seamless service without any added hassle. This means standard inclusions are upfront at the very start — and transparency around the cost of upgrades.
As opposed to volume builders, the company has included an array of everyday inclusions that will make life all the easier, and save on costs in the long-run.
“We’re trying to make space for living,” John said.
As standard, Lewis Homes offers “generous bedroom sizes”, a ceiling height of 2550mm throughout the home with special focus on ensuring a spacious outdoor covered area.
Some of the standard inclusions to each home design include:
2550mm ceiling height.
Quality fittings.
Laundry base cupboard.
Evaporative cooling and ducted gas heating.
Bedroom robes fitted with double shelves.
LED downlights throughout the home.
Triple coat of Haymes paint.
Tiled shower bases.
Recessed tiled shower niches.
Colorbond roofing with foil blanket insulation.
Custom cabinetry with soft-close and pot drawers.
An extensive choice range of bricks.
While some items are design specific, John said the company was flexible in being able to add the inclusions to other ranges.
This includes a double vanity in ensuite bathrooms, a 1200mm wide front door and plain external concrete.
The team at Lewis Homes are also there to assist with any additional upgrades or finishes.
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Well done to Garry, John and staff, what a great milestone you have achieved.
Building quality homes with quality staff and using local trades.
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Estimating the way forward
Bice has stuck around for almost 20 years with a smile on his face and a passion for being a part of a family business.
Nineteen years ago, Peter began with Lewis Homes as a draftsperson at the company’s Wodonga office.
In a natural progression, he rose to an estimating role after two years and has been the company’s right-hand man ever since.
“I love what I do, I love who I work for that’s why I’ve been here for almost 20 years, you wouldn’t be there if they weren’t incredible people,” he said.
“They’re family orientated … they understand because they’ve got kids themselves, young kids, and it’s just not working for that big company.”
Peter works remotely from Wodonga as Lewis Homes’ estimator he’s tasked with configuring prices of materials, the cost of building and ensuring invoices have made their way across.
Working as an energy-rater alongside draftsperson Corey Schulz, the pair ensures each home is built in correlation with the energy rating system and stay up to date with any adjustments in the industry.
Being with the company for almost two decades, Peter’s role has seen a few challenges along the way.
“COVID coming in, building regulations changing, energy ratings changing you’ve always got to stay up to date with all of those, so it’s never a quiet day.”
Planning
finding the perfect home is the goal, draftsperson Corey Schulz
Lewis Homes veteran has been a part of the company for more than 16 years, and aside from the love of the job, it’s the people that keep him coming back day-in and day-out.
a great company
work for and the people
all friends,” Corey said.
makes it good fun coming in to work, so I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
also, I like the job that I do, I really enjoy what I do.”
role involves creating plan drawings to be used in construction and manufacturing new homes, along with incorporating every detail to make a client’s house a home.
with 18 plans under the Lewis Homes scope, keeping up to date with not only modern living but clients’ needs is what the company does best.
Corey Schulz is in the business of planning dream homes.
“We’ve got to sit down and really think about what the trend is and what people are after — we cater to what clients want,” Corey said.
With time comes wisdom, and Corey attempts to share that where he can — especially with those building a home for the first time.
“It’s exciting, you try to give a bit of guidance too because you’ve been doing it for a while.”
That wisdom has evolved across 16 years, as has the company.
Corey has seen how times have changed.
“We’ve had to evolve as time goes on,” he said.
“In the energy rating sides of things, we’ve had to adapt homes to keep up with that technology.
“And I suppose the way people live too, like butler’s pantries have come into a big play, outdoor living areas and things like that.”
In his job, creating custom designs isn’t off the table. He said providing clients with new ideas they may not have thought of was always rewarding.
“It’s good to be able to give a bit of knowledge back and definitely good fun trying to set people up with something they’ll have forever.”
Congratulations We are proud to have been supplying quality Daikin Heating and Cooling products into your homes for over 20 years.
Garry and the Lewis Homes Team on 30 successful years in business.
Our sincere thanks for the design, building, clean-up and handover. We were thrilled with you on our first home, now you have excelled with our second — even the neighbours were happy with the progress!
Rob and Cheryl Miller, Tatura
Brendan, myself and our two children would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who worked so hard to build our dream home.
You went above and beyond what any other company would have done to achieve this for us — we are extremely proud of our new home.
Our friends and family have all commented on what a beautiful place we have.
Every tradesman who worked on our house was polite, friendly and more than happy to answer any questions we had. Quality materials were used throughout and completed to the highest of standards.
We would highly recommend anyone thinking of building a home to use Lewis Homes.
Once again, thank you for building us such a beautiful home, one we love and enjoy living in every day, and will for many, many years to come.
Brendan and Carol Mustica, Cobram
Yarrawonga Painting & Decorating
Congratulations
Giving back to the community
With 30 years of community support, Lewis Homes wanted to give back where the company could.
Having a team of avid community members means the company has dedicated its support to various sporting clubs, volunteer groups and charities across the region and beyond.
“If we can support those people, let’s try, but we don’t just focus on one, we move around,” owner Garry Lewis said.
“It’s just being a part of the community, that’s what it’s all about.”
Hilltop Golf & Country Club in Tatura and Avenel Football Netball Club are among the local organisations Lewis Homes has been contributing to for years.
Avenel Football Netball Club treasurer Donna Rowley said the club was “truly appreciative” for the continued support shown by Lewis Homes.
“The level of sponsorship that Lewis Homes has provided us, we’re significantly grateful for what they’ve put into the club,” Donna said.
“We wouldn’t be where we are now.
“It allows for the general operations of the club, so it goes towards equipment for football and netball — for juniors as well — and maintenance of the facilities and the equipment too.”
Paul Newman has been president at Hilltop Golf & Country Club for seven years.
He said support from Lewis Homes was often received without so much as a tap on the shoulder.
“They’ve been a significant sponsor over that period of time,” he said.
“And then whenever we’ve had special fundraisers, without even prompting them they have come forward and offered extra donations and sponsorship.
“One was a fundraiser for cancer support and another was for the Lismore floods — whenever we’ve had a significant fundraiser, they just put their hand up.”
Paul said for any smaller club, without sponsorship from the greater community, it would prove difficult to “maintain a sustainable business”.
“One thing that I always say to people is that in Tatura, the golf club is the largest physical community asset and to have people like Lewis Homes, they’re always happy to help.”