Built to Last: The Value of Loyalty, Leadership, and Precision

One of Sydney’s most trusted builders setting the bar high for residential construction

Since its founding in the early 1990s, Burmah Constructions has quietly become one of Sydney’s most trusted builders for high-end residential construction. Originally conceived as an offshoot of the Burmah Pastoral Company, Burmah Constructions was established by Chris Griffin’s father, who returned to Sydney from working with Leighton Contractors to begin a new chapter in property development. What started with small-scale residential builds has evolved into a reliable, consistent, and respected operation with a reputation for excellence, transparency, and long-standing partnerships.

Chris Griffin, now Director of Burmah Constructions, joined the company in 2000 and has overseen its steady growth and transformation. “I started as a foreman on our projects, and over time, moved into tendering and securing new clients,” Chris says. “From there, the business continued to grow, and we are where we are today.”

Today, Burmah Constructions is a tightly run operation, with Chris handling project management, estimating, and client negotiation. He is supported by a small, dedicated team, including a remote office manager handling accounting and invoicing. The workforce comprises around 15 on-site staff, including carpenters, apprentices, and labourers, who form the backbone of the operation. The company typically manages four to five large-scale projects at any given time, ranging in value from $1 million to $5 million.

Loyalty and longevity

One of the defining features of Burmah Constructions is its culture of stability and remarkably low staff turnover—a rare quality in today’s construction landscape. Chris explains, “Generally, all my staff have been with me for a long time now. Once I have good people on board, they tend to stay. That kind of consistency brings a lot of reliability for clients and architects.” This continuity fosters a strong internal culture where team members know their roles, understand the company’s expectations, and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes. It also provides peace of mind for clients, who can count on working with a team that is both experienced and cohesive.

This sense of trust and consistency extends to the construction sites themselves. With a core team of foremen and tradespeople who are well-acquainted with the company’s standards, Chris can delegate significant responsibility to his staff. “I know we’ll get good results with them,” he says. “Architects like to see that level of consistency; it creates a sense of security.” Rather than overseeing every detail, Chris empowers his team to take ownership of their projects, streamlining operations and allowing the company to scale its efforts without sacrificing quality. The result is a more agile, responsive operation that remains committed to excellence at every level.

Technology and tools in practice

While Burmah Constructions is rooted in tradition, it embraces technology where it counts. The company uses MYOB for accounting, Qubit Off-Sider for estimating, and Microsoft Project for scheduling. “Qubit allows me to perform detailed takeoffs and maintain consistent and comprehensive tenders,” Chris explains.

On-site, all carpenters are equipped with iPads, enabling efficient communication between team members, clients, and architects. This real-time data sharing ensures that changes and updates are relayed instantly. Chris adds, “We also rely on architect-specified materials, which often introduce new technologies that we implement with our subcontractors as efficiently as possible.”

Projects in motion

Current capital is primarily allocated to active project turnover, reflecting Burmah Constructions’ focus on delivering hands-on, high-quality results across all ongoing developments. Chris outlines several significant projects currently in motion, each showcasing the company’s craftsmanship and versatility. In Paddington, Burmah is handling three intricate heritage terrace refurbishments. These homes, steeped in historical charm, require careful attention to detail, retaining their original architectural integrity while incorporating modern rear extensions. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, with ornate internal features restored to their former glory and contemporary living spaces added to meet today’s standards.

Another standout project is underway in Tamarama, where the team is refurbishing a substantial four-storey concrete and brick residence. This complex job demands not only structural precision but also aesthetic sensitivity, as the goal is to enhance the building’s durability while elevating its visual appeal. The project’s extended duration—already stretching into its second year—underscores the meticulous nature of the work involved.

Meanwhile, in Lane Cove, Burmah is tackling one of its most technically demanding undertakings to date. The property, nestled beside dense bushland, is subject to the highest possible bushfire rating, requiring flame-zone compliant construction methods. The team has integrated cutting-edge materials and implemented fire-safe design strategies to meet stringent regulatory requirements without compromising on comfort or style. This project highlights Burmah’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of environmental challenges.

“We’re also continuously tendering for new work,” Chris notes. This ongoing bidding process ensures a steady pipeline of new opportunities while reinforcing the company’s commitment to choosing projects based on alignment with its values of craftsmanship and reliability, rather than simply chasing volume.

Health, safety, and sustainability

While Burmah doesn’t use specialized software for health and safety, compliance is taken seriously. “We maintain up-to-date safe work method statements and insurance. We utilize the latest Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work with clients in the industrial sector who are particularly safety-conscious,” Chris says.

Environmentally, the company follows responsible waste management practices and aims to implement passive design principles where possible. “In Kangaroo Valley, for instance, we worked on a home with significant insulation requirements, designed to reduce dependence on air conditioning by optimizing solar gain and ventilation,” Chris explains.

Burmah uses licensed waste removal companies that separate and recycle materials. The team also organizes skip bins by material type (e.g., brick, concrete) to streamline the recycling process. “It’s about efficiency and responsibility,” says Chris.

Word of mouth marketing

Chris credits referrals and long-term relationships with architects as the primary engine driving new business for Burmah Constructions. “We have a website, Instagram, and Facebook to showcase our projects,” he says. “But the majority of our work comes through word of mouth. Clients are happy to refer us, and architects consistently refer new work to us.” This strong referral network speaks volumes about the company’s reliability and the high standards it consistently delivers. 

Many clients, impressed by their experience, are eager to recommend Burmah to friends, family, and associates undertaking residential projects. Likewise, architects who value seamless collaboration and quality workmanship often return to Chris and his team, creating a continuous cycle of trusted professional relationships.

While digital platforms have become a standard tool for most modern businesses, Burmah uses them more as a visual portfolio than a method of lead generation. “It helps potential clients see what we’ve done once they already know about us, but cold inquiries are rare,” Chris explains. The company’s presence on Instagram and Facebook, alongside a detailed website, serves to reassure clients who are already in conversation or have received a recommendation. These platforms provide transparency and build further trust by showcasing completed projects and in-progress site updates. However, Chris remains clear that the true heart of Burmah’s growth lies in the solid, longstanding relationships that have been built over decades.

Reliable partnerships and suppliers

Burmah Constructions thrives on long-standing supplier relationships. “We’ve built up a reliable supply of materials and subcontractors,” Chris shares. “It creates a solid and predictable workflow.”

Noteworthy partners include BK Kitchens, their preferred joinery company for over 15 years. “They do outstanding work and communicate directly with clients, taking pressure off me as the middleman,” Chris explains. Windoor and Central Coast Shopfronts are trusted window suppliers known for recommending thermal and acoustic glazing tailored to each project. Hun Floors has consistently provided timber flooring solutions that address complex site issues such as moisture or uneven subfloors. Other key collaborators include Greg McGraw Plumbing, Centennial Sparks Electrical, and a network of tradespeople who provide expert, real-time advice during projects.

Chris emphasizes the importance of trusted subs: “Chasing the lowest price on every job can be a headache. You might get someone great or someone who causes problems. With our guys, we know what we’re getting.”

Collaboration over competition

Although Burmah Constructions doesn’t engage in formal joint ventures, Chris maintains a collegial rapport with other builders. “I refer projects I can’t take to builders I trust,” he says. “There’s plenty of work to go around, and it’s good to share.”

He also welcomes post-tender feedback from architects and other builders to understand pricing and expectations better. “It helps keep us in the ballpark.”

Burmah has also stepped in to rescue projects abandoned by other builders. “We’ve taken over a few jobs where builders went bankrupt or were dismissed. We’ve been able to turn them around and deliver a quality outcome,” Chris explains.

A future focused on stability

Looking forward, Chris doesn’t anticipate dramatic changes in company size or structure. “If I wanted to get bigger, I’d have to bring in more office staff. I’m not sure I want to go down that road right now.”

Instead, the company plans to maintain its steady, high-quality operations. “I’m happy with four to five decent-sized projects on the go. I give my foremen incentive-based bonuses to handle more site admin and keep things efficient.”

As for long-term planning, Chris adds, “In 10 years or so, I’ll be looking at succession planning, but for now, it’s business as usual. We’re steady, reliable, and proud of what we build.”

At a Glance

Who: Burmah Constructions

What: A high-end residential building company known for its consistent craftsmanship, low staff turnover, and strong relationships with clients, architects, and long-term subcontractors.

Where: Sydney, Australia

Website: www.burmahconstructions.com.au

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