Construction Plus

Construction Plus: Building Legacy, Craft, and Connection in Queensland

In the heart of Queensland’s vibrant construction industry, Construction Plus stands as a rare blend of legacy, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking leadership. What began as a small, family-run operation under the vision of founder Leo Bax has evolved—through respect, adaptability, and an unrelenting commitment to clients—into a bespoke home builder that embodies both tradition and innovation.

Today, Leo’s daughter Leanne Bax carries that legacy forward as the company’s director and licensed builder, shaping not only homes but also the next generation of family leadership in construction.

A Foundation Built on Respect and Family Values

“When my father started the company, everything was about respect—giving it and earning it,” Bax reflects. “That foundation has never changed.”

Those early principles continue to guide Construction Plus today, anchoring a workplace that feels more like a family than a firm. Many of the company’s tradespeople and suppliers have worked with the Bax family for more than three decades—relationships that began when Leanne herself was a child.

“Some of the trades have been with us since 1994,” she shares. “Their fathers worked with my dad, and now their sons are working with me. It’s very much a generational business.”

That continuity—paired with mutual trust and European-style craftsmanship—has allowed Construction Plus to grow organically without losing its human touch. “We’re small, but we build big,” Bax laughs. “Our office has just four people, yet we produce 35 to 40 bespoke homes a year.”

Bespoke from the Ground Up

Unlike high-volume home builders, Construction Plus takes a deeply personal approach to every project. Each build starts with a conversation, not a catalog.

“When a customer comes in, they sit down with me,” Bax explains. “I listen to what they want, how they live, what matters to them. From there, I translate that story into a home design tailored entirely to their lifestyle.”

The process is intimate and iterative—refining the design through back-and-forth collaboration until every detail fits. From initial concept to final handover, clients work directly with the same small team, ensuring consistency, trust, and accountability.

“There’s no tiered system here,” Bax emphasizes. “The people you meet at the beginning are the same ones guiding you all the way through construction. That’s part of what makes the experience so personal.”

Female Leadership in a Traditionally Male Industry

Bax is proud to be both a builder and a business owner in an industry still largely dominated by men. But she’s quick to note that her approach isn’t about proving a point—it’s about precision.

“Customers are often surprised when they realize I’m the builder and the supervisor,” she says. “But they appreciate it. I think women bring a special attention to detail—where some might overlook small things, we tend to focus on them. That makes a big difference to our clients.”

Her style combines direct honesty with genuine care. “I’ll always be upfront with clients. If something doesn’t make sense, I’ll say so. My goal is for them to leave every meeting with full clarity—no gray areas, no surprises.”

That transparency has earned Construction Plus a fiercely loyal client base. “We’ve built three, four, even five homes for some of our repeat clients,” Bax says. “We don’t advertise—everything we do is word of mouth.”

Navigating Industry Challenges with Strategy and Grace

Like every builder, Construction Plus faced its share of challenges during and after COVID-19—from supply chain disruptions to fluctuating costs and new building code changes.

“In the last year and a half, we’ve gone through four NCC code updates,” Bax notes. “That’s a lot of adjustment for both builders and clients.”

Add to that ongoing land shortages and delays in concrete supply—fueled by Queensland’s construction boom and weather disruptions—and the logistical hurdles are significant. But the company’s proactive planning has kept projects moving.

“We manage time obsessively,” Bax explains. “We book multiple concrete slots for each slab, so if one gets rained out, we have backup dates ready. It’s about thinking ahead, programming everything right.”

Even amid these challenges, Construction Plus continues to thrive by focusing on quality over quantity. “We’re not trying to be the biggest,” she says. “We just want to be the best at what we do—and make sure every client feels like they’re our only one.”

Design Trends and Timeless Touches

Today’s homeowners are increasingly driven by both functionality and style—and Construction Plus delivers both in spades.

“Designs are always evolving,” Bax says. “The must-haves now are things like butler’s pantries, large open showers, and clever storage. Storage is huge—people always need space for the Christmas tree or the suitcases.”

She approaches each design from a lived-in perspective. “I picture myself in the home, asking: where would I put things? What would make daily life easier? That’s how we make every design both beautiful and functional.”

While some trends come and go—like media rooms giving way to flexible family lounges—the company’s emphasis on practical luxury remains constant. “We design rooms that will fit a queen bed, even for children, so the house grows with the family,” Bax notes. “It’s about longevity.”

Future Focus: Passing the Hammer to the Next Generation

For Construction Plus, the future is as much about family as it is about expansion. Bax’s husband, a head carpenter and supervisor, plays an integral role in daily operations, and now their two sons are stepping into the business as well.

“My eldest is a third-year carpentry apprentice working with his dad,” Leanne says proudly. “And my youngest, who’s still in school, spends two days a week in the office learning the ropes. He loves computers and will probably take on my role one day.”

That continuation mirrors the company’s own multigenerational DNA. “My dad always said he didn’t need sons because girls can do anything boys can—better,” Bax smiles. “Now, I’m passing that same belief to my boys. They’re learning that this business is about respect, hard work, and doing things right.”

As the company looks ahead, Bax plans to balance custom client builds with more in-house development projects, particularly dual occupancies and townhouses, which reflect changing land availability and housing needs.

“Land is getting tighter and more expensive,” she says. “So the future is in smarter design—smaller footprints, dual occupancies, and maximizing space. We’re already doing a lot of that.”

Recognition Without the Spotlight

Despite its impressive track record, Construction Plus has never relied on advertising or award submissions. “We’ve never entered a competition or done paid promotion,” Bax says. “We don’t need recognition for doing what we love.”

Yet recognition still finds them. Their builds have been featured in James Hardie and Weathertex publications, showcasing the company’s impeccable use of materials and design. Their architect has also won multiple awards for townhouse projects completed with Construction Plus—proof that excellence naturally draws attention.

Still, for Bax, the most meaningful recognition comes from the clients themselves. “When a client says, ‘You built exactly what I imagined,’ that’s the best award you can get.”

A Lasting Impression

From the outside, Construction Plus is a bespoke builder. But at its core, it’s a story of family, respect, and evolution—of a daughter carrying forward her father’s principles while paving her own path in the industry.

Every home tells a story, and so does every relationship the company builds. As bax puts it, “I always want to be the first person to see the customer, and the last person to see them when we hand over the keys. That’s what makes it personal. That’s what makes it Construction Plus.”

AT A GLANCE:

Name: Construction Plus

What: A well-know and respected home builder specializing in custom builds and creative designs

Where:Brisbane, Australia

Website: http://www.constructionplus.com.au

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