Hibbard Homes

Building a Lasting Legacy

Constructing tailor-made solutions that feel like home

Hibbard Homes, a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the Australian construction industry, has a rich history that dates back to the post-World War II era. Michael Hibbard, the General Manager of Hibbard Homes, shares an insightful journey of how the company has evolved over decades, rooted deeply in family values and a dedication to superior craftsmanship.

Hibbard’s grandfather, Malcolm Sydney Hibbard, founded the company after the Second World War. Initially inclined towards carpentry, Malcolm had to adapt to the predominant bricklaying industry of the time. Despite his initial reluctance, this shift allowed him to lay the groundwork for a legacy.

“The majority of homes back then were built by bricklayers. Carpenters only did about 25% of the house, mainly the flooring, roof and doors,” Hibbard explains. Malcolm officially became a builder in the 1950s, focusing on the Campbelltown region of Sydney before expanding to Dubbo and Narromine in New South Wales.

Malcolm was not just a builder but also a Pentecostal Christian preacher. His dual roles as a minister and a builder led him to construct several churches, blending his faith with his craft. In 1966, at 14, Hibbard’s father, Bruce Hibbard, joined the business, carrying on the family tradition and becoming a licensed builder in 1976.

Evolution and expansion

The 1980s marked a significant turning point as Malcolm passed the baton to his son, who broadened the company’s horizons to Port Macquarie and Tamworth. The 1990s witnessed Hibbard and his twin brother, Jon Hibbard, joining the business and completing four-year apprenticeships in carpentry and joinery. This era also saw an industry shift from brick to timber frameworks, with brickwork transitioning from a structural necessity to more of an aesthetic feature, showcasing the company’s adaptability and progress.

“It was our grandfather’s vision for his grandsons to carry on the legacy,” Hibbard reflects. After their apprenticeships, the brothers swiftly transitioned into project management roles, assuming leadership positions and overseeing numerous constructions. Their expertise and dedication have been key in the company’s expansion into 13 regional towns, including Ballina, Grafton, Armidale, Tamworth, Dubbo, Mudgee, Orange, Parks, Forbes, Port Macquarie, Taree, and Wauchope, making a significant and lasting impact on these communities.

A proactive builder

Hibbard Homes prides itself on being a proactive builder, a philosophy that has driven its success and set it apart in the competitive construction industry. Traditionally, the company purchased and developed land, constructing homes without specific client orders. They built entire estates with designs tailored to maximize the potential of each block of land. The forward-thinking approach ensures that every home is aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior, carefully considering factors like private open space, sunlight exposure, and drainage.

“We make sure every house we build is perfect for its actual block of land,” Hibbard emphasizes. The meticulous planning involves an acquisitions manager who identifies and assesses potential plots of land. They ensure that each site has enough private open space, a good-sized backyard, and bedrooms positioned to receive optimal sunlight. The attention to detail enhances the living experience for homeowners and makes each property more appealing and valuable.

Ready-to-move-in homes

Unlike many builders who leave certain finishing touches for the homeowners, Hibbard Homes provides fully completed packages. “Our homes are fully finished with driveways, fencing, landscaping, and even the TV antenna. They are move-in ready,” Hibbard proudly states. The comprehensive approach means that new homeowners can immediately settle into their new homes without the hassle of additional installations or improvements. Each house has carpets, blinds, and a clothesline, ensuring nothing is left to chance.

Steady production line

The company maintains an impressive production line, with 90 homes under construction at any time. The relentless pace is supported by strong relationships with trades and suppliers. “We treat tradesmen as our employees, ensuring they always have work, which has been one of our most successful actions,” Hibbard notes. The strategy fosters loyalty and ensures a consistent workforce that is familiar with the high standards of Hibbard Homes. By keeping tradesmen continuously employed, the company can maintain a steady production rate, which is crucial for meeting their ambitious building goals.

Adapting to market needs

In recent years, Hibbard Homes has adapted to changing market dynamics by offering custom-built homes in addition to its speculative builds. The new approach allows clients to bring their land and designs, which Hibbard Homes customizes to meet their needs. Hibbard describes the shift as follows: “We’ve opened up where people can come with their plans or conceptual designs, and we build those homes. This means we are now selling and building rather than just building and selling.”

Its in-house design team enhances this service by providing personalized modifications, ensuring every home perfectly suits its environment and the client’s needs. The flexibility and client-centric approach have positioned Hibbard Homes as a speculative and custom home-building leader.

Strong supplier relationships

A key component of Hibbard Homes’ proactive approach is its strong relationships with suppliers. The company uses only recognizable, high-quality products from major suppliers like Mitre 10, Wattyl Paints, and Knauf Plasterboard. “Everything that goes into our homes is from big, reputable suppliers,” Hibbard emphasizes. The commitment to quality ensures that Hibbard Homes can stand behind its work and offer reliable, long-lasting homes.

Design and quality

“With a strong emphasis on design and quality, Hibbard Homes constantly evolves to meet the changing needs of their clients. ‘We are always getting feedback from our clients and looking at new trends,’ Hibbard shares. For example, the company has incorporated features like butler’s pantries and dedicated study areas in response to client demand and the increasing prevalence of remote work.

The design team works closely with clients to ensure each home is tailored to their needs and preferences. “We can even look at a client’s plan and suggest improvements, like ensuring a nursery gets enough sunlight,” Hibbard explains. The level of customization and attention to detail ensures that every Hibbard home is beautiful and highly functional.

COVID-19 production delays

The construction industry faces numerous challenges, from fluctuating material costs to regulatory hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues, causing delays and increasing costs due to restricted trade availability. However, Hibbard Homes navigated these turbulent times by leveraging their strong supplier relationships and internal efficiencies.

One significant challenge is the time it takes to get council approvals. Hibbard highlights the importance of over-preparing to expedite the process: “We provide more than they expect before we submit our administration work. It’s all about making the approval process smoother.”

24-hour service maintenance team

Looking ahead, Hibbard Homes aims to integrate real estate services into its operations, allowing it to manage and sell the homes it builds, creating a seamless experience for its clients. “We want to sell the house we’ve built for our clients ten times over to the next one, to the next one, to the next one,” Hibbard passionately shares.

The ambitious plan includes setting up real estate offices in key regions and providing property management services for investors. By doing so, Hibbard Homes can offer a comprehensive package, from construction to ongoing maintenance and resale.

One of Hibbard Homes’ standout features is its internal service maintenance team, a rare offering in the building industry. “No builder has an internal service maintenance team. We have hired men and women who are on call 24 hours a day for general house maintenance and emergencies,” Hibbard explains. The service ensures that any issues, from broken tiles to malfunctioning garage doors, are promptly addressed, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

Legacy and future

“Our dream is to provide the best experience for our clients, from building their homes to maintaining them,” Hibbard shares. The commitment is evident in their unique service offerings and dedication to quality and reliability.

Under Hibbard’s leadership, Hibbard Homes continues to uphold the values and craftsmanship established by his grandfather. The proactive approach, commitment to quality, and client-centric services have cemented their reputation as a trusted builder in New South Wales.

“We are passionate about the family business and know what is best for this company to grow. Ultimately, it’s all about providing the best experience for our clients.”

AT A GLANCE

Hibbard Homes

What: A well-established builder in New South Wales, Australia, specializing in custom and speculative homes.

Where: New South Wales, Australia

Website: https://hibbardhomes.com.au/

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