What is custom home building?

“Peet Limited has partnered with Normus Urban Projects to design and develop high quality medium density terrace and custom home offerings across our Woodville Road and Fort Largs developments.

During a period of unprecedented uncertainty in terms of building costs, Normus’s commitment to providing accurate and honest pricing has been of great benefit to Peet across our developments.  This commitment has been evident throughout our dealings with Normus and has developed into a highly trusting partnership.

The attention to detail and informed estimating from the Normus team has allowed Peet to offer homes to the market at the most affordable price possible as Normus, through their diligent estimating and cost management have been able to remove inflated allowances as seen with other builders. 

The real beneficiary of the great work from the Normus team are the purchasers at Woodville Road and Fort Largs, who during such a competitive and escalating property market are purchasing homes that are priced accurately and honestly.”

Iain McPhillips
Project Director, Peet Limited

“Cornerstone Housing Ltd, a community housing provider, has partnered with Normus Urban Projects. Cornerstone Housing expressed confidence in Normus’ ability to address the challenges posed by an aged, high-maintenance dwelling on a large site, particularly in the context of the housing crisis.

Normus Urban Projects adopted a staged approach, which included developing concept plans, engaging with third parties, creating planning drawings, providing quotes, and submitting development applications. This comprehensive service allowed Cornerstone to maintain control over the project’s progress while freeing up time to invest in other critical initiatives and government funding submissions.

Despite the existing block’s challenges, Normus actively listened to Cornerstone’s needs and proposed a concept for five special disability dwellings on the property. Cornerstone appreciated the successful outcome of this medium-sized build and looks forward to continued collaboration with Normus as a valued partner.”

Paul Klose
Development Manager, Cornerstone Housing

“As a representative of Saint Vincent de Paul Housing Australia (SVDPSHA) , I have had the privilege of working closely with the Normus team during the planning and Development Application stages of our project. 

Normus has consistently demonstrated unwavering determination to seek planning approvals when pushing the boundaries of the planning process, in turn improving the outcome for SVDPSHA and members of our community most in need. 

Their commitment to our project and a strong working partnership has proven to overcome challenges that we have faced, a member of their team is always just a phone call away. 

Normus have shown the ability to be a one-stop-shop for our needs and objectives, we are confident that their professionalism with be instrumental in our journey to building hope through housing for the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Jonathon Armstrong
State Manager, Saint Vincent de Paul Society Housing Australia

“Normus Urban Projects are one of a hand-picked group of SA builders who are on the Sana Living builder panel, for their expertise in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and high-end housing space.

They have a reputation for quality, collaboration and for delivering on agreed time frames and budgets, which has been proven in our dealings with them.

Their high level of communication makes it easy to be across all events that take place during the initial pricing and design finalisation process and once on site this continues with regular site meetings, transparent monthly reports, and regular program updates.

Working with Normus Urban Projects we are confident that our precise requirements in the SDA space is understood and together we will deliver a high-end quality product, that our future residents will be proud to call home.”

Megan Hayward
Development Manager SA, SANA Living

“Selecting the ‘right’ builder for the Montpelier Estate Development was one of,  if not the most important decision. Normus was selected as the builder for the initial eight dwellings not just based on their reputation for quality and service, but on feeling the most comfortable with the Normus team after meeting with them and numerous other builders.

The selection and retention of Normus as the builder for the final stages of the Montpelier Estate, 24 dwellings, was a very simple decision. 

With the successful development of Stage 1, Normus proved the trust we placed in their capabilities, communication, project management, pricing honesty and build quality was well founded. The feedback we received from the market, purchasers and tenants was ‘glowing’.

As a developer we wanted a quality designed and constructed product in the area, creating a new ‘benchmark’ in liveability, with the varied home options. The inclusions, build size and quality could be achieved without exceeding purchaser affordability due to Normus’ competitive pricing and their ability and honesty to honour the pricing in a rapidly changing housing construction market.

Before and during construction ‘we’ were confronted with challenging weather, COVID issues, the demand for trades, rising costs and significant South Australian and Eastern seaboard fires. Any delays, none of which were significant, were always communicated to us and handled efficiently. Due the changing market Normus recommended we change from timber to steel framing; this solution and decision was critical in enabling the project to be completed in a timely manner.

The Montpelier Estate Development proved a very successful project with all stakeholders working well together, resulting in happy owners and tenants. The project sold out before slab pour and all homes valued well above contract price. 

The success of the project and resultant quality end product I believe has meant Normus has met their (and my vision), “to develop and construct exceptional homes and communities where people want to live”.  I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending the Normus team.”

Stephen Townsend
Director, Triumph Developments

“To say that Normus have been great to work with would be an understatement.

The whole team have been fully invested in the project from concept plans to final handover, a true partnership approach. Not only was nothing too hard, the team really wanted to help and had a genuine sense of pride for the outcome. The thoughtfulness for the end user, the value adds and the attention to detail have been noticed and appreciated by all of Junction and our tenants.

Thank you for everything Normus, we look forward to continuing our relationship into the future.”

Brad McKenzie
Senior Development Manager, Junction Australia

“Normus Urban Projects has been working together with Believe Housing Australia on a number of construction projects, including a design and construct project in Mansfield Park.  The project comprises the construction of 16 two-bedroom units in Hampshire Road, Mansfield Park.

Normus Urban Projects worked closely with Believe Housing Australia and its team of consultants to finalise the concept plan for the site, develop the full set of working drawings and achieve Building Rules Consent. Normus Urban Projects was proactive in coming up with cost effective solutions to resolve site constraints (e.g. stormwater and services infrastructure) and provided a number of constructive suggestions to improve the floor plans for the units to suit future tenants who will be aged over 55 years.  The site was successfully completed on the 10/12/2020.  This was slightly later than the original completion date but in a COVID-19 environment Normus was able to manage trades and supplies to ensure successful completion and delivery of the project within budget.

Normus Urban Projects has proven, based on Believe Housing Australia’s experience to date, to be highly professional and proactive with a clear focus on building relationships and working in the best interests of their client.”

Gino Bria
Development Manager, Believe Housing Australia

“Normus Urban Projects were commissioned to provide construction of 8 units in Lightsview for clients who have a disability. Normus have proven experience for disability housing, to work with stakeholders and deliver successful projects in a timely manner. They have consistently considered innovation and environmental sustainability in their approach to developments.

The project was complex as each unit required specific designs and specifications to meet the individual needs of clients. In addition, Normus were asked to work closely with our preferred Assistive Technology provider to deliver an infrastructure backbone.

Normus were very accommodating and approachable throughout, offering solutions to client variations. Their workmanship and quality of construction was of a high standard, providing attention to the detailing and ensuring a robust, visually attractive development was delivered.

The house required bespoke detailing and finishes to accommodate clients who have varying disabilities. At all times, Normus demonstrated their understanding of the facilities future operation to provide a home that would withstand heavy use with a built form enhancing the lifestyle and livelihood of the residents.

The project team enjoyed working with Normus who provided an approachable and professional service throughout, allowing the project to be delivered successfully meeting the specific needs of the individuals and the project requirements.”

Simon Smith
Program Manager – Project Delivery, Renewal SA

“It was a pleasure working with Normus throughout this specialised disability housing project. From contract execution through to handover professionalism on site and from the office was maintained to a high level.

Greg Ensor ensured a detailed understanding of our unique specification early in the project and delivered it precisely in a calm, communicative and professional manner. It was clear Greg had respectful working relationships with his various trades.

Belinda Radbourne administered the contract in a diligent, communicative and professional manner. She responded to queries and variations to the contract with detail and timeliness. This allowed me as the principles representative to make fast informed decisions to keep the project moving and within budget.”

Alistair Trethowan
Project Manager, Property Development, inhousing

“Normus Urban Projects has proven to be an excellent team to work with on Montpelier Estate. The development process for Stage 1 has run as smoothly as possible. Normus was selected as the builder for the development based on their reputation for quality and service, and we definitely haven’t been disappointed.

 Feedback on the first stage has been nothing but “glowing”, and the quality finished homes have assisted in purchaser (and developer) confidence in the next stage of the Estate. Thank you, we look forward to continuing to work together.”

Stephen Townsend
Director, Triumph Developments

“ECH is a leading provider of integrated aged care services and retirement villages in South Australia.  Through its relationship with Normus Urban Projects, ECH has developed new independent living villages to liveable design guidelines gold standard, ensuring its units support independence at home.

Normus has further demonstrated its capabilities by undertaking alteration and addition works to our existing units comprising extensive internal renovations to enhance our range of affordable accommodation.

The relationship with Normus is one of building collaboration, trusted partnership and shared values to not just deliver projects within quality, budget and time parameters, but great homes for older South Australians.”

Dorothy Nycz
Chief Operating Officer, ECH Inc.

“Normus Urban Projects were chosen to design and construct 25 dwellings within Stage 2 of The Square at Woodville West development. From their initial appointment, through the design phase, delivery and completion Normus’s attention to detail was exceptional.

The design involved the construction of a series of different types of homes in a higher density site of 63 dwellings per hectare (net), which in itself provides many challenges and a high level complexity. The planning and implementation during the delivery was well considered and thoroughly executed including the communication of progress and any issues that arouse back to us as a client.

The final product was of a good quality with little concerns post completion, getting it right the first time is always the best outcome. I would highly recommend Normus for any projects of a similar nature.”

Terry Menadue
Senior Project Manager, Renewal SA.