Our Feature Business of the Month is Riverstone Custom Homes. We spoke with Director, Tim Marshall, about Riverstone and the differences that set this family business apart.

Q. How long has Riverstone Custom Homes been operating? 
Tim: We have been in business since 1995. The company was started by Paul Marshall (my father) and Mark Stratfold who shared a passion for building high-end custom residential homes. This is still the core part of our business and something we are still very passionate about today.

Q. Why did you choose the home building industry?
Tim: I started working in the business part time while attending university and I found I enjoyed building more than what I was studying. I switched courses to do my Diploma in building and my pathway was set. Working in the family business was something I valued.

Q. What type of home build do you specialise in? What are you known for? 
Tim: In the early years we were known for limestone homes. This was beneficial early on as it was unique and got us noticed. However, it limited us in the market, so we made a conscious effort to expand our portfolio. Now we are known for a variety of styles but all high quality custom homes.

Q. Who is your typical customer?
Tim: Someone who wants a custom designed home rather than an ‘off the shelf product’. They appreciate quality both in materials and workmanship, and have an appreciation for good interior architecture.

Q. How many days a week do you work in a typical week?
Tim: We try to keep work Monday to Friday but work hard during the working week so we can have our weekends free. However, 10-12 hour days are not uncommon. We appreciate our weekends and family time. If work is needed to be done on the weekend, we know our team will pitch in and we value this greatly.

Q. What has been your favourite build so far and why? 
Tim: Very hard to narrow down over a long period of time! But our current display home in Cottesloe was a great project to work on. We partnered with an investor who gave us complete control over the design and finishes.
 [You can see the ‘Lennox Beach‘ here and pictured at the end of this article.]

Q. How long have you been a client of Versatile?
Tim: Our relationship, I believe, is over 10 years. We have valued the service we have received from Versatile, initially from Zarko who was one the best operators we have ever worked with, and now with the next generation who are carrying on his great work.

Q. What top 5 Versatile products will we always see on your orders?
Tim: Not specific products but all our brick hardware, fixing hardware, doors, mouldings and shelving.

Q. You’ve been a wonderful loyal customer to Versatile. What makes you return time and time again?
Tim: Hands down the service and relationship our team has with Versatile. Both businesses have a mutual understanding on how each other works and it is a good match.

Q. Where do you hope to be in 10 years’ time?
Tim: Continuing to build high quality homes! We have never strayed too far from our core business and it has served us well. We hope to be afforded the opportunity to continue to do this.

Q. Do you have any advice for the new builders just starting out?
Tim: Be passionate with what you do and understand all that is required of you as a builder. It is a lot of responsibility to take on and I am not sure everyone starting out appreciates this (I know I didn’t). Grow gradually – ideally take on 1 or 2 jobs to work out if they are profitable, and adjust to suit as you go on. And have a good system for tracking costs.

Words of wisdom from Tim indeed! Thank you for being our June Feature Business of the Month, Tim. See more of Riverstone via the website www.riverstone.com.au

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