ENSO Homes founder Lee Selkrig learnt some of his most important lessons while building his previous family home – a 35sq dwelling in Sandhurst.
“We went to many display home villages but found they were all the same,” the 30-year-old father of two says.
“When we moved in and had the chance to reflect on the build process and how we were using space, I realised how much money we had wasted in hallway space.”
So now Lee is all about reducing hallways and maximising private open space, to get the best value for money.
“It’s definitely more value because you’re not spending it on spaces that you’re underutilising.”
Lee founded Enso Homes 18 months ago to build properties with unique facades and floor plans, and “seamless” transitions from indoor to outdoor areas.
“Everyone wants to watch their kids play outside while they’re inside in the living areas,” he says.
“It’s just a bit alternative to what everyone’s used to – we have a high focus on including atriums that bring light into areas that don’t usually attract natural light.
Enso Homes has tailor-made it’s expansive Home Collection to suit the Surf Coast and new estates in Armstrong Creek and on the Bellarine, Lee says.
And Lee lives what he sells – he moved to Armstrong Creek with his wife and two girls when they set up his business.
“We’re right in amongst it,” he says. “We love it here. The park’s close and there’s a new school coming.”
Enso Homes also specialises in homes for downsizers and young professionals who are “house proud”.
“Our goal is to offer a small product with street appeal,” Lee says.
Enso Homes build zone is from Werribee to Torquay and everything in between including the Bellarine Peninsula. Lee feels privileged to be part of Geelong’s “construction boom”.
“The company’s grown quickly,” he says. “I had a feeling it would, but it’s definitely caught on a lot faster than what I thought.“
The recent doubling of the first home-owners grant and new estates “popping up” all over Geelong had Lee excited about the future.
“I think (commerce) is quite healthy down here at the moment. I’m not a long-time resident, but I can feel it changing. Geelong is not as industrial as it once was.”
Enso Homes is Lee’s first foray as a builder and the business has grown to employ 10 people.
“If I was 80 and I (hadn’t had) a crack, I think I’d look back with regret,” he says.
Enso Homes hires local subcontractors as much as possible.
“Businesses are much more accountable down here – everyone’s more thankful for the business they’ve been given.”
He prides himself on being “more attentive” to his clients than some larger builders.
“They mean a bit more to us because our business is younger – they’re not just a number.”
For more insight on lessons from Lee’s building experience head to www.ensohomes.com.au/free-report to download your free copy of ’The 8 Hidden Costs You Must Know Before Building A Home’.
