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I had been putting off having work done on our home for years due to all the horror stories you hear but a friend referred this company to me. I am absolutely delighted and relieved to say that from the beginning and all the way through the process, they have been so professional and helpful. The finished product is better than I ever expected!
Justin and his team are open and honest, easy to work with and take all the stress out of the process.
Louise
We first contacted Terry when we were about to purchase a Queenslander and needed to understand the extent of the renovation we were about to take on. We’d renovated before, however we had never lived in or renovated a Queenslander.
From the first phone call, Terry’s advice, expertise and guidance stood out from the other builders we contacted. He didn’t rush us off the phone, he told us what we needed to think about and he offered to come around and have a look at the property. We immediately felt that we were dealing with someone we could trust.
Whilst other builders gave us a ‘ball park’ number on how much they thought our renovation would cost, Terry provided a comprehensive breakdown of costs and took the time to understand the quality of finish we were looking for, so his pricing was accurate and transparent.
Justin oversaw the 12 month project and we met on site every week to discuss what had been completed in the previous week and what would be completed in the coming week. Communication was excellent throughout and because of the weekly catch-ups, we had the opportunity to make changes and discuss options along the way. Justin always provided great advice and ensured we could make informed decisions when we needed to.
Every person who came on site during the 12 months was amazing. What really stood out for us was the pride everyone took in their work, the quality of work and attention to detail. The team were really focused on ensuring everything was completed in keeping with the style of the property. We often sit back and look at the carpentry over a glass of wine and marvel at how great the team was. Thanks Dante, your work in our main living area is awesome!
Because of the time, care and attention taken in understanding what we wanted to achieve when putting our quote together, our project was completed on time and on budget. Are we happy with our renovation? We couldn’t be happier, it’s exceeded our expectations.
Friends and neighbours have asked if it was a nightmare having such a large renovation. I always say that I enjoyed every single minute of it, and it was all because of the builders we chose. We never had to worry what we’d come home to, that decisions would be made without us, or that an unexpected cost would be presented to us. I can’t recommend Terry, Justin and their team highly enough, they are the best at what they do. Thank you for our beautiful home, it was worth every dollar we spent!
Julie & Rob
The 2018 renovation of our 1930s Queenslander began many months prior to the commencement of the extensive works. We have renovated properties previously and were well aware of the importance of the right team to achieve the best outcomes.
We met with Terry on many occasions prior to engaging T& J Bowden Constructions to undertake our renovation. Terry’s knowledge and commitment to quality and workmanship is what impressed us most. We were able to visit and see many of his sites in differing stages of construction that highlighted not only the quality of building works but the co-ordinated trade’s team with whom he works closely.
Each step from design, construction and completion was directly overseen by Terry and Justin. I spoke with both Terry and Justin on a daily basis, often more, both onsite and off. They answered our questions honestly and helped us with decision making as required during the project. All team members from design to completion treated us with respect and were committed to achieving the highest outcome to build our dream Queenslander. We are delighted with our renovation and thank Terry, Justin and all his team for their hard work and genuine desire to build a quality home.
Louise & Bruce G, Holland Park.
As first time renovators, we were quite apprehensive about undertaking a large old Queenslander renovation. Terry took us under his wing, put us at ease and helped us through every stage of the project – from the initial quotes, to dealing with contractors, to all the finishing touches.
Terry and his son Justin always made themselves available to us and answered all of our questions, no matter how small or ridiculous. There was not one instance where one of them did not answer our phone call.
Their experience with projects like ours was invaluable and they always had a solution ready. Our house has been completely transformed into a large family home, with the new section blending seamlessly with the old. The character of the original house has been retained and we now have the home we always wanted.
Ben and Renee C, Norman Park
We are delighted to provide this reference for Terry and Justin Bowden for the renovation work they are currently conducting on our property at Woolloongabba. Given our lack of knowledge of the building trade, one of our greatest fears was becoming another “horror” renovation story.
Thanks to Terry and Justin, our renovation experience has been the opposite. They have demonstrated an outstanding blend of professionalism, customer service and building practicality. Terry is (seemingly) always contactable – we are not sure when he sleeps. As Terry will no doubt tell you, there is an element of the unknown with any renovation. We are involved in the major decisions on the project and Terry takes particular care to explain any issues as they evolve and to recommend the best solutions.
Thus far, every recommendation we have followed has proven to be the right one. Importantly, he is also willing to listen to what we want and has been quite amenable to following our wishes when we have an aspect of the project that we want done in a particular way. Terry has provided us a reasonable period of time to consider changes and, to date, no significant budget overrun. In short, we entered the project with trepidation. We needn’t have. Terry communicates well, keeps us informed and generally works with us to provide an outcome that is sensible and practical.
Ruth S & Gavin N, Woolloongabba
It’s been almost two years since we began our renovation together and we couldn’t be happier in our house. Our experience with you, Justin, Brad and all the other great lads who worked on our place for the majority of 2015 was a positive one. As with any renovation, Dominic and myself, along with our 3 children had to visit the site often and found that all of the Bowden Construction boys were always respectful, helpful and polite no matter what our questions or concerns were.
The general level of professionalism on display in our presence was always high and nothing was too much trouble, even explaining what was going to happen next to one member of the family several times when he couldn’t quite ‘see it’…. Thank you Brad!
Our house turned out exactly as we had imagined and we are grateful for your hard work and approachability through the (sometimes stressful) process. Renovating is never something that should be taken on lightly, there are many decisions to make, unforeseen obstacles when floors or walls are removed and general disruptions to the process, but we felt comfortable and encouraged by your guidance and advice when we had to change the plan or reconsider an aspect of the design when problems arose.
Since the completion of our home in early 2016 we have continued to call on Bowden Constructions for additional work and alterations and to our great delight the experience has continued to be a positive one.
We look forward to working with you again in the future and wish you and your crew all the very best going forward.
Dominic and Fiona H, Bardon
We had a vision for our new home but like many these days we were unsure whether to renovate or demolish and build. We commenced the long process of researching value for money and cost effectiveness. This involved talking to a number of builders, most of whom simply advocated demolishing and rebuilding as the cheapest option. We explored the rebuild option and found that our house would have to be demolished at our cost as it would be impossible to remove it and sell as a relocated home. We had plans drawn and costed and considered the overall cost prohibitive. We then explored the renovation option. Luckily we found Terry and Justin Bowden of T & J Bowden Constructions. They had an excellent reputation as being reliable, trusted and respected while combining quality and affordability. We certainly were not disappointed. They weren’t interested in pushing their own agenda but genuinely wanted to help us bring our vision to life while being conscious of our budget. Unlike other builders, Terry gave us a very clear informed comparison of what was involved with either renovating or building new and what the final outcomes would look like. We then had confidence to prepare new plans for a major lift and extension. The renovation option far outweighed the new build. It allowed us to keep the integrity and character of our original home while removing all the asbestos and gaining all the features of a modern home. A pleasant surprise was that we achieved all this with a $100,000.00 saving compared with the new build option.
You hear many bad experiences people have had with builders but all these concerns vanished as we started our renovation journey with Terry, Justin and the rest of the crew.
We felt that we were dealing with friends where we worked together to solve problems and make our home the best it could be. The challenges associated with our block, especially drainage, proved to be easily solved with the help and knowledge of the team. They listened to our concerns and any changes that we needed to make along the way were considered and they worked with us to achieve them. All representatives of T & J Bowden Constructions including a solid team of sub-contractors, e.g. air conditioning, tilers, electricians, were courteous, professional and always helpful
The follow up after building completion was amazing. Unlike some builders who attempt to avoid their clients once building is complete, Terry and Justin made sure anything needing rectifying was done without fuss. It was a pleasure to work with such easy going good builders that took on each task professionally and made us felt we were being heard at every stage of the project.
The quality of our home actually exceeded our expectations. Neighbours and visitors are amazed that it is a renovation as it looks just like a new build. The new and old are seamless. There is not a single aspect of our home we would change.
One final comment. Are we glad we renovated rather than new build? Most definitely. Would we use Terry and Justin again? Most definitely. Would we recommend Terry and Justin to family and friends? Most definitely. Terry and Justin, thank you for our beautiful new home.
Chris & Gayle T, Bardon
Terry and his team recently completed renovations on our 1930s Queenslander in Annerley. They restructured the kitchen and built a large deck out the back. All the work was completed to a beautiful quality finish.
When we were getting the initial quotes, we were amazed at how many builders just didn’t seem to care, either not returning calls or being totally offhand about the job. Terry immediately made the opposite impression. He was interested in the job, talking knowledgeably about building styles and some options. Terry suggested we go over to his place, which was pretty similar, and have a look at what we could do with the same sort of space. This sort of family vibe set the scene for the entire job.
Terry, Justin and the team were always understanding of the impact of the work on the family and tried to minimise it without ever losing the quality approach. In fact, the whole job was done to a great quality standard, with value added all over the place with nice finishing touches on top of a smooth and efficient job. They are true craftsmen who take pride in what they do very well.
So, the job was done in a timely manner, it was done in an efficient manner and it was done on budget, even though the original quote was extremely competitive. I have absolutely not a moment’s hesitation in giving Terry and his guys an A1 recommendation to anyone; in fact, I already have!
Thanks Terry!
Samara & Peter V, Annerley
I spoke to many builders before I spoke with Terry from T&J Bowden Constructions. I was grateful to Terry for spending time with me, explaining different options we could consider for our Queenslander renovation. It was invaluable to me and was something other builders did not do in any detail.
We embarked on a major renovation of our original-state Queenslander, which involved a house raise and build under. Converting a 2 bedroom house into a 5 bedroom plus study home was a large job, and it took approximately 9 months from start to move in date.
Having never done any house renovations prior to this project, Terry and his team were always very patient with me if I didn’t understand something. I was always offered solutions to any problems that arose as the build progressed. I was impressed when I visited the site as they also kept it clean and tidy.
We couldn’t be happier with the work that Terry and his team did for us. The feedback we received after the house was completed was amazing. It is a beautiful house and I have Terry and his team to thank for the high quality of their work throughout the build. His team were a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate in recommending T&J Bowden Constructions to anyone considering house renovations.
Ben and Sacha S, Holland Park
Our house was an old Queenslander in Hawthorne and in need of a complete overhaul after many previous owners had done a little bit of work here and there. We searched hard for someone to take on the task of restoring this 100 year old house as we didn’t want any modernisation of the house to lose the character we loved.
We were impressed with Terry right from the first meeting as he was open and honest and spent time talking through all the options. His extensive knowledge of how Queenslanders were constructed decades ago was key to putting our trust in him and his team to get the job done right the first time.
Any variations to contact were always discussed and any changes we made along the way were taken on with no fuss. His team were always polite, courteous and happy to show us what they were working on. The team even put in extra hours in December to hand over the house 4 days before Christmas – that was very special.
We completed an extensive 6 month renovation with TJ Bowden and would absolutely employ their services again should we ever undertake another renovation or new build.
Thanks again Terry
Vicki & Steve L, Hawthorne
Terry Bowden and his team recently undertook an extensive renovation for me. Terry was at all times professional and helpful, making practical suggestions that assisted me to get a “value for money” outcome. I am very pleased with the result of his efforts.
Sue B, Grange
I would like to thank Terry Bowden and his team for a fantastic job on our renovation. Our renovation was totally stress free. It was completed on time and within budget. Terry and his team worked five days a week on the renovation until it was completed. The team was punctual, professional and also approachable. The quality of their workmanship was of a very high standard. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Terry Bowden for any building projects. We were very impressed and would certainly use Terry again for any future renovations.
Sharon L, Kedron
Structerre has maintained a strong working relationship with T&J Bowden Construction for many years on numerous projects.
Many project home builders make attempts to work in the renovation market often resulting in disappointment for the client. This is usually due to the fact that these project home builders only tease in this style of work rather than operating purely in this marketplace.
Terry and Justin Bowden only work on the renovation of Queenslanders. Their experience enables the delivery of a modernise Queenslanders that can reach it’s full potential.
My many dealings with Terry and Justin has ended up increasing my own personal knowledge of renovations and how things should really be done.
T&J Bowden are one of very few companies that specialise in the renovation of Queenslanders that delivers the quality and professionalism expected from today’s clientele. I would strongly recommend T&J Bowden for the renovation of any Queenslander requiring the highest of standards and best outcomes.
Kind Regards
Mr Tim Ryan
RPEQ 5927 Principal Residential Engineer
Structerre Consulting Engineers
T&J Bowden Constructions have been supplied by Bretts for the past decade. In that time, Terry has always requested only the finest material for his projects, constantly rejecting cheaper alternatives to ensure quality is maintained at a premium throughout his build. Right through the project, Terry stakes his reputation on the quality he delivers and that starts with the material supplied. This is a standard clearly inherited by Terry’s son Justin, who now sources most of the material from Bretts, only settling for the highest grade product. We strongly value our partnership with Terry and Justin, as the end product they deliver to their clients is a reflection on the quality of product we supply. We are proud to be a core supplier for such a team.
Lewis Rolls
General Manager, Bretts Trade
