Renovators and builders, do you want the inside scoop? A hidden network of trusted, high-quality craftspeople exists on the Peninsula, used only by those in the know. A long-held industry secret, they’ve agreed to reveal their identities to an online community in their exclusive trade directory – and now its members are thrilled to be in the know too.
Building Dreams Group is the largest and most popular renovation, building and landscaping community on the Peninsula. Founder and director Tara Vandeligt launched it in 2016 as a ‘renovating mums’ group on Facebook, compelled to support others in their journey after experiencing frustration finding reliable tradies while renovating her Mount Eliza family home.
Sharing her findings both good and bad in the online group, she quickly became admired for her knowledgeable candour and ability to connect clients with trades that continued to elicit confidence in others.
Under Tara’s passionate stewardship, the group expanded to include a website with a valuable curated trade directory of 92 businesses across the Peninsula and bayside Melbourne, accessible to more than 10,000 members.
Getting out and meeting businesses, she is committed to promoting the special qualities of our region’s building industry. Demonstrating the rapport and mutual respect she’s established with them, her blog features a series of ‘smoko interviews’ – short videos in which she asks tradies such questions as “What have you learnt the hard way?” and “What don’t we know as customers that would be valuable for us to know?”.
In her opinion, home-turf tradies provide a greater level of assurance in an industry where word of mouth can make or break a business’s reputation. “There’s nothing quite like locals working for locals,” she said. “It definitely brings with it a sense of accountability.”
Removing any doubt, all tradespeople recommended on the Building Dreams directory have been hand-picked by Tara according to a stringent screening process. To be considered for the list, they need to pass licence and reference checks, have been operating their business for at least three years, and be close to the Peninsula. After all this, Tara still meets them for an interview to further measure their professionalism.
The result is an online directory that includes skilled experts in a wide range of general and specialist trades, like caulkers, concrete artisans, and wallpaper hangers. “I wanted to create an advertising platform that was equalising and affordable for small businesses as well as high-end ones, and to feature craftsmen who don’t advertise anywhere else.”
Almost 2500 users engage with the website every month, and several members are repeat customers, using the directory for their second and third builds. Refreshingly, and no doubt contributing to member loyalty, the membership model isn’t pushy and doesn’t take commission.
Simply put, Building Dreams is in the business of building connections for tradespeople looking for clients and homeowners looking for tradespeople. To learn more about joining this special online community, visit buildingdreamsgroup.com.au or check out the group’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
