“I’m working towards getting my Commercial License. The service is amazing especially for someone like me who never thought they’d be sitting down in a classroom again or doing anything like that, it has been a great experience to work alongside Master Builders. I find it helpful that some of their staff have worked in the industry and understand tradesman this is a huge advantage when we try to become qualified.
“I try to go to as many as I can. I honestly find them so valuable for my business. Because I’m trying to build the business, I don’t have a lot of time to sit down and read emails. I find that I take so much in when they have a guest speaker, especially when they have someone from Master Builders who talks and tells you what is new in the industry.”
“You find out about new products before other people. If you go to trade nights, you’re exposed to those things. Then you can show those products to clients.”
“I love the fact that Master Builders is such a professional resource. You’re mad not to use them for permits.”
Bendigo based home builder Davin Bake has had an eventful couple of years. The softly spoke 43-year-old is one of those tradespeople that does his work without too much fuss. Has a focus on quality and detail and aims to always keep his client happy.
This was definitely the case when working on a Harcourt extension to an 1861 quarry cottage and archaeological site. The job had a number of heritage overlays, a very particular client and a challenging work environment. It saw him spend most of 2013 on site. The result was a stunning marrying of old and new, a delighted client and an appearance on season 6 of TV’s Grand Designs.
“That was the first big project that I did from start to finish on my own,” Davin explains.
“I had to use materials that blended in with a complex environment which was a challenge but it was good.”
“I came out of it and the client was happy and I was happy.”
Davin enjoys working on extensions with a particular interest in the historical architecture in the Bendigo region. He respects the ‘old way’ of building but has a good understanding of modern techniques.
“I really do enjoy doing extensions and I love working on inner city apartments, investment and developments,” he says.
“You learn every day but I just love working on old buildings, you never know what you’re going to find.”
He got his start in Bendigo as a carpentry apprentice with fellow Master Builder Tony Johnson of Johnson Homes. The pair remain close friends and Davin has been a Master Builder since 2006.
“Tony Johnson was a member and spoke highly of Master Builders,” he explains.
“I sat in a few meetings and it grew from there. It seemed like something I should do, and [Master Builders sales executive] Lyn Lowndes was a great help. She helped guide me through my registration and it went from there.”
Davin’s father, John, who was an electrician also inspired his passion for a trade. Up until recently when he retired, John continued to help Davin on many of his work sites.
Davin thrives on the challenge of being his own boss and loves working and playing in the great outdoors. His keys to success are having “a good business plan, communication and having good staff.”
“Surround yourself with good people, it’s an important part of building a good business,” he says.
In his spare time Davin likes spending time with his three children Charlize, Samara and Thaine and going fishing, camping and water sports.
Member Login
