Testimonials

"We were introduced to Michael & Ashley Fletcher of Southern Star Constructions Pty Limited by our architect Tom Simmat, in early 2002 as we wished to undertake a major renovation of a 5 bedroom house in Middle Cove.

We found Michael to be extremely professional & also very helpful given that we were new to Australia & not at all cognisant with the format or procedure of undertaking a house renovation here.

During the 10 months that Michael & Ashley & their team were working on our house they regularly kept us informed of progress, both with written progress statements & reports & financial updates. They also welcomed us on site whenever we chose to visit. Once we had moved in, it was not an unpleasant or awkward situation having them & their tradesmen coming in every day to the house either. We were guided through a myriad of complex decisions from the minutiae of a kitchen refurbishment to the structural difficulties arising from a new wet-edge swimming pool design or building cantilevered balconies out where none existed before. They clearly know their trade & the options available on all aspects of house conversion.

All the tradespeople introduced by Michael & Ashley were reliable & honest & gave their best efforts to ensure top quality Service but good value at the same time. Our house was not a straight forward project given that it comprises 4 / 5 stories, built into the rocks against which it rests, so there were several instances of rather unique problems that arose. Michael, however, proved to be an excellent project manager & Ashley an excellent builder, so we managed to resolve all technical difficulties satisfactorily & without any acrimony.

Since completion, Michael & Ashley have been very accommodating in returning to help with the little glitches that inevitably arise & have sent the appropriate tradesmen back to rectify the minor  problems we’ve had.

Finally , we should add that Michael played a key role in arbitrating in a dispute we had with another contractor we appointed to do other excavation work. Michael’s digital photos of the house at various stages of completion were used to illustrate to the other party, our side of the disagreement. A satisfactory outcome was achieved for both sides & Michael’s even handedness was a major contributing factor.

We would highly recommend Southern Star Constructions Pty Limited & Ma Ja Pty Limited & are more than happy to proudly show our house to anyone interested in retaining them."

"It has now been some months since the renovation was completed at our Seaforth home. As we look around at the quality of the work, fittings, and architectural appeal, Alex & I would like to express our sincere thanks to you, Michael and your team, for the wonderful home you have created for us.

Through clever & innovative design, along with talented tradesmen, you were able to transform an old & neglected part of our home into what we constantly get complimented as a ‘5 star resort complex’.

The renovated indoor / outdoor area flows beautifully to our new pool and garden complex. The stunning travertine pavers, laid perfectly, are a feature that adds to the beauty of the area. The fact that you were able to hide the expanse of pool plumbing & equipment so as not to spoil the sleek lines of the entertaining area is also a credit to you.

Importantly, throughout the project, you and Michael were able to guide Alex & me through the various stages and deal with the inevitable Council issues so as to help lessen the stressful experience of ‘living in a renovation’.

Your trades’ people were a pleasure to have around and they were always helpful and courteous. We came to view them as a part of the family.

My final comment is to say that while you built from the start to the highest standards, where changes or rectifications were needed to the project, you promptly and professionally addressed all issues. If there were more project managers and builders like Southern Star Constructions, the industry would have a far better reputation!

We wish you well with your future projects and once again, thank you."

Mark, Alex and family
30 Peacock Street, Seaforth, NSW 2092

"After working with Ashley Fletcher on a major renovation and upper floor addition completed in 2005, and now with a second phase underway which involves excavation and building of a garage, we have no hesitation in recommending Southern Star Constructions. It is not often that a renovation is a positive experience but Ashley's pride in his work and communication style have always given us confidence we would end up with a good quality result. We always felt well informed about progress, plans to resolve identified issues (often which Ashley identified before we did) and required variations.

After initially receiving quotes from several builders, we were impressed with Michael and Ashley's willingness to work with us to review the quote, identify areas we could remove or defer and develop a phased approach to fit our budget.

We moved out of our house during the renovation so it was important to us that Ashley completed the agreed work to allow us to move back into the house on time - his management of sub-contractors and activities in ensuring the schedule was met was excellent and we moved back on the date we'd planned.

We are also very happy with the quality of the work carried out by Ashley and his team. Their attention to detail and compliance with our specifications were of a high standard.

We would recommend Southern Star Constructions as a company that can provide a high quality result, on schedule and within an agreed budget."

Anitra Gollings and Jonathan Low
Cremorne, NSW

"We started working with Michael and Ashley Fletcher from Southern Star Constructions in February 2003 – initially just converting a basement workshop into a guest suite.  The design and delivery were terrific and had no sooner finished than we started working with Michael on plans for the complete renovation of the house.  Around 12 months later the work was complete.  The house looked brand new – again the quality of the design and the work were first class.

It was a pleasure working with both Michael and Ashley for the duration of the project.  The Southern Star team are great blokes in whom we had absolute trust.  The work progressed as planned and communication with us was timely and thorough - throughout.  Management of the sub-contractors employed was tight and the commercial arrangements satisfactory.  Our only regret is that we lived in the house through the renovations: on reflection, probably a mistake.  Living in a building site is tough in spite of the builder’s efforts to keep the living areas dust and workmen-free.

I think that you get what you pay for in a construction project like ours.  We have a first class renovation that was delivered stress-free.  I would recommend the Michael, Ashley and the Southern Star team unreservedly and would not hesitate in using them in any future projects."

Stuart Penny
19 Ellery Parade, Seaforth, NSW 2092

"As a consulting structural engineer I have come to rely on Southern Star Constructions (NSW) Pty Limited for their professional approach to business both with regards to the contracting and the administration aspects of projects. They are particularly knowledgeable and experienced in complex remodeling of existing buildings including underpinning and resupport of existing structure and delicate demolition. They work confidently with concrete, steel, timber, masonry and glass. I have found their work to be correct and accurate. I commend Ashley and the Southern Star Constructions team on the standard of workmanship and quality of finish achieved on the projects with which I have been involved."

Robert Herbertson
FIEAust MIStructE NPER CPEng

"I am pleased to be able to provide a reference to Southern Star Constructions regarding the quality and service provided in the recent renovation of our house at Seaforth.  The project was extensive, involving significant renovation, addition of a second storey, construction of a pool and garaging along with landscaping of the property.

The project delivery team were a pleasure to deal with, attentive to detail and responsive to our requirements and changes throughout the project.  The quality of construction has been excellent with no corner cut to ensure the desired outcome for the project was achieved.  A benefit of the Southern Star approach was the architectural input which assisted in resolution of design issues from our initial plans.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Southern Star to any party considering significant renovations or full construction of their house."

Paul and Kylie Madden
16 Ellery Parade, Seaforth, NSW 2092

"We have no hesitation in recommending Southern Star Constructions.

Michael and Ashley were recommended to us by our architect who had worked with them on previous projects.  We were provided a comprehensive building service that either lived up to our expectations or exceeded them.

The sub-contractors were skilled, clearly took pride in their work and were well organized by Ashley.  They turned up when they were supposed to, did what they were supposed to do and were courteous, friendly and tidy.  We lived on site during the work so all of these attributes were important. 

Ashley kept us well informed and each variation or adjustment was promptly discussed, costed, explained and enacted. 

It has now been three years since the completion of our renovation and we continue to be pleased with the result.  Conversations about ‘renovation horror stories’ are a fairly common, and entertaining.  Our only regret is that we are unable to contribute to them.  Our renovation experience was a good one.  In fact, we quite enjoyed it.   

We have no hesitations in recommending Ashley, Michael and their team to anyone looking for a construction company that will provide quality workmanship and trustworthy advice."

Greg and Jan Rochford