The three-bedroom, two-bathroom house was then sold at auction within the month, to clear a massive $135,000 for a very special charity — Ronald McDonald House.
The successful bidders are thrilled with their new house which they intend to use as a family home. They say they are glad to know their purchase has helped such a worthwhile cause, and will truly make a difference to numerous seriously ill children and their families.
In his address at the cocktail function to launch the event, WRMBA president Simon Barber said the goal was to raise $100,000 to go towards the new Ronald McDonald House to be built in Newtown while, at the same time, giving the Wellington membership a community project to focus on while there was capacity in their workloads. This result has obviously exceeded those early expectations.
WRMBA executive member Rudy Van Baarle says they wanted to design and build something that would be the perfect kiwi first home or an extra special bach.
“To keep things straightforward, we researched the largest home that could be transported in one piece, but provide maximum living space for its new owner.
“The end result was a 113 square metre home built with perfect roof lines, width and length that was able to be transported easily,” Mr Van Baarle says.
The home’s Palliside traditional “tea” cladding is accentuated with lights under the eaves. It has a stylish exterior appearance, including a Metro shake tile roof and First Windows.
Inside it is fully appointed with Clearlite plumbing fittings, a Fujitsu heat pump, Knightsbridge carpets and a Bosch security system.
“Wellington Registered Master Builders are proud of what we were able to bring together and how we have been able to help our community,” Mr Van Baarle says.
“Like any vision, it takes people to put their heart and soul into the project to make it happen. We were truly blessed that we had so many people willing to do that. We had an abundance of builders throughout the project — everyone played their part.
“These builders, providing their services free, along with the generosity of subbies and suppliers, meant we could work seven days a week over three weeks and finish the project ahead of time.
“The Hutt City Council came to the party by allowing the WRMBA to pre-arrange daily visits — including Saturdays and Sundays and after hours — so the project could continue uninterrupted seven days a week without having to wait for consents.”
There were three critical components to the project. The first was to have the builders, subcontractors and suppliers involved so that the house could be built for little or no cost.
The second was to have a visible site to build it where people could see the project going on. “We were very grateful to Mitre 10 Mega for coming to the party and providing us the perfect location,” Mr Van Baarle says.
The third, was that once the house was built, that it would sell.
“We needed to market it as widely as possible. Hutt City Professionals came to the party and marketed and auctioned the house at no charge. We were also able to tap into Mitre 10 Mega, Ronald McDonald House and WRMB marketing networks. All this ensured a hearty amount of interest.
“With more than 20 registered bidders and eight or nine actually bidding on the day, it was a thrill to be able to donate even more than we had envisaged.
“The heart is never happier than when it beats for others. Our hearts were beating for others and we are so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
The Wellington Registered Master Builders vision would not have been achievable without the support of its member builders, subcontractors, Mitre 10 Mega, The Professionals Hutt City and the Lower Hutt City Council, as well as a long list of sponsors who contributed with gifts of product and labour.
These included First Windows and Doors Ltd, Prenail Frames and Trusses Ltd, Dynex Ltd, Hardwired Electrical Ltd, Applico Appliances, Design Services (Wgtn) Ltd, IPL Plywood, Harvey Norman, Winstone Wallboards Ltd, Tasman Insulation, MetroTile, Coastal Roofing, McDonalds Petone, Hoults Doors, Hiremaster, Radio Network, Design @ ourhouse Ltd, Estimating Services Ltd, Recon Professional Services Ltd, Mainzeal, Wellington Benchtops, Paul Reddish Decorators Ltd, Clearite & Athena Bathrooms, Dux, Aquatica,Thermakraft, Dulux Paints, Southpine, TJ Bircham Plumbing Ltd, Hirepool Lower Hutt, Stewart Scott Cabinetry, Workzone Scaffolding, Devon & Patterson Flooring, and Master Build Services.
Wellington president Simon Barber said it was a fantastic experience for all involved, and that he would recommend all local associations doing something similar for their communities.
Work has started on the $15 million, 34-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, where-out-of town families of seriously ill children can stay while their youngsters are undergoing treatment. The new facility is expected to open in August 2012.
