Emma and Trevor are building gorgeous country-style homes in the Highlands that have us in awe.
Emma and Trevor have been building homes for quite some time now, and their passion for it shines through in everything they do.
Their biz, Life Home Builders is creating stunning country-style homes with a personal touch.
We caught up with them to chat about what they love about the Highlands, their approach to building, and what keeps them excited about their work.
1 :: Hey Emma and Trevor, how did Life Home Builders come to be?
Trevor: Before we started Life Home Builders, Emma and I were already both working in the building industry for quite a while.
I’d been in the industry for about 15 years and Emma for about 10. We were in separate companies but doing similar things. Eventually, we figured we were ready to start our own business.
Emma: I’ve always been passionate about interior design, especially country and coastal styles. Trevor brings a broad spectrum of knowledge from his background as an architectural draftsman and designer.
Together, we realised we could offer something different, where design and construction work hand in hand from start to finish.
2 :: What makes Life Home Builders so special?
Emma: One of the things we pride ourselves on is managing everything in-house, from design to construction. With a draftsperson, a building designer, and all the experience Trevor and I bring, our clients don’t need to worry about dealing with separate designers, builders, or consultants.
Trevor: Keeping everything in-house allows us to maintain better control over quality and consistency throughout the entire process.
3 :: It sounds like you offer a comprehensive service. Can you walk us through the process?
Emma: Sure! We begin with a full design consultation where we really get to know our client’s needs and vision. From there, we handle everything, from concepts, designs, construction documentation, approvals, and all the interior design.
We even help with things like landscaping, setting up services like water and power, and creating spaces like driveways and veggie patches. We think about the whole picture, not just the house.
Trevor: We take a comprehensive approach to every project, whether it’s a knockdown rebuild, major renovation, or custom home. We also build those extra features like garages, stables, jetties, and pools, whatever is needed to make the property complete.
4 :: Tell us about some of the projects you’re working on?
Emma: Right now, we’re working on a knock-down rebuild in Burradoo, and it’s going to be stunning. We’ve also just finished a major renovation in Berrima, where we completely refitted the interior. The transformation is incredible!
Trevor: We’ve also worked with locals who started with a blank canvas and wanted to create a new farm or holiday property. We help them design homes that fit their block, take the climate into account, and make the most of the sensational views around here.
5 :: The Southern Highlands does have a very specific climate and landscape. How does that affect the homes you design and build?
Emma: Oh, the climate is a huge factor in how we plan and design! The winds, the sun, and the need for good heating and cooling systems are always top of mind. We often incorporate things like hydronic heating in the slabs, radiators, and specific glazing on windows and doors to make sure the home is comfortable year-round.
Trevor: Because we handle both design and construction, we can ensure all these things are integrated from the very start. It’s not an afterthought; it’s part of the plan.
6 :: How do you keep your clients in the loop throughout the building process?
Trevor: We’re big on transparency. We keep clients updated every step of the way, whether it’s about pricing, edits, or approvals. If anything changes we’re always proactive in letting them know.
Emma: And we’re super collaborative. We want our clients to feel confident as we move through each stage. We work with them on everything from floor plans to finishes, ensuring their vision comes to life.
7 :: What style of homes do you specialise in?
Emma: We’re all about classic and contemporary country homes. The Highlands is perfect for that kind of style. But we also lean into coastal styles when we’re working closer to the coast. We’ve really found our niche and refined ourselves in the industry.
Trevor: It’s so rewarding to see people really connect with that style. It’s timeless, it fits the region, and it’s a look that can be adapted to each client’s personal taste.
8 :: What trends are you seeing in the homes you design and build?
Emma: We’re seeing more colour coming back into homes. After years of whites and beiges, people are excited to add some brightness and warmth. It really brings personality to a space.
Trevor: And as always, quality craftsmanship is really important to both the clients and to us. We take pride in the craftsmanship we put into every project at Life Home Builders. We’ve set a high standard, and we stick to it.
Over the years, we’ve built great relationships with local trades who share our commitment to quality. It’s about working with people who also take pride in what they do, and that attention to detail helps us build homes that truly last.
9 :: What do you love most about owning and running Life Home Builders?
Emma: For me, it’s knowing that we’re creating homes that really suit the people who live in them. It’s so special that we’re able to bring a high level of personal touch.
Trevor: Yep, I love that we’re still so hands-on. We meet directly with our clients, and that keeps us passionate about what we do. It’s such a personal process, and we’re right there with them every step of the way.
10 :: And of course, what do you love about the Highlands?
Emma: There’s so much I love about the Highlands. The shopping and wineries for a start, haha.
Trevor: I love the beautiful scenery, and I love to drive around and see all the stunning properties.
Well we loved our chat today, Emma and Trevor!
We also loved checking out all the fantastic completed projects on your website. Check them out for yourself here.
And if you’re ready to create a beautiful space to call home, reach out to Emma, Trevor and the team at Life Home Builders.
We can’t wait to see what they create for you!
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