A local builder with a passion for care, quality and client relationships.
Say g’day to Tim Burlace, a Southern Highlands local with over 20 years of experience in the building industry.
From his early days as a carpenter to leading his crew with David Reid Homes, Tim has built a reputation around these parts for delivering top-quality homes with a personal touch.
In our chat, we got to know more about Tim’s journey, his love for the Highlands, and what makes David Reid Homes stand out in the building world.
1 :: Hiya Tim! Tell us how you came to be in the Southern Highlands?
I was born in New Zealand and moved to Queensland before ending up in Sydney, where my children were born. Around 8 years ago, we decided to move to the Southern Highlands. We were looking for a less ‘hustle and bustle’ lifestyle, and the Highlands seemed a great fit.
I started my own building company here in the Highlands, using a lot of local trades. I love living here. I feel like you can really become part of the community.
2 :: Have you always been in the building industry?
Yep. I have been in the building industry for 20 years. I started my career as a carpenter and then worked my way towards my own builder’s licence, which I’ve had for 10 years.
In 2022, my business was part of the team that won a ‘Master Builders’ award for a home in the Highlands, the architect involved with the award was Tony O’meara From AO Design Studios. It was an incredible achievement and a gorgeous home.
Building is a career with a lot of moving parts that require bringing many people from different specialties together, like architects and designers. Although I love building, over the years, I realised that the process can be quite broken, and I was looking for a way to simplify the process. That’s when I became interested in David Reid Homes.
3 :: Why is working with David Reid Homes so great?
What I love about David Reid Homes is that you get to meet the client right from the start and work together throughout the whole home-building journey. Knowing the plan before we kick things off helps us avoid hiccups along the way, making everything run a lot smoother. Plus, it means there are fewer surprises while still keeping the quality high and sticking to timelines. I understand that most people want this kind of clarity when building their homes, and I’m all about making sure they get it!
4 :: What do you love about building homes in the Southern Highlands?
I love the space here, the big blocks of land. I love that we can build homes that take in those country views. As we all know, the Highlands has a unique climate, and so we build homes with the weather in mind. Things like double-glazed windows, heated floors and a wonderfully temperate atmosphere are all things we consider.
Photo :: AJ Moran Photography Architect :: AO Design Studio
5 :: What are some trends you have noticed for Southern Highlands homes?
Currently, darker features and hardwood are still super popular. I have also seen the ‘Hamptons Style’ gaining traction, which is cool. At David Reid Homes, we love exploring modern styles and designs, but we also recognise that traditional styles have their place in the landscape.
We focus on building homes that are sustainable and energy-efficient because we think that’s really important.
6 :: What are some of the best parts of the job?
My favourite projects are those that are well-designed and come together easily and efficiently, and that’s what working with David Reid Homes is all about. We’re involved in the entire process, keeping our clients informed every step of the way through our site portal, where we share daily photos and updates on the build. Finally, handing over the keys and seeing the client’s happiness with the finished product makes the whole journey truly special.
Photo :: AJ Moran Photography Architect :: AO Design Studio
7 :: What can we expect from a David Reid home?
David Reid Homes offers an extensive library of design options, and collaboration is key right from the start to ensure we are making the best choices. We provide estimated costs upfront, so when a client comes to us with a budget, we can guide them to the plans that fit within it, making adjustments or redesigns as needed. We also tailor the design to their specific needs, whether it’s the number of bedrooms or other features. Custom designs are always an option, and we also handle knock-down rebuilds as well as alterations and additions to existing homes.
I love the attention to detail at David Reid Homes, the relationships we build with our clients, and that our finishes are top-quality, high-end, and built to last. I stand by the philosophy of ‘do it once and do it well.’
8 :: Tell us about the team you work with?
I brought my team over with me when I joined David Reid Homes. There are 8 of us. Because we’re a small team, we’re really able to keep an eye on detail, have strong communication and can keep the quality of everything under control.
Photo :: AJ Moran Photography Designer :: SG Interiors
9 :: What do you love about working in the Highlands?
What I love most about my work are the relationships I’ve built. It’s a real word-of-mouth community here, and many of my jobs come through personal recommendations. I also genuinely enjoy working with my clients and have developed strong connections. Some have even come back to me after I’ve built their home, asking for help with other projects like their farms or family homes.
10 :: And you know we’ve gotta ask! What do you love about living in the Highlands?
Believe it or not, the cold! As a builder, the weather is pretty decent and definitely cooler than in Queensland… haha.
Well, that’s a fantastic reason to love the Highlands, isn’t it?
Whether it’s through custom builds or helping clients with their dream homes, Tim and his team’s dedication to excellence clearly shines through and we loved chatting with Tim today!
If you’re thinking about building or renovating in the Highlands, Tim and David Reid Homes might be a good fit to turn your vision into reality. Find out more at the website here or by giving the crew a buzz on 0415 685 611 to chat all things home in the Highlands.
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