Hudson Homes founder CEO Danny Assabgy pilots Build Buddy app for owner builders
Amid company collapses and rising costs, aspiring homeowners are cutting out builders altogether. Here’s how
Gold Coast
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Amid company collapses and rising costs, aspiring homeowners are cutting out builders altogether – ironically using an app designed by the founder of a building company.
Hudson Homes CEO Danny Assabgy, with business partners Vincenzo Marciano and Nick Chandler, have been working on their Build Buddy system for more than three years.
It’s now being piloted by 35 users in NSW and Queensland, with Mr Assabgy saying homeowners could save 20-30 per cent off traditional building costs due to the absence of builder’s margins and access to wholesale prices for trades and supplies.
Among those hoping to control their own home build and save some money are Greg and Marcia Lewry.
The family, with son Rafa, 7, purchased their dream block of land at Coomera at the end of 2022, but found themselves swiftly priced out of building the home they wanted.
“Two homes nearby have been sitting half-built now for months on end because the builders went bust,” Mr Lewry said.
“I didn’t want to be in the same position.”
Mr Lewry said he considered owner building, but didn’t know where to start – until he posted questions to a building forum which were answered by Mr Assabgy.
The family has since used the platform for preliminary works including submission of plans, and the preselection of materials and trades for their new home.
The app has two platforms – a free one for customers and a “pro” version for trades, who pay a subscription fee.
The app walks customers through each step of the build process and connects them with the right subcontractors at the right time.
Mr Assabgy said each customer was assigned a licensed site supervisor to carry out regular inspections and ensure site safety and processes were all up to scratch.
Customers pay for subcontractor works via a digital wallet, which holds the funds in an account visible to both parties until each approves the work as completed.
“We’re there to protect both sides,” Mr Assabgy said.
“Our goal is to take everyday Australians who want to build their own home and are happy to be involved with it, but don’t necessarily have any experience.
“A school teacher or police officer with little to no experience in construction can go through this whole process with Build Buddy.”
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Originally published as Hudson Homes founder CEO Danny Assabgy pilots Build Buddy app for owner builders