Our Background
Lionhouse Projects was first founded in London in 1997. The name is derived from the first Lionhouse project – a development of some executive town houses built in the Fulham area of London in 1870 by an architect named Nichols.
These were called Lionhouses and he placed a Heraldic Lion Statuette on the roof of each house to symbolise prestige, quality and a āPride in Projectsā. These are attributes that we carry forward today.
Our Approach
Having been on the other side of table we know how frustrating managing the building process is. Unreliable tradesmen, hidden costs and huge mark-ups often create frustration and mistrust. Through more than 20 years of experience we have developed a way to create a transparent process that puts you in control and helps expedite the project process, makes the project more economical and maintains quality. With competitive trade rates, no mark-ups and a facilitated process, renovating and construction has never been easier.
Lionhouse offers a number of services from property research and acquisition, architectural and planning services, Project Management through to interior design and dressing your house for sale. We truly are a turn-key solution for all your property needs.
Our unique Project Management methodology allows our clients to be more in control of their project and budget so that they can stretch their money further (on average ā 20%). The process allows for far greater flexibility and manages the inevitable variations that arise throughout a project.
Lionhouse are independently employed by our clients and not the builders. Our advice and help places the clients best interest first and with a focus on creating value.
This collaborative approach between the client and Lionhouse creates a less stressful and transparent project process.
Our Core Services
Lionhouse Projects offers a number of core services, detailed on the links below:
Contact us now for your free, no-obligation consultation to find out how we can help you save, onĀ average between 20-30% on your next building or renovation project.
Our Process
Discuss Project Objectives
Engage Draughtsmen/Architect
Agree Plans/Lodge DA
Plans Approved/Apply for CC
Design and Specifications Meeting
CPA/Budget Development
Commence Works
Project Completion
The Outdated Alternative?
How does a building firm usually price projects? Without an exact specification from a quantity surveyor, a specific timeline from a project manager, precise drawings from an architect, a perfect weather forecast and no changes from an owner it is almost impossible for a building firm to produce an exact costing of a project.
As most projects come no where near meeting this criteria builders have to estimate how long it will take, how many man-hours are needed and what the material cost will equal. They will then add enough of a contingency buffer to cover any unexpected costs and then add in their profit margin. In so doing it can often add 20-30% on to the build cost. If they have underestimated they will invariably find a way of increasing the contract price through a variation to contract. If they are unable to do this they will either cut back on quality, rush the job or simply cut their losses and walk away. They are, after all, trying to make a profit! Often, if a builders profit margin is very tight and a more lucrative project comes along clients can find their project getting dragged out as the builder puts his efforts into the more lucrative project. This can also occur when a builder over-commits himself by running several projects at a time.
The common belief is that a building firm can be a one-stop solution and it can be – at a cost. Most building firms at the right price can complete a project on time to a high quality. An architect or project manager can be employed to manage the process and clients can return to find their house as they wanted it.
The reality is that it is by far the most expensive way to renovate/build. Quality control can often be an issue if the builder and client view perceived finishes differently. Corners can sometimes be cut if the building firm is trying to keep costs down.
The methodology of Lionhouse is to mitigate these risks by putting you in control of your budget, quality and timeline in a clear transparent process.
Our team of experts
Mark McVeigh
Managing Director
Mark founded Lionhouse in London, in 1997. The business focused on buying investment properties for clients and property syndications, developing them and selling them. It was essential for these projects to ensure that a tight reign was kept on finances and quality.
Lionhouse was transferred to Australia as Lionhouse Pty Ltd in 2002 where the core business focused on helping clients with the design and management of their building work. Lionhouse moved back to the UK in 2015 adding a commercial element to its already established residential side. Projects often need the ability to think outside of the box to overcome problems. Having over 20 years of international experience in the industry has allowed him to find solutions that are not always apparent.
Mark has an MBA, a Masters (Property Valuation and Law) and achieved a License as a Real Estate Agent