Cade Lucas
The crisis in the construction industry hasn’t just affected those looking to build their first home or apartment.
Even those building mansions the size of aircraft hangers have been caught up in the turmoil.
“It was like the earth moved under my feet,” said property developer and former Wyndham councillor Intaj Khan of how he felt on June 18, when the builder of his $10 million mansion in Tarneit , Kleev Homes, told him they were entering administration.
“I was like ‘how can you do that, what am I gonna do?”
Given the scale of what Kleev Homes were leaving half finished, these weren’t unreasonable inquiries.
The 311 square, 15 room (down from 16) mansion with its own helipad, salon and lift, began construction in May 2022 and was expected to take two years to finish.
It was projected to be the largest mansion in Victoria once complete and despite the recent setback, Mr Khan insists it still will be.
“It’ll resume within two weeks” he said adding that the process of finding a new builder had been ‘a nightmare.’
Whether the new builder will employ the same amount of tradies is unclear, as the delay has forced Khan to (again) alter his plans.
“We had an architect from the US design an outdoor resort style infinity swimming pool and we’ve had to put that on hold.
I hope that everyone will return but we will see how we go.”
Despite the upheaval he bares no ill-will to Kleev Homes whose plight he said was due to inflation and material costs from other projects, not his own.
“The previous builder did a great job and I was satisfied with his work but disappointed with the decision.”
Barring any further interruptions, Mr Khan said his mansion will (finally) be finished late next year.
