By DEBBIE XINOS
If there is one thing about John McArthur that stands out,
it is that he is a quiet achiever. In fact, the driving force
behind JD & TA McArthur Constructions prefers to let his
work do all the talking.
And while keeping a low profile may seem a risky business
tactic in a world where advertising is seemingly the key to
success, it has certainly paid off for Mr McArthur.
After all, what better form of advertising could a builder
hope for than word of mouth? And if the reputation of McArthur
Constructions is anything to go by, it is obvious Mr McArthur
is right up there with the best.
Mr McArthur also specialises in commercial and industrial
building, extensions, renovations and property maintenance.
For the past eight years, McArthur Constructions has been
responsible for the maintenance of Orpheus Island's five-star
resort and has completed projects in Mount Isa and Papua New
Guinea.
It is only now - 11 years after starting his own building
company - that Mr McArthur has built a display home.
Mr McArthur does not view the display home as a tool to promote
his business. Rather, it was an opportunity to try something
new.
Mr McArthur said the display home gave clients the opportunity
to see his work first-hand, instead of just on paper.
"We were showing people plans and photographs, but they
can't imagine it (the house) until they see it for real,"
he said.
McArthur Constructions is run by Mr McArthur and his wife
Terry from their home in Kirwan And while location may be
everything for some business operators, Mr and Mrs McArthur
say their customers have no problem finding them.
Again, it comes down to the fact that McArthur Constructions
has never needed to rely on selfpromotion, according to Mr
McArthur.
"We have never had to worry about that - everyone knows
we are here," he said.
The reason for that was because anyone wanting a quality
house at the right price knew to check out McArthur Constructions,
he said.
And with 30 years experience in the building industry, Mr
McArthur should know.
"We deliver a good service at the right price and we
finish our jobs on time or ahead of time," he said.
"The job gets done right, which takes the worry off
the clients because they know they're in good hands because
there are no errors and we have no hidden costs."
JOHN McArthur's new display home at 98 Annandale Drive, Annandale,
is testament to the builder's dedication to achieving the
best result in every project undertaken.
Mr McArthur said the house. was the product of a number of
ideas collected during his 30 years in the industry.
Essentially, though, the house was designed with North Queensland
living in mind.
Rich, earthy tones dominate the colour scheme of this house.
Deep terracotta-toned pavers, bordered by reddishbrown and
black pavers, combine to create a modern driveway which blends
perfectly with the exterior colours of the house.
A tiled entrance, bordered by Roman columns, leads to timber,
glass-panelled double doors, which open to the terracotta-tiled
foyer. A decorative tiled centerpiece is a feature of the
foyer.
To the left is the main bedroom, which is completely separate
from the central living areas of the house. As well as being
carpeted, the main bedroom is air-conditioned and has a huge
walk-in wardrobe. A tiled ensuite adjoins the main bedroom
and has a tinted-glass door shower, and soft- marble-look
vanity.
Decorative plaster edging is a highlight on the ceilings
throughout the house. To the right of the foyer is a private
lounge which, like all the bedrooms, is carpeted.
Ultra-modern hanging lights give the room a funky touch.
and a big window overlooks the front garden.
Mr McArthur opted to use recessed lights in the hallway and
open plan kitchen and living area, which are effective in
that they don't detract from the high, angular ceiling.
A split-system air-conditioner has been installed in the
living area, which is also tiled to ensure maximum comfort
during the hot summer months.
Overlooking the living area is the kitchen, which is unique
not only in terms of design but also due to its size.
An island bench stretches about four meters across the kitchen,
directly parallel to a wall bench of equal length.
A new style almond-coloured laminate decorates the cupboards
and drawers, while a more vibrant combination of earthy tones
features on the benchtops.
To separate the main living area from the remaining
three bedrooms, Mr McArthur built a unique dividing wall
that effectively achieves that aim without being obtrusive.
Behind it is the laundry, which incorporates a big walk-in
storage cupboard.
The main bathroom is luxurious without being excessive, and
features a separate b a t h a n d shower and a long vanity.
Shelving has been built above the bath for towels. A tiled
hallway leads to the remaining bedrooms, which are all carpeted,
air-conditioned and have built-in wardrobes with mirrored
doors.
Mr McArthur's attention to detail is obvious in his new,
display home. Even at the rear, the roof has been designed
on three different levels to give the roof line a layered
appearance.
So proud is Mr McArthur of his latest creation that he plans
to enter it in next year's Housing Industry Association Awards.
"The house is built for North Queensland, with raked
ceilings, air-conditioning and a big kitchen Mr McArthur said.
"It is a family home with a big kitchen which 1 think
is a selling point."
McArthur Constructions display home at 98 Annandale Drive,
Annandale, will be open this weekend from 10am to 5pm on Saturday
and Sunday. A sales person will be on-site throughout the
weekend, along with a representative from Queensland Country
Credit Union.
|
