A Sydney-based construction company specialising in high-end residential projects, Build X Construction Group has developed knowledge and expertise of residential construction over three generations of builders in Sydney.

Build X Directors John Di Genua and Patrick El Khouri bring valuable experience and knowledge to their clients in the current climate of residential construction.Build X has built a reputation in the ‘high-end luxury’ residential sector through its excellence and uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and a passion for the industry. Mr Di Genua and Mr El Khouri spoke with us recently to discuss the three generations of construction experience behind the company, some of the varied projects Build X is currently undertaking, and the focus on building trustworthy client relationships that separates the company from others in the industry.

High-end growth

“The journey really started about 60 years ago,” Mr El Khouri explains, “with my grandfather emigrating from Lebanon. He began his construction journey in the multi-residential space. My father and his two brothers began working onsite from a young age, which really led to substantial high-end growth in multi-res construction.”

Being a third generation builder, Mr El Khouri has spent many years onsite, learning the ropes and all the tricks of the trade his family has passed down over the years. These beginnings led to Build X being established in 2014.

“I was onsite with my father since I about 14 years old,” Mr El Khouri says. “So from a very young age I was doing a bit of labouring, and as I grew older I began to understand the project management side of construction.”

He then went on to study a double degree in finance and accounting, at the same time continuing to work onsite and obtaining his builders license. This combination helped him understand the back-end of the construction industry and put him in an excellent position to utilise all his knowledge to build a business in construction.

“Similar to Patrick, I went to uni and I studied accounting, with finance and economics,” Mr Di Genua adds. “But throughout my degree I realised that it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my career. Having worked with Patrick and his family on the building sites over the years, I began to develop a passion for construction.”

This led to Mr Di Genua opening a small maintenance company, while also studying construction at the same time. This eventually led to the two men combining their interests and skillsets and working together to create Build X.

“The two biggest elements that we identified when starting the business were professionalism and attention to detail,” Mr El Khouri says. “What we really noticed is the most important factor apart from these two is building a trustworthy relationship with your client. You really need to make them feel as though they’re a part of the journey.”

The company was started to fill a gap in the market that provided these elements. With proven methodologies and systems in place to ensure projects are delivered seamlessly, Build X gives clients piece of mind from the concept stage all the way through to handover.

“In the high-end residential space that we’re working on at the moment, these clients will be working on these projects and architectural plans for 2-3 years, so you need to make them feel as though they’re a part of the journey, from when you submit their tender to when they’re onsite and you’re handing over.”

There is a general persona in the construction industry as a whole that tends to exclude clients from this process. Having clients be a big part of the journey and helping them understand how the construction side of things works is key to Build X delivering something different from its competitors.

“We do that through value engineering, on any project,” Mr Di Genua says. “Especially in construction, we’re experiencing significant supply chain issues, as well as shortage of labour. We’re able as a business to overcome that through value engineering, with key players in the project from engineers to architects, and most importantly the client.”

Build X is currently working on five very exciting projects, ranging from new builds, extensions and renovations, some of which are already very near completion and ready to be showcased to potential clients.

“What’s really most exciting is that all these projects that we’re about to complete, we’re going to be submitting for an Master Builder Award,” Mr Di Genua explains. “So we’re very excited as a company for what we’ve been able to do with these projects.”

One of these projects involves two properties – an extensive three storey duplex with concrete roof in the eastern suburb of Bellevue Hill. The company has recently had to build a fourth floor on top, which has proved challenging, as they have had to cut into the concrete and dispose of it in order to build the addition.

“These two projects are both very unique. On one side we’ve built a very high-end master bedroom for our clients, which is full of very detailed stone imported all the way from Norway. On the right-hand side we’ve got a bit more of an entertainers area. We’ve craned up a 5.5m spa on top of the roof and building a leisure area for our clients.”

Specialising in high-end residential construction, Build X focuses on new builds, extensions and renovations in and around the Sydney area. Find out more about Build X Construction Group by visiting www.buildx.group