Licensed Builder Partner
Small-Scale Residential Development
• Modular/Prefab Focus
• Partnership Not Employment
Melbourne (Bayside, SE Suburbs, Mornington Peninsula)
The Context
Lite Touch Developments (LTD) has spent 6 years researching the residential construction market in Victoria. We are rolling out a business model that will enable us to deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) into an identified market gap. This model will provide us with development opportunities, which we will participate in without the need to invest our own capital or cash. As such – the MVP is a 'networking / cashflow strategy' to enable access to more profitable development opportunities.
MVP - We've tested products, analysed demand, and validated pricing across 15+ projects spanning granny flats, modular extensions, small subdivisions, and visitor accommodation.
We've identified a significant market gap: property owners aged median house price $1.2M+) who need backyard solutions—granny flats, extensions, intergenerational living spaces—but are poorly served by the current builder-led model. Note that this same target market will also have sites suitable for us to develop.
The problem? Most builders don't understand the client's WHOLE problem. They understand building. We're fixing that.
What We're Building
LTD operates as a client-side project manager—we sit on the property owner's side of the table, not the builders. This creates:
• Trust & transparency: Clients know we're advocating for them, not maximising builder profit
• Built-in sales pipeline: B2B referral engine through real estate agents, financial planners, mortgage brokers
• Revenue streams: PM fees from clients + builders margin + developers margin (on development sites)
Our Product Strategy:
• Limited product range: 3-5 highly refined designs—functional, energy-efficient, ultra-low maintenance
• No variations: Clients want a 'boutique bespoke solution'? We send them elsewhere. Standardization = profitability
• Modular/prefab methodology: Heavy cabinetry component, factory-built where possible, minimal reliance on licensed trades on-site
• Client-first positioning: We sit on the client's side of the table, not the builder's
• Scalable model: Systemized delivery, repeatable processes, geographic expansion pathway
Attraction for builder
Predictable, low risk revenue model led by experienced sales and marketing team. Access to development profits that has a relatively simple scalable growth model. No capital risk to enable equity & profit share
What We Need From You
Essential:
• Current DBU (Domestic Builder Unlimited) license in Victoria
• Values alignment: integrity, client outcomes, doing things differently in this industry
• Willingness to work towards sweat equity (8 hrs/week for 6-8 weeks) before revenue flows
• Belief that builders can run profitable businesses WITHOUT variations, cost blowouts, and delays
Highly desirable:
• Experience with modular/prefab construction or factory-built components
• Track record delivering fixed-price, fixed-time projects on small-scale residential
• Ability to build systemized processes (not just ad-hoc project execution)
What You Get
• Equity partnership: Genuine ownership stake, not employment
• Revenue priority: When revenue flows (est weeks), partners get paid first
• Built-in sales pipeline: B2B referral engine (real estate, financial planners, mortgage brokers)
• Dual revenue model: PM fees + builder partnerships (you're not competing for scraps)
• Autonomy: Shape how we build, systemize, and scale from day one
About the Founder
Phil Hartog—35+ years in residential construction/development, son of a registered builder, started as an electrician. Ran a similar successful business model for 6 years in land estates; now pivoting to existing suburban properties. 20+ years running businesses in this space, managing 1,000+ projects. Values honesty, humility, and getting things done without drama. Please review LinkedIn profile.
How to Apply
Email with:
1. Cover letter explaining why this opportunity interests you, and how you satisfy the requirements of 'what we need from you'
2. CV/Resume/BIO
3. Your experience with modular/prefab or systemized builds
Business Plan (confidential) will be shared after initial conversation + NDA.
Preference given to applicants who write their own responses (not via ChatGPT etc).
No agencies, please.