In today’s building market, speed and reputation are paramount, particularly for Tier 1 builders operating at scale.
Yet one area that continues to create inefficiencies and risk is the traditional approach to cladding and external wall systems.
The typical process, relying on multiple trades and disjointed coordination, often results in delays and inconsistencies that affect both project timelines and client satisfaction.
That is why more Tier 1 builders are now partnering with integrated cladding providers to improve both efficiency and quality.
“We see our role as getting builders to lock-up as quickly as possible,” says Jake Green, General Manager of Maaken, a leading AAC cladding and project management business.
“We do not just install cladding—we manage the job through to lock-up. And that takes a significant weight off the builder’s shoulders.”
How Integrated Cladding Systems Save Time and Resources
Historically, external wall systems required managing multiple trades, cladding installers, renderers, painters, each with its own timeline and challenges.
The risks were clear:
Delays. Inconsistencies. Defects. Brand damage.
In contrast, Maaken provides a full-service solution:
- Supply
- Installation
- Rendering
- Painting
- Quality assurance
- Project management and portal integration
Every project is tracked via Maaken’s bespoke IT system, a multi-million dollar investment that gives builders real-time visibility.
“No one is chasing purchase orders or calling for updates anymore,” says Green.
“It is all managed live in the portal. From estimation through to defect rectification—we have built the system to scale.”
The Changing Reality of Brickwork
There is also a significant workforce challenge driving change. The bricklaying trade is shrinking at an alarming rate.
“When we conducted our research, the average age of a bricklayer was 51,” says Green.
“For every thousand bricklayers, there is less than one apprentice entering the trade. That model is simply not sustainable.”
The result is increasingly familiar across sites—pallets of bricks sitting unused, and build schedules slipping.
Maaken’s AAC cladding system provides a more efficient and scalable solution:
- Single-storey homes enclosed in one to two days
- Double-storey homes enclosed in three to four days
By comparison, traditional brickwork can take up to four times longer, with greater variability.
Reputation Matters More Than Ever
In today’s digital landscape, customer experience has a direct impact on brand reputation.
“For large Tier 1 builders, reputation is everything,” says Green.
“One poor customer experience can very quickly undermine years of good work.”
By providing an integrated, high-quality cladding solution—and managing the process from start to finish—Maaken helps builders deliver consistent outcomes and minimise brand risk.
“Our systems and supervision remove a great deal of the anxiety for builders,” says Green.
“They are not dealing with multiple trades—they deal with us. We take full responsibility for delivery and quality.”
The Value of True Partnerships
Perhaps most importantly, builders working with Maaken are engaging in a true partnership—not a transactional arrangement.
“We sign a Service Level Agreement with every Tier 1 builder,” says Green.
“It sets clear expectations for both sides and gives everyone confidence that we will deliver on what we promise.”
That collaborative approach is why Maaken continues to build long-term relationships with some of Australia’s most progressive builders, including groups such as Homes by CMA and Ausmar.
“We aim to make the build process as straightforward as possible,” says Green.
“If we can take a significant part of the process off your plate and deliver it to a high standard, it simply makes sense.”
The TGB Opinion
As the Australian building industry continues to evolve, those builders who embrace smarter systems, trusted partnerships and collaborative approaches will be best positioned for long-term success.
If your business is ready to rethink its external wall systems—and deliver with greater speed and certainty—now is the time to explore new solutions.
At The Good Builder, we believe in sharing stories of innovation and partnerships that help move our industry forward.
If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch.
Contact us at [email protected]
0 Comments