SJD Homes has again proven that it punches well above its weight in the industry, recently being recognised as Australia’s top major builder.
Officer’s well-known home builder took home the award for 2025 Australian Professional Major Builder at the housing industry’s night of nights: the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.
Despite competing at the highest level of the building industry, SJD Homes has remained local, constructing thousands of homes throughout the South East and Gippsland.
“We were rapt, it’s a pretty big award for a company our size,” said SJD Homes’ General Manager of Pre-sales, Rod Fitzsimmons.
“We were surprised. We just thought we might miss out because we were up against some really great builders.”
This win follows last year’s victory in the same category at the state level for Victoria. Now, SJD Homes has achieved national recognition among peers across the country.
Mr Fitzsimmons said the company always understands its scope and how best to deliver for everyone involved in the building process.
“We take customers all the way through, we build a relationship from pre-sales through to construction. That makes the difference,” he said.
“And the culture is really good. Whether it’s drafting, estimating, or pre-construction, it’s always a fun place to work.”
SJD Homes enjoys a consistent 20 to 25 per cent referral rate in their sales. This award will likely lock in even more prospective customers seeking their dream home.
“Embedded in everything SJD Homes does is a culture of collaboration, transparency, and community engagement. The company is dedicated to driving positive change and setting new standards for excellence in the construction industry,” the HIA described SJD Homes in their win.
“SJD Homes has demonstrated commitment to service, innovation, craftsmanship, and client satisfaction, earning a strong reputation with clients that will stand the company in good stead going forward.”
Founded in 2007 with just two employees, SJD Homes now employs over 100 staff.
The win also proves that businesses can be at the cutting edge of their industry while dedicating time to give back to the community and care for the environment.
SJD Homes is a partner of the Cardinia Community Foundation, collaborating on efforts that support locals in need.
Within the company, dedicated committees organise and promote charitable initiatives across the team. Staff support organisations such as Follow Bless Collective and Frankie’s Community Kitchen.
SJD Homes Director Simon Dunstan is a board member of the foundation and actively encourages staff to participate in community efforts. Mr Fitzsimmons said his leadership has been instrumental in this area.
“Simon is happy for people to take half a workday to help these community groups while still getting paid,” he said.
“We feel it’s important, we’re a good-sized local company that can still give back.”
Furthermore, SJD Homes has been leading green initiatives within the industry.
The company has been an HIA GreenSmart registered builder since 2009, the same year it built one of the first homes with a 7-star energy efficiency rating.
As of last year, a 7-star rating became the national minimum standard for energy efficiency in new homes.
SJD Homes has been achieving this standard for years by incorporating sustainable practices into its building process.
“I think it’s a big part of the win as well. It’s not just about the business, building homes, and making money, it’s about the extra bits and pieces that we can all do,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
Fellow nominees for the category were: Brighton Homes (QLD), Eden Brae Homes (Hunter), Eden Brae Homes (NSW), Summit Homes Group (WA), Weeks Homes (SA), and Wilson Homes (TAS).
