Affordable Quality Homes Now A Reality in PNG

“Quality, modern homes at affordable prices have at long last become a reality in PNG” claimed Andrew Avenell, Co-founder and Director of Rhodes, when he spoke at the recent PNG Real Estate Show.  But Avenell urges families to be cautious and do their homework before they make what is likely to be the biggest investment of their life.  “Low quality houses, which won’t last the lifespan of a bank loan, are coming on to the market in increasing numbers.  Families who purchase these homes will have the financial burden of not just their mortgage repayments but huge maintenance costs after about 15 years when their houses literally start to fall apart” claimed Avenell.

The upside though, is that quality doesn’t have to be compromised by affordability and this is the case with Rhodes’ range of family homes.  The quality of Rhodes’ homes is achieved through the use of top-grade galvanised steel frames, superior building products, composite materials and technology.  Their affordability is achieved by Rhodes’ vertical integration and technological advances resulting in a smarter, faster and better way to build. 
Rhodes are prefabrication and modular building specialists, manufacturing their frames, roof trusses and other components on the factory floor and then assembling them on site.  Companies that specialise in prefabricated steel-framed buildings save their customers money because much less time is spent on the actual building site. Building in PNG is expensive due to weather extremes which drag out the building process and the lack of qualified trades people especially in remote locations which means you end up paying ‘top dollar’ for labour.  “The beauty of a pre-fabricated building” says Avenell “is that it can be assembled quickly by even unskilled workers which means less labour costs and therefore a lower price for home buyers.”

Another way families save money by buying a prefabricated steel framed house is through lower ongoing maintenance requirements.  Steel is tough and long-lasting.  Galvanised steel won’t rust, and unlike wood, it won’t rot, burn or be eaten by termites.  Even the best quality wood that has been chemically treated for termites won’t last as long as galvanised steel.  “People shouldn’t just take my word for it though” says Avenell “everyone looking to buy a new house should do their own independent research to find out why building with steel is a much smarter option than building with wood.”
It’s not only families in Port Moresby or other major urban centres that can enjoy living in an affordable and quality home.  Companies like Rhodes with their logistics and remote location building expertise are transporting prefabricated and modular houses, health clinics, and schools all over the country and indeed throughout the Pacific.  The range of buildings Rhodes delivers to families, communities and

businesses throughout PNG and beyond can be found on their website www.rhodesprojects.com.  For more information on Rhodes’ homes contact them on 7091 4457.

Image & Caption

Image:  David Site Reduced
Caption:  “Quality and compliance audits are an important element of the building process for all of the homes we build” says Business Development Manager David Mackenzie onsite at the Nambawan Super staff housing estate.