Testimonials
Bryant Alsop worked with Fortem Projects on a substantial addition and renovation to an Edwardian house in Malvern.
The project delivered ahead of schedule, and a high level of finish was achieved throughout the project. Equal levels of care were attributed to the restoration works as was the contemporary addition. Fortem Projects coordinated all aspects of the project from landscaping and pool to window furnishings. This ensured a smooth and coordinated project where
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design details were thoughtfully considered. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Fortem.
Sarah Byrant, Bryant Alsop Architects
Fortem Projects have showed us it is possible to have a professional, high-quality building experience.
Following bad previous experiences with other builders, Fortem Projects have showed us it is possible to have a professional, high-quality building experience. Recommended by a family member, we were in good hands the entire time and felt consistently reassured by their commitment to quality work.We were concerned by cost and appreciated the detail and time Fortem
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took to walk through the individual line items and their openness to discussing where we could make savings. The team were also proactive in making recommendations throughout the process to enhance the architectural designs and create even more space and light in our home.It was an enjoyable, stress-free build from beginning to end and we absolutely love our new dream home in South Yarra.
Liz & Will, Wilson Street South Yarra
Fortem Projects were fabulous on all fronts
Having purchased a lovely old but rundown Victorian house in a good location, I needed a builder to guide me through the process of updating the house.
Fortem Projects have been fabulous on all fronts. Not only have they succeeded in managing a somewhat challenging project which is sympathetic to the original Victorian bones of the house, but they have constructed a home that is also modern and clean with the capacity to make it live again.
All of the challenges faced along the way have been transparently and effectively handled. I am delighted with their work and look forward to living in the house for many years.
All of the challenges faced along the way have been transparently and effectively handled. I am delighted with their work and look forward to living in the house for many years.
Louise Jenkins - Umula South Yarra
We were drawn to working with Fortem due to their professional ethos and attention to detail.
Throughout the whole experience the Fortem team were respectful to our timeline, cost and efficiencies. We found that it was a collaborative process and that the Fortem directors and tradespeople were knowledgeable and passionate throughout the entire build.
We felt confident from when we first met with Fortem that they would deliver an outstanding outcome and that we would have a positive experience. They were focused on delivering an exceptional service with a strong pursuit of quality throughout the entire project. Consequently, we created a strong partnership and had a mutual respect from start to finish.
We worked in close collaboration with the Fortem team and found that they took a meticulous and methodical approach, throughout the whole process. When/if challenged by situations they applied innovative and practical strategies to find a solution. In addition, their keen eye for detail ensured that they created a luxury and functional bespoke home for us.
We are delighted with our newly renovated house and would highly recommend Fortem, as it was a harmonious experience and the work was to the highest calibre. As first time renovators the project definitely surpassed our expectations and we look forward to renovating with Fortem again!
We worked in close collaboration with the Fortem team and found that they took a meticulous and methodical approach, throughout the whole process. When/if challenged by situations they applied innovative and practical strategies to find a solution. In addition, their keen eye for detail ensured that they created a luxury and functional bespoke home for us.
We are delighted with our newly renovated house and would highly recommend Fortem, as it was a harmonious experience and the work was to the highest calibre. As first time renovators the project definitely surpassed our expectations and we look forward to renovating with Fortem again!
Sarah and Edward - Hunter Street Malvern
Fortem Projects never let us down
The best builders to work with are the ones that understand the benefits of good communication – Fortem Projects never let us down.
Both Stuart and Chris understood the level of care required with high end architectural projects and ensured both our team and client were updated and engaged at every step of the way. Their strength in bringing our architectural design to life, realising our client’s vision and dream renovation was invaluable.
Anna Dutton - Architect Director, Bower Architecture & Interiors
From the very beginning of our association with Fortem we knew we were in good hands.
We felt listened to and we were able to achieve everything we were after in our renovation. Timelines were adhered to and there was unfailing attention to detail and pursuit of high quality finishes.
We were pleased to recommend Fortem to our family members, one of whom engaged Fortem for their own renovation. We would highly recommend this professional team and have complete satisfaction with the final product.
Read more “From the very beginning of our association with Fortem we knew we were in good hands.”
Lucy, Lysterville Avenue, Malvern
We had approached two other builders before being introduced to Fortem Projects.
We wanted to commence our build as soon as possible, and Fortem gave us the opportunity to do this and make selections along the way, while ensuring our timeline and budget were adhered to.
The communication from Fortem was exceptional throughout our build. As we lived off-site during construction, we relied on email and phone updates from Chris and Stuart, and always felt we knew what was happening on our project. Their Procore system also allowed us to stay up to date with everything that was happening and meant we didn’t feel the need to visit our home constantly during the build.
We found the Fortem team to be friendly, professional and ready to go above and beyond to bring our design to life. We would recommend them to anyone looking to undertake a heritage restoration or extension.
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We found the Fortem team to be friendly, professional and ready to go above and beyond to bring our design to life. We would recommend them to anyone looking to undertake a heritage restoration or extension.
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Read more “We had approached two other builders before being introduced to Fortem Projects.”
Ben Cooper, Manning Road
I now have a house that has been uplifted and refreshed throughout.
I have recently moved back home after a 10-month major renovation to my two-storey contemporary home in South Yarra. I love it. Bower, represented by Anna Dutton, were the architects and Fortem Projects, lead by Chris Curtain and Stuart McFarland, were the builders.
The aim of the renovation was to enlarge my main bedroom and bathroom as this had been compromised by planning restrictions when we built the house 20 years ago. I also wanted privacy in the rear of my house as a new three-storey house was to be built behind me which would look directly into my rear garden and kitchen.
The design delivered on my goals and much more. The new main bedroom is a generous size and filled with light, while the ensuite huge and gorgeous. I also now have a rear garage with a rooftop garden which connects to the rear of the house. This not only provides privacy and prevents overlooking, it is also a wonderful outdoor area for relaxing and entertaining.
Fortem delivered the project earlier than tendered which was a welcome bonus for us. The quality of the workmanship is excellent, and all trades took enormous care to ensure every detail was addressed.
Nothing was too much trouble for the on-site supervisor. He dealt with sensitive issues with adjoining properties and smoothed relationships with testy neighbours.
Fortem project managed and scheduled the various trades expertly and made recommendations for improvement along the way. Nearly all of these I accepted as I could see they would improve the outcome.
I now have a house that has been uplifted and refreshed throughout. The architects and builders worked collaboratively and resolved challenges along the journey, only some of which needed my involvement.
I am very grateful to have completed the project with a minimum of stress and to be so pleased with the outcome.
I love my ‘new’ house, and would certainly recommend Fortem and Bower to others without hesitation.
The design delivered on my goals and much more. The new main bedroom is a generous size and filled with light, while the ensuite huge and gorgeous. I also now have a rear garage with a rooftop garden which connects to the rear of the house. This not only provides privacy and prevents overlooking, it is also a wonderful outdoor area for relaxing and entertaining.
Fortem delivered the project earlier than tendered which was a welcome bonus for us. The quality of the workmanship is excellent, and all trades took enormous care to ensure every detail was addressed.
Nothing was too much trouble for the on-site supervisor. He dealt with sensitive issues with adjoining properties and smoothed relationships with testy neighbours.
Fortem project managed and scheduled the various trades expertly and made recommendations for improvement along the way. Nearly all of these I accepted as I could see they would improve the outcome.
I now have a house that has been uplifted and refreshed throughout. The architects and builders worked collaboratively and resolved challenges along the journey, only some of which needed my involvement.
I am very grateful to have completed the project with a minimum of stress and to be so pleased with the outcome.
I love my ‘new’ house, and would certainly recommend Fortem and Bower to others without hesitation.
Read more “I now have a house that has been uplifted and refreshed throughout.”
Jennifer Williams - Fawkner Street South Yarra
Fortem were a refreshing builder to work with
It was so refreshing to work with a builder who not only bought options to the table, but had also considered alternative ways of approaching the task.
Fortem knew the job inside out, brought a commercial mind to managing all the details and always delivered a resolution.
Their online App, Procore, was also a huge bonus for both us and the client. It kept everyone updated in real time on how each stage of the renovation was progressing and ensured any drawings made on site were executed accurately and efficiently. They were also just really good people to work with.
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Their online App, Procore, was also a huge bonus for both us and the client. It kept everyone updated in real time on how each stage of the renovation was progressing and ensured any drawings made on site were executed accurately and efficiently. They were also just really good people to work with.
Watch Video
Chris Stribley - Managing Principal, Cera Stribley Architects
We look forward to building with them again when the time comes
Building with Fortem was a positive and collaborative process. The team’s suggestions and expertise proved invaluable and certainly helped improve our build from start to finish.
Both Chris and Stuart were always in close communication, and we felt that any issue that arose was dealt with in a professional and timely manner.
We renovated an inner city site, and all the Fortem staff were kind to our neighbours which helped created a seamless experience for us and the neighbourhood.
We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome and look forward to building with them again when the time comes.
We renovated an inner city site, and all the Fortem staff were kind to our neighbours which helped created a seamless experience for us and the neighbourhood.
We couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome and look forward to building with them again when the time comes.
Read more “We look forward to building with them again when the time comes”
Cameron and Dan Reid
Fortem made a process I was dreading, incredibly easy
To be honest, I was dreading the whole experience of having my house renovated. So you can imagine my surprise to find the process incredibly easy.
From the moment I met Chris and Stuart, I felt instantly at ease and had complete confidence in their ability. Their broader Fortem team were brilliant too. No dramas, no nasty surprises and excellent communication. Even after the job was complete, they’re still responsive to any small queries.
If you’re after expertise, attention to detail and a team that go above and beyond, then I cannot recommend the Fortem team highly enough.
If you’re after expertise, attention to detail and a team that go above and beyond, then I cannot recommend the Fortem team highly enough.
Read more “Fortem made a process I was dreading, incredibly easy”
Irene - Armadale
2021 Victorian Master Builders and HIA-CSR Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards Winner
Renovation / Addition Project
$2.5 million – $5 million
Winner
Renovated Bathroom of the Year
Winner
Renovated Bathroom
$30,001 – $50,000
Winner
Best Bathroom over $30,000
Winner
Best Kitchen over $40,000
Winner