Builder stuns couple with life-changing $100k prize

Karie and John McPherson won $100,000 off the price of their home through Wilson Homes. Picture: Supplied

What started out as a visit to select some home features ended in a wonderful surprise.

When Karie and John McPherson popped into the new Wilson Homes head office and design studio, little did they know the staff had something more in store for them.

While they were discussing the type of bricks, taps and fittings they prefer, the staff were sneaking up behind them.

Bang. Pop. What was that?

Next thing the couple knew, confetti was raining down and an oversized cheque for $100,000 had appeared.

“It was totally unexpected. Genuinely a shock. It knocked our socks off,” Mr McPherson said.

“It was overwhelming; a game-changer.

“We just thought we were just there to make some selections!”

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Karie and John McPherson won $100,000.

Mr McPherson, 55, said the prize gave them the chance to make a few upgrades.

“We upgraded the kitchen, our laundry fittings, more storage, a better walk-in wardrobe. Everything, really! It has turned a good build into something that will be awesome,” he said.

“I’ve never built a new home before, so we are really looking forward to getting started.”

The couple plan to build on the Tasman Peninsula, a slice of Tassie paradise where they struggled to secure a builder.

Mr McPherson said some builders thought it was too far out of Hobart.

“Wilson Homes were happy to build our home,” he said.

“And we were able to work closely with the team to adjust the building’s plans, and make sure that it suited us perfectly.”

Tim Ribbons CEO of Wilson Homes.

Wilson Homes has been celebrating its 35th year in business this year, and has given five customers $100,000 each off the price of their new homes.

Chief executive, Tim Ribbons, said over the past three and a half decades, Wilson Homes has built more than 15,000 homes for Tasmanians.

“It’s not lost on us the trust that Wilson Homes has gained in the community, as Tasmania’s leader in the residential construction industry,” he said.

“When we were considering a promotion to recognise this milestone, it was important for us to truly give back and thank everyone for their commitment to the Wilson Homes brand and to recognise that we intend to continue to build more homes for Tasmanians.

“To recognise this, we offered $35,000 cash back off all of our homes to recognise the 35 years of operations.

“We then partnered with Haier and Fisher & Paykel to provide ducted heating as well as upgraded appliances and a fridge, washer and dryer to complete the offer at no additional cost to our customers.”

The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied

The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied

Mr Ribbons said the impact that the celebration prizes have had on their clients is “clearly significant for everyone”.

“For the five lucky winners who received $100,000 off their build, it can only be described as life-changing,” he said.

“For first-home buyers, young families and couples downsizing to build their last home, it literally changes their lives and has a major financial impact on them, allowing them to reduce their loan and ultimately pay off their loan years sooner. For our staff there was genuine excitement — and a few happy tears — to be involved in each announcement.

“To see the surprise on our customers’ faces, it was truly something special for everyone.”

The new Wilson Homes HQ in New Town. Picture: Supplied

The builder has just opened its new headquarters in New Town.

Mr Ribbons said, with the support of parent company NEX Building Group, Wilson Homes has invested over $3.5m in fitting out its purpose-built office and MyChoice Design Studio.

“The corporate office space is one of the best office environments in Hobart and is a nod to one of our values, ‘People Matter’,” Mr Ribbons said.

“The MyChoice Design Studio is fitted out with almost every option you could consider for fitting out your new home.

“From bricks to cladding, paint, lighting, fixtures, and fittings, it’s all in one location, saving our customers time and the best part is, they can be confident to make selections with the support of our qualified interior designers.

“This new office can be a testament to Wilson’s commitment to continue to be trusted and Tasmania’s leading residential builder for years to come.”

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