Bec Judd's tick of approval changed this Melbourne builder's business

Melbourne’s celebrity set have their favourite stylists, make-up artists and personal trainers on speed dial.

Now another name has been added to many high-profile contact lists, with Dale Cheesman quite literally becoming “The” Melbourne Builder (TMB), by both name and reputation.

The dynamic founder of building and renovation company TMB has become the go-to guy for luxury residential projects, large-scale events and temporary structures.

Working alongside some of Australia’s best designers, architects and event managers, as well as Melbourne’s movers and shakers, TMB has built an impressive portfolio of work in the 12 years since it began.

Its unique custom builds have been showcased at iconic events including the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Celebrities such as Rebecca Judd, Tommy Little, Laura and Dalton Henshaw and Elliot Garnaut have called on TMB to renovate and create unique spaces in their homes, while big brands, including Myer and Lexus, have enlisted the company to build glamour marquees.

TMB is also responsible for the popular summer cocktail bar Arbory Afloat, the unique temporary structure that pops up for six months a year on the Yarra River near Flinders Street Station.

“We’re pretty lucky to be working with such great people, but you really don’t treat a job any differently because of who they are or what brand they are,” Cheesman says.

A certified master builder, Cheesman was among the first to recognise the power of social media in promoting and growing his business. The Melbourne Builder currently has more than 31,000 followers on Instagram.

“I would consider myself a young builder, so I was lucky enough to be across the millennial era of Myspace, Facebook and Instagram,” he says.

“To see my business on a social media platform wasn’t too hard for me, whereas I think builders that are a little bit older than us have struggled in that sense.”

Having savvy style-setter Rebecca Judd genuinely sing your praises on socials hasn’t hurt, either. The uber influencer has regularly applauded TMB online for its craftsmanship on the luxury renovation of her $7.3 million Brighton family home, as well as her Mount Buller chalet.

“I would call it the Judd factor,” Cheesman says. “The fact that we renovated [their] family home in Melbourne and their name’s quite recognised helps us if we’re fighting it out on a tender.

“It definitely puts us in front, with the exposure we got and the followers that came with it.

“Bec is so thorough with what she wants and how she wants it,” he adds. “To be able to work with her, we weren’t second-guessing on many things we built; she was very direct with the look she wanted.”

TMB is currently working with comedian and radio presenter Tommy Little on a wellness hub. A devotee of the Wim Hof Method, which combines breathing with hot and cold therapy, Little wants to create a health retreat at home.

“Tommy is all about the Wim Hof Method that’s sweeping the nation,” Cheesman says. “The whole sauna and ice thing – people are trying to live longer and feel healthier.”

He says lifestyle additions to homes, such as saunas, spas and pools are among the key renovation trends at the moment.

“I think it’s partly COVID, because people have spent more time at home,” he says. “And I think it’s also due to house prices increasing.

“A lot of people have seen a massive increase in the price of their home, so they’ve got a little bit of extra cash floating around.”

Custom joinery has always been a feature of high-end renovations, but now more so than ever – whether it be eye-catching kitchen cabinetry or living room shelving that cleverly conceals the TV.

“In terms of trends, from a design point of view we’re seeing raw materials, timber, concrete,” Cheesman says. “But we’re seeing designers get more creative with these products, so lots of curves, stone shelves, cladding, backs of joinery and timber shapes.

“The other one is micro cement in bathrooms, which is like a concrete render. We’re seeing a massive trend shift here, where instead of tiling the walls, it’s like a render.”

Old-world character is also making a comeback with a contemporary take on English style.

“Old English is making a comeback, with tapware, fixtures, fittings and joinery,” Cheesman says.

Earthy colours are still popular, but many modern interiors are returning to a simple white base and adding textural and colour elements to layer it up.

“Earthy colours have made a big play, and the pastels, but I’d say it’s starting to go back to minimalist whites and light floors,” Cheesman says. “Once they have that base, then they can fill it with beautiful furniture and artwork and create a space like that.”