About Trevor
Building a home or renovation isn’t just a technical process — it’s a relationship built on trust, timing, and craft. On the Mornington Peninsula, that balance matters even more: the weather, the light, and the lifestyle all shape how a home needs to work.
At Timber Tegrity, founder and Master Builder Trevor Madsen brings decades of joinery experience, clear communication, and genuine care to every project — from heritage restorations to modern coastal extensions.
A Conversation with Trevor
Q: You began your career in joinery and furniture making. How did that shape the builder you are today?
A: Starting in joinery taught me to slow down and think. You can’t rush timber — it tells you straight away if you’ve cut corners. That early work gave me a respect for materials and detail. I’ve carried that into building; every frame or finish still feels like a piece of furniture to me. It’s about fit, feel, and the story of how something’s put together.
Q: Many homeowners don’t see what’s hidden behind the walls of older homes. What have you learned about working with those unseen challenges?
A: Older houses hold a lot of surprises. You pull up a board and find water damage, or a wall that isn’t square, or wiring from the 1970s. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and to explain what’s happening in plain language. Once people understand the “why,” the stress drops away. It’s not about bad news — it’s about being clear, fixing it properly, and moving forward together.
Q: People describe you as a problem-solver. What does that look like on site day to day?
A: I’ve never liked the word problem. To me, everything’s just a job waiting for a solution. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing a sequence so two trades aren’t tripping over each other. Other times it’s about re-thinking how to achieve a design idea within a budget. I like that kind of work — you use both your head and your hands, and everyone learns something by the end.
Q: How do you help clients make decisions when projects start to change mid-build?
A: The key is talking early and honestly. If something’s going to add cost or time, I’d rather say it straight away. Most clients appreciate that because they can make informed choices. Not every change is about money — sometimes it’s about how it affects the flow of work or another trade down the line. When people see the whole picture, the decisions become easier and fairer for everyone.
Q: Timber Tegrity has long-term clients who come back again and again. What do you think keeps those relationships strong?
A: Trust. I’ve worked with some families through two or three homes now. They know I’ll pick up the phone, I’ll show up, and I’ll tell them the truth — even if it’s not what they want to hear. It’s not about collecting reviews; it’s about doing the kind of work that makes someone call you again ten years later. That means more to me than any advertisement.
Q: You’ve made the Peninsula your home base. What do you enjoy most about building here?
A: I love the mix of landscape and community — every project sits in a different pocket of the coast or bush. The weather keeps you humble too; you have to build for salt air, wind, and light. Most of all, I like helping people settle into homes that actually work for the way they live here — relaxed, practical, connected to the outdoors. That’s what good building should do: make life smoother and a little more beautiful every day.