Not Just Houses, Homes: Meet Trent Allen Building
If you've spent any time in Inverloch over the past few decades, chances are you've walked past a house built by Trent Allen Building. You might even live in one. Up to house number 326 and counting, this local building team has quietly shaped the streets of our town, one home at a time.
We caught up with Caroline, interior designer, co-owner and all round organisational powerhouse of Trent Allen Building, to find out what makes this long running family business tick.
A local story, nearly three decades in the making
Trent and Caroline have been building in Inverloch for 27 years, most of that time as the local Hotondo Homes franchise. In 2024 they made the leap to rebrand as Trent Allen Building, a move that reflects where the market and the town, has been heading.
"People in Inverloch are leaning towards custom builds," Caroline explains. "A lot of the big volume builders won't touch custom options. We love them. Full house designs, creative ideas, the lot. Rather than walk away from builds requiring planning permits or those considered difficult sites; such as slopes or acreage, we embrace them and get excited to be working with our clients on such unique properties”.
And this is a genuinely local operation. Trent and Caroline have lived in Inverloch for 30 years, their kids went to school here, they sponsor the local footy club and are proud members of the Inverloch Tourism Association wanting to contribute to the promotion of the town and support the community. When you build with Trent Allen Building, you're dealing directly with the business owner and community members, not a sales office in the city.
Award finalists and proud of it
The team was thrilled to be named a finalist in the 2025 Bass Coast Business Awards, recognised in the Business Innovation category.
"Awards are a great way to assess your own business," Caroline says. "The process makes you take a proper look at what you do and why. We got a lot out of it. It’s their commitment to guiding clients from concept to completion why Trent Allen Building was recognised as a finalist in the Business Innovation category. By bringing design, interior styling and construction together under one roof, they deliver a seamless experience from the first consultation to the moment clients turn the key and step into their new home.
Building trust, not just walls
One thing Caroline is especially proud of is the number of women who choose to build with them.
"Building a home is a big deal and people are often nervous. It's hard to gain trust with a business you don't know. Because we own the business and we're the ones you deal with from start to finish, that trust builds naturally."
As a niche builder completing around six homes a year, the team can give every project the attention it deserves. Caroline's favourite builds? "The ones where clients bring creativity and trust the process. And you can't beat a great open plan living space."
They also keep it local wherever they can, using Inverloch and Bass Coast businesses for their suppliers. Good for the build, good for the town.
A town that keeps growing
Inverloch has changed plenty over the years, with new subdivisions and new faces arriving all the time. What hasn't changed is what people want from their builder: someone trustworthy, someone experienced and someone who actually lives here.
With over three decades of building behind them and house number 327 on the horizon, Trent Allen Building ticks every box.
Come and say hello
Want to see what they're all about? Drop into the showroom at 60 Cashin Street, Inverloch, or visit trentallenbuilding.com.au to browse their work and get in touch.
Stay up to date with their current work and follow them on their Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/trent_allen_building/
Because at the end of the day, they don't just build houses. They build homes.
“No Stress, just stunning results”
ITA Member Feature written by Kane Bond - Gippslander - Local jobs website
