A Christchurch couple happily downsized to a new home in Lincoln and are excited to be living near family and in a nice community with friendly neighbours.
Jane and Rod had previously built independently in Cashmere a decade ago and hadn’t thought to build new again.
They regard themselves as very fortunate to have seen their section in the Te Whāriki subdivision on a casual drive while they were house hunting. They describe their experience with Generation Homes as refreshingly stress-free.
Choosing their architectural, mono-pitch design was simple and they are very complimentary about the customer service and communications from their Sales Consultant Marcel Fekkes.
“We can’t speak highly enough of Marcel,” she says.
In turbulent times during the global pandemic, their fixed price contract was a bonus.
“We were so incredibly lucky to hit upon something that we didn’t even know we had until further down the track. So yes, it was excellent.”
GH
Why did you decide to build a house instead of buying an existing property?
JANE
I didn’t think we would build. I just thought we’d find a house and move in. We looked at existing homes and they were being snapped up quickly at that time.
Having built, I am so grateful because we’ve got a better home and a new home. It is such a luxury having that twice and Generation made it so easy.
GH
How did you choose Generation Homes to build your home?
JANE
Generation had the section we liked so we made contact directly. It all kind of flowed on from there. We looked at the Generation plans online and basically, we both loved one of the first ones we looked at. We said ‘yes, we want to do it.’ We paid the deposit and the process started. We didn’t look for any other builders at that time. We started with Generation from the get-go.
GH
Why did you choose Generation Homes to build your home?
JANE
It just felt right for us. Our plan was switched around a bit to fit on the section. It all worked out beautifully.
We went with Generation also as we really liked Marcel’s communication. Every time we contacted him, he responded quickly. There was never a time when we felt like he wasn’t listening.
When you work together in the process of building a home, you need to feel that person is on the same page as you. Marcel understood how Rod and I worked and what we wanted.
We didn’t sign up with Generation fully aware of the fixed price contract. Of course, with the way things transpired, (during 2021) we were extremely grateful for this appreciable bonus. It would have changed things dramatically for us without it.
GH
What was the process like working with Generation Homes?
JANE
The concept was a managed build, so was different from our previous build. When we built the first time, we were quite involved. Rod, in particular, was very immersed in the process, visiting the building site most days. It was a really good experience and stood us well for understanding the building process. However, this time, to hand over in the knowledge that the company was going to do things well, would do what they said they would do, and that we didn’t have to worry, was excellent.
We felt well informed, and considering the challenges of the times, the product delays, all that sort of thing, we were very lucky. Everything just flowed. We had certain dates booked in to go through with the builders and look at how the house was going. Of course, we also drove by and looked at it. The building site was always immaculate.
GH
How do you describe your experience working with Generation Homes?
JANE
We could just carry on with our lives while the house was being built. There was absolutely no stress at all.
The process was made easy. We had meetings with Marcel to talk about colours, flooring and fixtures and that was incorporated into the whole process. So, we felt that there was time in between to think about things. There was time to change our mind, which we did a couple of times, such as having electricity instead of gas for hot water and cooking.
The timetable spreadsheet gave an approximate date for difference components of the build and for payments as well. That was good. We knew X amount was due on a certain day. The whole process was outlined very clearly. We knew what was happening in each timeframe. We only have positive things to say about the process.
The move-in date all fell into place. Having a set date wasn’t a huge factor for us. We just wanted our home finished in a reasonable timeframe.
GH
What are some of your favourite features in your home?
JANE
Well, I love my kitchen design. It’s a great workable kitchen and I’m very happy with it. My husband has a media room, which he’s very pleased with too. We are very happy with our outdoor area as well.
It’s a great street with good neighbours, so that has been a real bonus. You know, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your neighbours and we’ve been extremely lucky here.
GH
What budget tips do you have for those building for the first time?
JANE
Don’t get carried away with the upgrades! There are many upgrades you can make from the basics that come with your plan. It is important is to work out any upgrades between the two of you. I wanted a good oven and dishwasher and I really wanted to have a pantry. Rod wanted to have a media room where he could have a good sound system and TV. We also wanted to have a ducted heating and cooling system. It was important to us to have a nice outdoor area as well.
I guess my tip with upgrades is to think about the things you would like. Look at your budget and say, ‘well actually I really want this, but I can do without that.’ You can get carried away with, ‘oh, that’s amazing, I’d love to have that.’
With regards our colour scheme, it was helpful we both preferred a certain colour scheme. Our colour consultant had great ideas and was extremely helpful. It does help to have a basis to start from. There are many places online to look at regarding design and colours. Talk to your partner and see if you’re on the same page regarding your taste in colour and fittings.
GH
Have you made any changes or additions since moving in?
JANE
We have now completed the landscaping around the back of the house.
We wanted some landscaping completed when we moved in as we didn’t want to move into a dust bowl. It was an upgrade to have Ready Lawn laid, but that was important to us.