THERE IS ANOTHER WAY T H E R E ’ S M O R E T H A N O N E W AY T O BUILD A HOME, AS THESE HOMEOWNERS D I S C O V E R E D, T H A N K S T O G M A C B U I L D E R S .
WORDS KATHY CATTON
PHOTOGRAPHY MICK STEPHENSON
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M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 2 3
ypically, when people are looking to build a home, they opt for either an off-plan design or an architectural build. But there is another way. Less well-known but just as relevant in today’s market, the use of a tender process and working directly with a trusted builder is a great way to ensure a high-quality build at a competitive price. That’s exactly what these homeowners did when it came to building their Fendalton home. Having lived in their previous dwelling for 22 years, Sarah and Howard knew it was time for a fresh start. They loved the suburb but were seeking more sun, space and privacy. So when they came across the 900 square metre section down a quiet street, they knew they had struck gold. “We’d spent about two years looking for the right spot,” says Sarah. “Going to multiple open homes and visiting lots of new homes gave us time to figure out exactly what we wanted.” The couple took the plunge just after the first Christchurch Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. They purchased the land, by which time their design brief was already shaping up. “It was never about an architectural statement home,” says Howard. “We wanted a simple weathertight home, which we could make into a gorgeous, contemporary family home.” “I had it all in my mind how I wanted the home to be,” says Sarah. From the floorplan to the materials, products and finishings, it was all planned out. So it made sense to work with an independent builder and draftsman, who could provide unbiased, independent and transparent advice and guidance through the build process.
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