GH

How would you describe the community atmosphere in Riverhead?

ALEXA

It is lovely! People are very friendly and really interested in getting to know each other.

I met a lovely neighbour and together we organised a street party at the end of March and about 70 people turned up. Now everyone’s asking me when the next street party is! There is a great cross section of people living out here, including other retirees and young families. The other night we went down to the local golf club, had a meal and joined the quiz evening. We’re already making new friends and it’s just a nice, friendly and relaxed neigbourhood. Riverhead Point is a small subdivision and it has a wonderful country feel about it.

GA

Why did you choose to partner with Generation Homes?

ALEXA

We visited a number of showhomes in Riverhead but Generation Homes kept drawing us back. For us, it really came down to the staff. Suanne and Peter were the first people we met at Generation Homes and they were just so warm, welcoming and relaxed. They weren’t pushy and were very informative, answering every question we asked. We also loved the showhome and were impressed with the workmanship.

OWEN

We had looked at other companies but in my mind I had Generation Homes. I know it has been operating for a long time in Tauranga and Mt. Maunganui, so I thought that this is obviously a well established firm that has good roots and they build good houses. We went home and Googled them, and couldn’t see one bad word about them.

ALEXA

I recall Peter saying to us: “if you want some advice, all builders can build different types of houses, they are basically all the same and they can be changed to suit your needs but you have got to think about who you can work with” – and when he said that, it really rung a bell! Generation Homes was honest and upfront right from the beginning. This made us feel really comfortable and that we could trust them.

GH

Was this your first home build? 

ALEXA

No it wasn’t. I built a home many years ago with my ex husband. Back then, you couldn’t get a mortgage unless you were building a new home. We were newly married  and on a very tight budget. It was a very stressful process and a lot of things went wrong.  After that I decided that I had just had it and I never wanted to build another home again! But as Owen and I were both entering retirement, we recognised that our needs were changing and we fancied the idea of building a new home. Now we’re here, we are very happy.

GH

Comparing this with your first home building experience, what made the Generation Homes team really stand out?  

ALEXA

Their communication skills were excellent. They were also approachable if we wanted to make changes and kept us informed at every stage of the build. In my previous experience, there was zero communication. They were obnoxious people and I didn’t really enjoy the process at all. It was just a house to them and they were happy to take our money. But with Generation Homes, we were given the opportunity to sit down and work with their draftsman and discuss our ideas. We wanted a sunny, warm house with privacy at the back, and separation from the unit in the front. We ended up with all of it.

GH

Tell us about the design process to build your home and income property. 

OWEN

We wanted to have privacy around our home and the unit, and if possible, two separate driveways and private garages, which we got. The unit is quite separate and is located at the front of the property. We made sure that we didn’t put big windows at the back of the unit, so we aren’t looking into each other. The unit has two big ranch sliders and a deck at the front giving the tenants their privacy and their own outdoor space. We considered that this unit was an excellent investment for old age because we will always have that extra income.

ALEXA

I also had in mind that the family one day might need or want our house, and if we get old and dithery, we could just live in the unit. It’s given us options in the future. It’s a lovely unit, I could live there myself. It’s light and spacious and has the quality fittings that we have in the main house. We haven’t skimped out on anything!

GH

Were there any challenges to overcome during the design and build process?

OWEN

No there wasn’t actually. It was very straight forward. I can’t think of any challenges that we encountered to be honest.

ALEXA

Yes we did, and when Generation Homes came back with a plan, it was perfect. We wanted a covered area in front of the lounge and family room so we could have a shady area to relax and entertain. I also wanted a little cupboard in my office where my computer and extra things are, so this was all included in the media room. It’s a great space to interview clients for weddings. They can come here and it is a nice private room, separated by the sliding doors from the family room and kitchen. I also wanted a laundry that wasn’t in the garage with plenty of storage space.

OWEN

We also tiled the showers and made them a bit bigger. We also built a large outdoor deck. It’s great in the winter because it is nicer to walk onto a deck rather than concrete and we put a spa pool in.

GH

What do you love most about your new home?

ALEXA

Well everything really. It is very quiet and there’s no condensation with the double glazing. It’s so cosy and warm in the winter, yet light and open in the summer. We just fling all the doors open and the sun comes into our bedroom, kitchen and dining room every morning. It’s a really well-designed, solid home and we are very happy.

GH

What advice would you offer to other people looking to build a home and income property?

OWEN

I would say go to Generation Homes! They do a great job and really listen to you. This style of property has given us increased flexibility and a sense of security in our retirement. We would recommend for other people to consider a home and income property if it suited their lifestyle and plans.

GH

Would you partner with Generation Homes again?

ALEXA

Yes, we wouldn’t hesitate to build with Generation Homes again. They have done a grand job and were very supportive. Even after the build, they have been back to make sure everything was ok with the house and complete a few minor touch ups. I thoroughly recommend Generation Homes, and I have done so already. They are just lovely people and a great firm to work with.