A recommendation from a friend led Elizabeth to build her new home in the Faringdon subdivision near Christchurch with Generation Homes and she is delighted with her experience.
“I think my house is very beautiful. I want to say it’s the most beautiful house on the street,” she says.
“I did speak to a lot of other builders, not just Generation Homes. Generation Homes were quick to respond to me and I liked their communication throughout the process. I just felt very supported.
“I think people underestimate communication. That was the biggest thing for me,” Elizabeth says.
As a first home buyer, Elizabeth purchased a house and land package in Rolleston and moved in at the end of August 2022.
“The price was reasonable for the area and for what was in the market,” Elizabeth says.
The experience was positive for Elizabeth, and she even had a friend go through the same process – who referred her to Generation Homes. Elizabeth ended up using the same house design as her friend with some minor alterations to the plan.
Elizabeth is grateful for her friend’s referral and talks about her building experience below.
ELIZABETH
It was much cheaper than buying an existing house at the time because existing houses in Christchurch were so expensive. I started looking in 2020 and I spoke to my home consultant Vivek in 2021 after I had been looking for a while.
ELIZABETH
My friend recommended Generation Homes to me when I decided to build and received my pre-approval from the bank. She had built with Generation Homes in Rolleston and had a very nice experience with no problems. I had followed the process of her house build and her home consultant Chad was lovely and supportive. It was stress free for her and her home is just beautiful. Eventually she referred me to Generation Homes and claimed the referral bonus.
ELIZABETH
Searching for a home was stressful and trying to find one that I liked was stressful as well, so I didn’t expect building to be stress free. I was pleasantly surprised.
My process was very efficient and straightforward. Also, knowing what’s happening step by step was important. I knew when I would need to have the next payment ready.
The only difficult part of the build was that it was during the pandemic and we didn’t have gib, so the times took a little longer. That is probably the only difference between my experience and my friend’s experience. It wasn’t anyone’s fault and I felt very well informed about what was happening. Despite the delay, even my bank said my build was quick compared to others using different companies.
ELIZABETH
My experience was a positive one and I really love my home. Vivek always replied to my messages and kept me informed with good communication. He was just great.
The fixed price was good. I had heard stories about how you pay a certain amount and then you're told the price will change. Nothing changed for me in terms of the prices and that was reassuring.
Looking back, the price was quite cheap compared to what it is now. I think my property has almost doubled in price.
ELIZABETH
My house is very similar to my friend’s house. I told Generation Homes that I wanted a four-bedroom home like hers.
I did add a study nook as my daughter is at university. It’s in the hallway between the bedrooms.
ELIZABETH
I've done a lot of landscaping, I've done my fence, placed some white stones outside and I've planted flowers, trees and grass.
ELIZABETH
I love my kitchen and my veggie garden – which is quite big. I love cooking and growing my own vegetables, and my kitchen is built exactly the way I wanted it.
ELIZABETH
I wanted a house and land package when I approached Generation Homes, and at the time Faringdon was available. In a way I don't feel as though I chose Rolleston, more like Rolleston chose me. It was cheap. I would have built anywhere in Christchurch, but I didn’t want to be too far from my work.
I used to live near my job, but I'm happy I’m a homeowner in my own place. I didn't think I’d like the commute to work in the city – but I'm used to it now.
I really enjoy the location, and when I look out of my window I can see a farm with sheep, cows and horses. It’s relaxing to get out of the city. I also think my house is very beautiful and
I want to say it’s the most beautiful house on the street. I like the size of my house and the size of the section it’s on. I have so much space I don't even know what to do with it.
My neighbours are lovely as well. Next door is a Generation Home build, so I knew my neighbour before I even moved in. Vivek made sure to introduce us.
ELIZABETH
I used my KiwiSaver – it’s important for first home buyers to look into that.
I would advise people to start speaking to the bank and Generation Homes early, because if you delay the prices can go up or someone else might buy the land you were considering. I saved money, and once I had pre-approval from the bank, I spoke to Generation Homes. If you decide that you need time to think about it, just be aware that someone else can take the land you’re considering.
Another tip is to save money for any upgrades you’d like. I knew what I wanted – a space at the front of my home where two cars can be parked and some little upgrades in the kitchen, such as LED lighting and my cabinets to go the ceiling. In my bedrooms the wardrobes have mirrors and the ensuite wardrobes are custom made. I knew all the upgrades would have to be paid for at the end of the build, so I was saving hard and knew that I would find the money by that time.