CASE STUDY • 11TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Talya & Harrison
Nothing was too much to ask for.
Building new in Botanic Ridge
Living with their parents, Talya and Harrison were excited for their new journey into home ownership, taking the leap to build their first home together. Carpenter Harrison dedicates his time to his love of golf, while his fiancé Talya, a parking officer and book enthusiast.
As Harrison traveled between houses, the couple started looking at the established housing market, hoping to buy. Approved for the First Home Buyers scheme, they attended home inspections and made offers. However, the deflating experience led them to rethink their approach. “We would put a price in for $700,000.00, and someone would offer $800,000.00, and you just think, what are we doing? We did find out what we did and didn’t like, because I only know the four walls inside mum and dad’s house, which was built a long time ago”, said Talya.
They changed their approach and reached out to various developers for land. Talya spent a day off searching close to family in Botanic Ridge. “Many developers offered small, costly blocks for the size that we wanted”, she said. Finally, one developer pointed Talya in the right direction. Surrounded by pine trees and adjacent to a reserve, they found their block of land – a hidden gem within the Botanic Ridge estate.
THEIR JOURNEY
Pre-site design journey
During this time, the pair explored builders and searched for designs that would fit their narrow frontage and shallow block. The couple’s non-negotiables included four bedrooms, a raked ceiling, a covered outdoor area, and LED lighting.
“We went through all the display homes, which was an overwhelming experience. Fairhaven Homes then had new displays open in Clyde and we liked the Ballina there. We were drawn to the raked ceiling but wanted a different kitchen”, said Harrison. Talya remembers the moment they went through the Ballina display home, “I remember Harry turning to me and saying, ‘This is the one’. We spent about an hour in the display home measuring walls and planning where our furniture would go”. Following a structural change to their kitchen, they signed on with Fairhaven Homes to build a Ballina 250.
Soon enough, it was time to style their new home. The couple didn’t have a particular style in mind, instead they took inspiration from display homes and incorporating aspects they liked into their studio selections appointment. Describing it as a ‘fun day’, Tayla appreciated how supported they felt, “If Harry and I couldn’t make a decision, we would look to our Interior Designer for advice. At the start of the appointment, she said, ‘Don’t worry, I won’t let you make poor choices’ and that made us relax, knowing we were getting honest feedback from her”, said Talya. The pair aimed for a neutral style while remaining flexible. “We picked everything we wanted and then scaled back”, Talya explained. “Fairhaven Homes allowed us a couple of weeks to review pricing, and we ended up removing the shower niche, which I regretted”, added Harrison.
Heartbreaking flood, five days before handover
After a long wait for titles, their block of land finally titled, and the new home build started on site 9.14 weeks later, in August 2023.
For Talya, seeing something on the ground was the most exciting moment. “I was excited for the slab; there’s actually something on the ground. It’s a piece of concrete, but it’s our piece of concrete”, she said. Not long after, the frame went up, and the floorplan started to come to life.
Construction moved along smoothly, with their new home presentation completed in February 2024. While stopping by the site, Talya noticed the water mains at the front were trickling water but didn’t think much of it. As she walked down the side of the house, she saw the flyscreens were damaged. “All our flyscreens had been cut. I thought ‘That’s mean, but an easy fix’, and then I saw the door was open and there was just water everywhere”, she continued, “I just ran in, went through the house, and turned off all the taps”.
Talya and Harrison’s new home was flooded five days before handover. The next morning, Fairhaven Homes were on site removing all the flooring as Harrison engaged a water damage expert. Reflecting on the situation, Harrison said, “During the process of what happened, we felt like it wasn’t our house anymore or that we wanted to move into it anymore”.
“Fairhaven Homes held a meeting with us asking what we wanted to do, ensuring we felt comfortable moving into our house knowing it was safe and that everything was handled accordingly. They were very open and transparent about the repairs and were committed to restoring our home to its original glory. We cannot fault Fairhaven Homes for the way this situation was handled”, said Talya.
It showed Fairhaven’s true colours and I would not hesitate to build with them again.
Trusting the process
Following many trades, rectification works and onsite meetings, Talya and Harrison were able to move into their new home on time, 8.3 months after starting on site.
Reflecting on their experience with Fairhaven Homes, Talya acknowledges the company’s integrity even during challenging moments. She says, “Even though this highlight stems from a lowlight, it showed Fairhaven Homes’ true colours, and I would not hesitate to build with them again”. The sentiment is endorsed by Harrison, who speaks to the care delivered, during the process.
“We had an inspector all the way through, and he didn’t really pick up on much. After the flooding, all the checks were found to be in order, and I’m happy that all the heaters and fans were in for four weeks”.
It’s literally everything I wanted.
Home of their dreams
Content with the size of their home and wishing the estate allowed cats, the couple booked trips overseas and discussed their plans for landscaping. They envision festoon lights, concrete seating and a firepit in their background, setting the perfect scene for the nights they entertain.
Both talked about the future and how they see themselves living in the home for 10 years. “I can’t imagine finding something as good as this, as close as we are”, said Talya. Reflecting on their dream home she added, “It’s literally everything that I wanted”.
GALLERY
