Customer Stories: The newlyweds Bethany and Robert
“Dales was our choice and we never looked back”
Why building beat buying established: Building was the obvious choice for newlyweds Bethany and Robert. With very specific ideas in mind regarding space and layout, finding an established home that fitted the bill was a tall order.
The couple also discovered that the cost of building a new home was comparable to the cost of buying an established one. “And we didn’t want to spend every weekend for the next few years renovating,” Robert said. After finding a block in an area that suited their work and family life, they started drawing up plans for a new four-bedroom, two-bathroom home that met all their needs – and more.
The new-home wish list: Bethany, an administration manager, and Robert, a metallurgical technician, wanted to make sure there was room in their new house for their individual hobbies and interests.
Bethany loves dance, both as a student and as a teacher, as well as sewing, and Robert plays bass and enjoys online gaming. The plans for their new house included a games room, home office and home theatre, all rooms that could be adapted easily to suit a variety of uses.
With an eye on the future, the couple were very aware they needed a layout that offered them good flexibility.
“We weren’t too sure where our future was heading and so wanted a home we could grow into if needed,” Robert said. With the arrival of their first baby in October 2021, the couple’s design approach is already proving a winner.
The design experience: “The design team at Dales were very open and honest in all of our communications and went above and beyond to make sure we were getting the best and most up to date information,” Robert said.
“We always felt as though our opinions and preference were valued and listened to. When the time came for us to put pen to paper and finalise our plan to build, Dales was our choice and we never looked back.”
The couple started their build just before the pandemic started. “We were concerned we would be massively impacted, but we got lucky and our estimated timeline remained relatively the same,” Robert said.
Robert summed up the building experience in three words: Easy. Satisfying. Fun.
The building experience: “Seeing our ideas and selections come to life and then being able to live in our new home and enjoy them every day is one of the best things about building”, he said. Building gave the couple the opportunity to really make the design their own.
Bethany was even able to liaise with the tilers on site to achieve the unique textured finish the couple wanted for their kitchen splashback. Choosing all their colours, fixtures and finishes was one of the highlights of their build. “The pre-start meeting was actually an incredibly fun experience. We’d love to be able to build more homes just to do more pre-starts!” Robert said.
Why they love their new home: “Every day, waking up in a house that reflects our lifestyle and personalities is truly a breath of fresh air,” said Robert, who is enjoying having a private study for gaming and music.
Bethany has set her study up as sewing room and loves its cosy, homely vibe. “Having her own space allows her to truly immerse herself in her passion and let her creativity flow”, Robert said.
“Our new home makes us feel happy and satisfied. It is energising to wake up in a home that feels truly your own, and it makes us feel ready to tackle the next stage of our lives together.”
Top tip:
“Have confidence in yourself and your choices, but don’t be afraid to ask for advice.”