Young buyer builds for the future
Tuesday 14th February 2012 - 10:57am
The Sunday Times, February 11 2012
Gemma Nisbet
“You don’t need the biggest house to be happy living in it – just make sure you choose something you can afford and one which suits your lifestyle,” recent first-homeowner Jason Diss says.
They’re wise words at any age, but particularly for buyers looking at their first home. And it’s an approach that’s worked well for the 24-year-old welder, who moved into his first home about two months ago.
While most of Mr. Diss’ friends have chosen to rent after moving out of the family home, he was always keen to own his house and initially considered buying an established property before realising that building a new home would be the best option for him.
“It was the easiest way to get what I wanted and I knew I’d be happy with what I got if I built,” he explained. “I did look at some established houses but I knew I wouldn’t be happy with one of those.”
Like most new-home builders, Mr. Diss’ first stop was a display village and his search for the right design took him to the now-closed Vale display village in Aveley, where Commodore Homes’ Caulfield caught his eye. He was impressed by the design and by Commodore’s salesman, who he described as “really helpful and not pushy”.
He ultimately signed up to build the company’s Challenger design, which is slightly smaller than the Caulfield but has a similar layout. “I really liked the layout of the house – it looked really open with a lot of space,” he said.
A block in Aveley was chosen and the five-month build was fairly stress-free. “Everything came together pretty quickly,” Mr Diss said.
He is now putting the finishing touches, such as landscaping, on his new property.
The home was a modern, fuss-free elevation and opens into an entry corridor. The main suite, which incorporates a bedroom, ensuite and walk-in robe, is to the right, with a double garage to the left.
Moving towards the rear of the home, there is a linen cupboard and a study, before the open-plan kitchen, living, dining and activity area. This, in turn, flows out to the alfresco area and backyard.
Mr Diss said he was enjoying trying out his modern new kitchen. “I’m trying to start cooking,” he said.
From here, double doors lead into a generously sized theatre room.
Finally, another corridor leads to the three minor bedrooms, minor bathroom and powder room.