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When Amit and Neha Malhotra decided their family of four, plus one dog, a 5-year-old Moodle called Chino, had outgrown their Canberra home they began the hunt for a new one that would better suit their needs
But after many months of inspections they were unable to find a place that met all the requirements on their list. They decided they would need to build their dream home instead.
“We were living in our old house for 15 years and our two kids grew up there, but now they are older – our daughter is 18 and our son 13 – and we felt like we needed more space,” said Mrs Malhotra.
“But we were looking for something quite specific – we said that whenever we move into a new home it needs to have this, this and this.”
Some of those requirements included en suites for every bedroom, lots of living space flooded with natural light, and a swimming pool. The Malhotras were also keen to build in some sustainable elements that would help to reduce energy costs.
“But there was always something missing in the homes we looked at – the extra ensuites especially are difficult to find, within our price point,” said Mrs Malhotra. “So we realised we would have to design and build our home if we were going to have everything we wanted.”
Once the decision to build was made, the family began looking for a local builder they could trust to make their architect-designed vision a reality on the block of land they had bought.
The challenge of finding the right builder created some angst for the couple. They still had bad memories of their previous experience with the builder who built their home 15 years ago and were wary.
“Unfortunately we had a horrible experience with that builder and we had said to ourselves that we would never build again,” said Mr Malhotra. “But we luckily had lots of friends within the community who had used one local builder and recommended him. The build went so smoothly, we had absolutely no issues.”
That builder was Suman Dhillon, the founder of Canberra-based Taz Building Group, a leading custom home builder that has been creating quality homes for its customers since 2012.
Mr Dhillon said people were increasingly turning to building a custom-designed home that would perfectly fit their lifestyle and what was important to them.
“Rather than trying to squeeze their daily lives into rigid off-the shelf catalogues designed for generic suburban blocks, more buyers are finding that floor plans tailored to suit them, will deliver the level of comfort and the functionality that a mass produced house can’t replicate,” he said.
“A home that’s designed and built around how you actually live is a pleasure to spend time in and meets all of your needs and personal taste, without any of the daily frustrations that can come from living in a home that isn’t so well-designed.”
The advantages of bespoke design extend beyond the cosmetic. It’s about choice, control, comfort, and future-proofing, said Mr Dhillon.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important purchases most people make in their lives and making decisions that make the most of the investment are important,” he said.
“Custom design provides you with total control. From the floor plan to the frontage, every aspect can be made to suit your requirements, so you end up with a home that works for you. Whether you are a family with increasing needs for multiple living spaces or a couple requiring open-plan lifestyle, your home can be designed to be the perfect extension of your way of life.
“Unlike mass-produced Canberra display homes with pre-conceived layouts, with a custom-built home, your vision takes precedence – you choose room layout, natural lighting preferences, energy options, storage requirements, and more.
Designing and building the perfect home starts with the block of land. From slope optimisation to sun orientation, creating a home that is in sympathy with the land it’s built on will deliver the best results.
“Whether developing in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, or Queanbeyan, a tailor-made home makes your design work for the land, not only street frontage,” said Mr Dhillon. “You need to be smart in space planning to ensure wastage is minimised and comfort is maximised.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about custom building is the belief that it will always cost more. However by working with the right builder it can actually work out more economical than off-the-plan purchasing.
“We provide transparent pricing breakdowns and adaptable design stages,” said Mr Dhillon. “This allows you to maintain control of your budget, free from the surprise costs that can sometimes be attached to volume builders or mass building firms in Canberra.”
“At the same time each material finish and fit is being selected especially for your home which translates into higher quality control and better workmanship. Our customers get finishes that last longer and represent greater value over time.”
With the growing understanding of how a home’s construction can contribute to everything from energy efficiency to a healthier environment, more families are seeing the custom-built option as an opportunity to create a smarter home.
Incorporating sustainability features was one of the boxes to be ticked for the Malhotras. From the strategic positioning of the home to solar panels on the roof and a battery in the garage, to double glazing for the large windows and high-standard insulation in the walls, the home is built for the future.
Now, six months after moving into their new home, the family is enjoying the benefits that these investments have delivered.
“It is incredibly energy efficient,” said Mr Malhotra. “With things like the double glazing, the positioning of the house and the insulation, it feels so comfortable to live in.”
For Mrs Malhotra, the spacious feel and the amount of natural light that floods into their new home makes it a pleasure to be in.
“I love the large windows, the sun, the openness – all of the spaces work very well. It’s just a bigger, brighter house,” she said. “I look forward so much to coming home, and spending time here.
“My favourite part of the house – you might not expect this – it’s my en suite, I just love it, but also of course my kitchen – it’s very open and connected to the outdoor area.”
The family has remained in touch with Mr Dhillon long after they moved into their new home earlier this year.
“Even now, if there is anything we want to talk about, if we ever need him, he is always there for us,” said Mr Malhotra.
To find out more about Taz Building Group and how to enjoy the advantages of having a home that is truly yours, visit tazbuildinggroup.com.au or phone 0481 875 645.