Shenay and Harry's Lovedale 262 took 18 weeks to build.
The three things that saved them the most time, money and stress were choosing a design that suited their block, pricing structural changes before tender, and preparing before colour selections.
Building for the first time means making hundreds of decisions, often without knowing what they'll cost or how long the'll take.
"I grew up in a really old house and I never imagined that I would be able to live in something as beautiful as this."
Here's what worked for them, and what you can take into your own build.
1. Start with a design that fits your block
The easiest changes are the ones you never need to make. Shenay and Harry chose the Lovedale 262 because it suited their block from day one.
Its rear living zone connects the kitchen, walk-in pantry, family and dining areas to a large alfresco, with a separate living area and study nook for extra flexibility. Browse our home designs and check each one's width against your block early
2. Get structural changes priced before tender
What does a layout change actually cost? Shenay and Harry didn't have to guess, because quotes for their structural changes arrived before their tender appointment.
"It meant we could make informed decisions early, understand the costs involved, and prioritise the changes that were most important to us."
Real numbers let them decide what was worth it and what could wait, so tender brought no surprises.
3. Do your homework before colour selections
Selections day is only overwhelming if you walk in cold. Shenay and Harry used the online colour portal to shortlist favourites at home, then messaged their colour consultant with questions and pricing requests.
"We could ask questions, request pricing on different options and arrive feeling prepared, which made the appointment much more enjoyable and less overwhelming."
The result is a pink splashback tiles , pristine white stone benchtops and a blue-tiled bathroom that feel entirely theirs.
4. Know what's included before you budget for upgrades
A strong inclusions list stretches your budget further. Shenay and Harry found their upgrades fairly priced against the standard premium inclusions.
"We never felt like there were excessive mark-ups compared with the standard inclusions."
How long does it take to build a Lovedale 262?
Shenay and Harry's Lovedale 262 took just 18 weeks to build, and that included the Christmas break. The holiday period didn't hold their build up, so they were able to move in sooner. Hunter Homes offers a 24-Week Build Time Guarantee on single storey homes, and over 94% of homes are built in under 24 weeks. See every stage in our build process.
Frequently asked questions
What facade did Shenay and Harry choose?
They chose the Bowman facade for their Lovedale 262.
Can you change a Hunter Homes floor plan?
Yes. Structural changes can be quoted before tender, so you know the costs up front.
Is there support after handover?
Yes. Shenay and Harry's minor post-move-in items were addressed promptly through the maintenance phase.