Second Time Lucky: Victorian Homebuyer Faces Three Year Build Journey

When one door closed, another opened for a Victorian homebuyer after a dream to build a home in Ballarat was left in negotiations forcing the family to switch from one builder to another two years into their building journey.

Homeownership for many is a lifelong dream, but that often does not mean it’s always smooth sailing, an experience one married couple from Ballarat, Kasie (45) and Daren (48) Streeter can attest to after purchasing a block of land in 2019 and taking them until April of this year to finally move in with their two kids.

“What started out as an exciting time quickly turned into a nightmare after two years of back-and-forth negotiations with our previous builder,” Ms Streeter said.

“We were stuck in the design phase, selecting and seeking approval for different materials and inclusions to our home, a process we were looking forward to when we first started out on this journey,”

The couple and their two kids had been in the rental market before deciding that buying land and building was a better option for them instead of buying an established property.

“We found a block we loved in a new estate but were worried about the sloping block and the challenges that may come with this type of land,” Ms Streeter added.

“After much consideration we decided to just go ahead and purchase the block which was in such a peaceful area surrounded by bush and walking trails,”

Ms Streeter said the lack of communication and approvals with the first builder posed a lot of doubt on the possibility of ever having a home on the block of land.

“We were extremely disheartening by the whole experience and nervous to start fresh again, but we were on the hunt to find a builder who could build on a sloping block and actually finish our dream home.”

After years of back and forth, and no clear signs of progress the Streeter family were then introduced to G.J. Gardner Homes in late 2023 and then within less than a year, they were moving into their custom-built home.

“The whole process from initial consult through to the handover all took place within a year, it was half the time it took the first builders, we couldn’t believe our eyes,” Ms Streeter said.

“There were obvious hesitations at the start, but the whole process was extremely transparent. The team reassured us every step along the way with fortnightly check ins with both the G.J. Gardner Homes Ballarat sales team and site managers.

“It’s been a little over two months since we settled into our home, and we couldn’t be happier. Its open floor plan creates a seamless flow throughout the house, while still offering secluded areas for us and our teenager to enjoy some privacy.

“It’s truly a perfect fit for our family!”

GJ. Gardner Homes CEO Trent Gardner said providing quality-built homes has always been paramount for the business but ensuring transparency and cost certainty for customers is key to its success.

“Its common many people return to us after being let down by other builders or misled by seemingly attractive prices elsewhere, only to encounter unexpected ‘extras’ and ‘upgrades’,” Mr Gardner said.

“When it comes to pricing, we’re upfront and honest from the very start, including genuine estimates of the inclusions and real costs, and this is something that has been recognised by the industry for many years.

“Building a home is a huge financial investment so it’s important our on-the-ground sales team reassure the customers of any concerns and remain transparent with the buying process, free from any gimmicks and hidden costs.”

To find out more on G.J. Gardner Home Designs, visit https://www.gjgardner.com.au/home-designs/.