First-time home builders very proud of result
Lynne and Robert Watling weren’t hindered by their lack of experience when they built their own home in Tumut, New South Wales. They partnered with Paal Kit Homes and enjoyed the journey through to completion.
The retired couple looked at several kit providers before they decided on Paal’s Elizabeth design, modifying it to achieve the country look they were after for their rural block.
Lynne said: “Robert had always liked the idea of building his own home, and felt that a kit home would be the right choice, as he would be provided with all the materials and complete instructions.”
The Watlings said they were fortunate right from the beginning to have a fantastic housing consultant, Michael Christie of Paal, who took them through all the steps.
“He helped us to change the home plans as we changed our minds. Nothing was an issue for him. In fact all the Paal staff we dealt with couldn’t do enough to assist us.”
Lynne and Robert found that their home kit included every item that was needed for the build, with the bonus of high-end features and finishes.
The Elizabeth design includes a premium kitchen with ‘soft close’ doors and drawers as standard, while its wardrobes feature ‘silent track’ sliding doors with recessed grip handles.
Having the kit delivered in three stages was hugely attractive, instead of having the whole house materials delivered at once. They felt that this “would be a nightmare”.
Robert built nearly all the house himself, including fitting the kitchen and the bathrooms, as well as tiling and painting. The only outside help he used was essential tradesmen such as an electrician, a plumber and some assistance with “heavy lifting.”
Now living in their completed home, Lynne and Robert particularly love the butler’s pantry and the two family areas. Their extensive modifications to the standard design included changing the location of the walk-in wardrobe and adding doors off the bedroom onto the back veranda, which they thought best suited their lifestyle.
The couple’s son Michael loved the kit home project and its result so much that he would now like to build one for himself.
The Watlings are very proud of their achievement and said they couldn’t be happier with the result. To other people considering building a Paal home, they said: “Go for it. You won’t be disappointed.”
