An owner-build without the stress
When Phil and Kristen decided to build a Paal home, it was not their first owner-build experience.
“I’d already done an owner-build with another company,” said Phil. “That was fairly testing; I didn’t know what the support should be like, but the difference between building with them and Paal has been unbelievable.”
The couple originally lived in Wagga but moved to Newcastle and then Bathurst, before finally returning to the area and buying a five-acre block in Currawanna.
They had architectural plans drawn up, however after an exorbitant builder’s quote, they decided to owner-build, but this time with Paal.
The couple chose modified Barrington design and dealt with Michael Christie from the Canberra office remotely. “Michael quickly made the alterations we were seeking, accurately quoting us for the changes,” said Phil.
The modifications included moving the alfresco and turning it into a carport, splitting the fourth bedroom into a mudroom with entry off the carport, and a study, plus changing the bathroom into a functional three-way design.
Originally an aircraft technician in the Air Force, Phil was able to do most of the work himself. “With Paal, you can be flexible and take on a lot of the work to lower the cost,” he said. “The only things I didn’t do were the gyprocking and the roofing.”
The couple met with Paal’s colour consultant, Narelle Jarman at the Sydney showroom to pick out their selections. “Paal had an excellent range of options to choose from,” said Phil.
The couple also installed a Paal kitchen, upgraded to double glazing for sound insulation, and installed a solar system with a battery.
Phil found Paal’s process to be excellent compared to past experience: “In our prior build, I had to work it out for myself and when I’d ring, it was hard to get the information I needed.
This time, Phil was supported throughout the entire build. “Michael was excellent and always got straight back to us with anything we needed,” he said.
Plus, Liz Pratt from the Sydney office was always at the end of the phone. “You’d just ring up and Liz would tell me exactly what to do,” said Phil. “It was like she was standing there looking at the house.”
Overall, the 11-month build was problem-free and now the family is enjoying the new home. “We’re very happy, it’s good, really good,” said Phil. “If anyone is looking to do an owner-build, I now always recommend Paal.”
