Northwich Self-Build Case Study

What was your main reason for wanting to buy a New-Build?

We hadn’t planned on buying a new build at all as we had some misconceptions of what a new build would be like. All the properties we looked at were already established so you knew exactly what you would be getting. We had this idea that a new build would automatically mean small rooms, no storage, no outdoor space but after seeing this development and this particular house, all the ideas we had were not really founded with this development. There is ample outdoor space and the children’s bedrooms are of equal size.

How did you hear about CB Homes?

We knew of the company a long time ago through my parents, who knew the MD through the Rotary Club in Northwich. It was only when we knew this site was going to be developed by CB Homes that we first looked at CB Homes’ properties. We already knew the area so when the development started, we went along to have a look and realised that they ticked all the right boxes and had everything that we wanted and more!

What do you like most about the design of your house?

Without a doubt it is the feeling of space, especially the kitchen/dining area which works so well for us as a family; it is the hub of the house.

Did you have any specific requirements, how were these met?

There were things we wanted to do with the kitchen – we have been very lucky to have been working with a range cooker for many years, so when we looked at the kitchen design, we thought that there could be enough space to have one and CB Homes were very accommodating, which enabled us to have the kitchen design we wanted.

“Without a doubt it is the feeling of space especially the kitchen / dining area which works so well for us as a family, it is the hub of the house.”.

What was the buying process like for you?

Not without its stresses! Buying a new build is a different way of buying a house. The most difficult part of the process was knowing that we had to have our house sold before we could secure this one, so that was quite stressful.

How did you find the build process with CB Homes?

Generally good but some things felt frustratingly slow. Although there were no major hold ups it sometimes felt like nothing was progressing. Perhaps this was because our house backed onto the development and we could see what was going on day-to-day so it felt like it was taking a long time. That said, it was great to see the different stages progressing and watch the house develop. Our two boys enjoyed watching the diggers doing the foundations and were invited over to take a closer look which they found fascinating.

How involved did you get in the build process?

There was no need to get involved really, not to the extent that we were making any requests or demands.

What were your high and low points of buying a new build?

Seeing the finished product and watching it all coming together, having a pristine, amazing, new shiny house that nobody else has lived in, with the realisation of everything that was seen on the plans along with items we had chosen actually in situ made it our high point.

The hardest part was the stresses around the completion. The completion date had been pushed back due to Covid, which was very frustrating but we were fortunate that we were living with relatives.

What are your home’s best features?

There was something that we didn’t expect, but we found during the hot weather that there were areas of the house that were really warm but areas that were really cool so you could move around the house and get the best of both. We think this was due to it being well insulated.

The house is really sound proof – in our old house you could hear what was going on in the next room where as here once you close the door you don’t hear anything and it feels very private, especially when working from home in the office or after working the night shift and not be disturbed by any noise that might be going on in the rest of the house.

What was the best buy on your new-build project?

Without a doubt the kitchen – although the original layout was fine, just spending that bit extra to get what we wanted made it perfect.

What was your biggest extravagance?

Again, probably the kitchen and the range cooker.

What are your home running costs like?

It is difficult to tell at the moment due to the changing energy prices but it feels like we will be paying about the same amount but we have not been in long enough to know if that is a stable usage because we are running on the predicted estimates rather than what it is actually costing.

What are your ‘Top Tips’ for new home owners?

Don’t be worried when you start to get the settlement cracks in the caulk and to definitely expect it otherwise it can be upsetting if you’re not expecting it. We had some touch ups at the very beginning but a month later we got some more while it was still settling but it is absolutely nothing to worry about and not worth correcting too soon.

Please sum up your CB Homes’ house

It’s a wonderful, comfortable, practical family home and everything we hoped it would be.

Would you buy a CB Homes’ home again? Why?

We are certainly not thinking of moving again but if we did then absolutely yes. With CB Homes so much thought goes into the design and the quality of the build which we did not find with other developers.