Take control

Setting out to build a house can be like plunging headlong into a world of architects, builders, tradespeople and building inspectors. For those who are new to the industry, their advice can seem confusing and contradictory.

This is why choosing a design-and-build company such as Mitchell Homes ensures you make informed choices from the beginning, says Brent Mitchell.

"The process enables clients to feel more in control of the ideas and outcomes. The builder and designer work together to create design elements and to draw up a realistic budget at the start."

In the house featured here, the clients wanted a family home with a rural French Provincial look. To achieve this, Mitchell Homes installed exterior details such as timber shutters, wrought iron balconies, and exposed timber lintels and rafters.

The long layout creates a series of individual outdoor living spaces. A music room opens onto a formal garden and the large rustic kitchen flows into an expansive family room and out to an alfresco dining area.

These features contributed to the house winning a silver award at the 2005 Master Builders Home of the Year Awards.

For further information, contact Mitchell Homes, phone 0800 728 872. Website: www.mitchell-homes.co.nz. Or visit the showhome at 3 Wayne Francis Dr, Dannemora, Auckland.

Story by: Trendsideas