ONCE UPON A TIME…
LAURA DECIDED TO BUILD WITH ME.
THE WHOLE PROCESS?
FUN. EASY. STRESS-FREE.
THE END.
Just kidding!
There’s a little more to it than that… but honestly, not much more because Laura’s journey has been an absolute dream from day one.
Meet Laura
THE ULTIMATE FIRST-TIME HOME BUILDER
Laura is a lovely, calm, and capable first home buyer who’s been sitting on her block since she bought it in 2021 but thanks to a gentle nudge from her sister, who lives just down the road from the block, she decided to start looking for a builder.
When she found out about our Exclusive Home Building Experience collab with La Vida Homes, she applied straight away and said:
“The main thing I would like help with is how to get the most value out of my home build on a budget. Having someone guide me through the process would be invaluable. I’m a first-time home builder (on my own) looking to build my 'for a long time' home. Quality and longevity of design are the most important things to me in the process.”
Her Wishlist?
A cosy, welcoming home that could handle a full house because for Laura, nothing beats having the whole family over for dinner. She wasn’t after anything massive, just enough space to pull up a few extra chairs around the table, lay out a generous spread in the kitchen, and still move around without bumping elbows.
She pictured Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, and those casual “just bring a plate” days that somehow turn into nights full of laughs, memories, and second helpings of potato bake.
Also, light-filled north-facing living areas were a must, along with clever design that would stand the test of time.
Despite her important job with big responsibilities, Laura has such a gentle, warm energy. She also has a dog called Winston… though apparently, he’s way too obsessed with her parents and refuses to move back in with her so she’s now considering a second pup who will want to live in the new place! Haha
The Perfect Match
We jumped on a free clarity call, and it didn’t take long for me to realise that Laura was exactly who this collab was made for. Building solo, she wanted someone by her side every step of the way: a trusty sidekick to guide her through each stage and be a sounding board for her ideas. That’s exactly what The Exclusive Home Building Experience is all about. I'm a personal building advocate, making sure my clients always feel supported at every stage.
Hey! I'm Jess
With 16 years in the building industry, I use my experience to help clients avoid pitfalls and make smarter decisions every step of the way.
If you want to know more about the Exclusive Home Building Experience, click the link below.
LEARN MOREI asked all the right questions to really understand how she lived and what mattered most, then got to work hunting down the perfect design. When I showed it to her, she was instantly on board. But because I’m a sucker for squeezing out every last bit of value, I combed through the budget and found a little wiggle room to add some thoughtful upgrades and tweaks.
By revision #2, she was in love with the final plan and ready to lock it in.
Prestart made easy!
Laura breezed through the entire pre-construction stage.
Just before her pre-start meeting, we caught up for a quick prep session where we talked through cabinetry layouts and electrical plans so she’d walk in feeling totally prepared.
She did all her online selections ahead of time using La Vida’s 3D visualisation tool, which let her see how the house, kitchen, and ensuite colours would all come together. She even preselected her upgrades through the online portal and met with the interior designer to refine the colours.
So when she walked into the pre-start meeting, it was an absolute breeze.
No decision fatigue, no second-guessing.
She knew exactly what she wanted, making the whole process fast and easy.
Here’s How it Unfolded:
- 30 Sept 2024 – Signed Preliminary Works Contract
- 28 Oct 2024 – Formal Building Contract Issued
- 12 Dec 2024 – Prestart Meeting
- 31 Jan 2025 – Ready for Construction
- 14 Mar 2025 – Earthworks Started
- 28 Mar 2025 – Slab Down
- 20 May 2025 – Brickwork Complete
- 11 Jul 2025 – Roof On
10 MONTHS FROM PRELIMINARY CONTRACT TO LOCK UP
That’s just 10 months from when she first kicked things off, and her home is nearly at Lock-Up Stage, ready for cabinetry, tiling and all the finishing touches.
The Best Kind of Plot Twist?
There wasn’t one.
No drama. No delays. No disasters.
Just smooth sailing, clear communication, and a whole lot of excitement.
And honestly? That’s how building should be.
Here’s what Laura had to say about the whole experience:
“Absolutely amazing service! Having followed Jess on Instagram for a few years, I jumped at the chance to work with her through her collaboration with La Vida Homes. Jess was very thorough in our first consultation, really taking the time to get to know me and understand what was important to me. I really emphasised my desire to stay within a particular budget, which Jess respected, and I never felt pressured to compromise on that. Jess delivered a floor plan with clever and cost-effective design ideas that exceeded my expectations. The entire process has been seamless, and I have no doubt that she has saved me thousands by helping me design a well-thought-out home that will grow with me for years to come. I would recommend Jess's services to anyone!”
Stay Tuned...
We’ll be keeping you in the loop every step of the way as Laura’s dream home comes to life onsite. I’ll be right there beside her as her building sidekick, helping her make decisions, avoid the overwhelm, and keep things moving smoothly. From big milestones to those little wins that make the journey so special, you’ll get a front-row seat to it all. Stay tuned.
READY TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SMOOTH BUILD?
If you're at the beginning of your building journey and already feeling overwhelmed by the choices, the sales spin, or the fear of getting it wrong. Don’t wait until you’re knee-deep in stress to ask for help. Reaching out early is the smartest move you can make. It’s how you set yourself up for a smoother, more confident experience right from the start.
The Exclusive Home Building Experience was designed for people who want to build better, with expert guidance from day one. You’ll get:
• A personalised home design that actually suits your block and lifestyle
• Honest advice and transparent pricing
• A builder you can trust
• And me (Jess!) in your corner the whole way - reviewing your plans, helping with decisions, decoding builder speak, and making the process feel easy (and even fun).
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE EXLUSIVE HOME BUILDING EXPERIENCE?
Click the link below or fill in the form to book a free clarity call.
Book a Free Clarity Call
I only work with a handful of clients each year so I have the time to deliver top-notch service. No rushing, no cookie-cutter advice. Drop your details below and I’ll give you a call to see if we’re a good fit. No pressure, just a quick chat to figure out what you need and how I can help.