74 | Sue Russell Importance of standing out aesthetically Tonchi Begovich and Des Thomas own and operate Diamond Residential. Diamond Residential BUILDING Tonchi Begovich and Des Thomas own and operate Diamond Residential based in Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast, north of Wellington. While business of late has been a little quieter, as they await the release of land in a new subdivision, Tonchi says there’s a steady stream of interest in the unique homes they design and build. “We’re a small company and we’re very focussed on our niche which is traditional carpentry and lots of detailing. Our homes certainly have a distinct look and feel to them, quite reminiscent of the Hamptons style of northern America,” Tonchi says. The disposition towards these quite distinctive solid homes stemmed from the time Des spent in Seattle. Returning home about five years ago Des wanted to build similar styled homes, filled with carpentry detailing, usually not common in more standard kiwi designed homes today. “It’s hard to pinpoint what makes the homes different. Their scale and sense of space, the design flow all play a part in it. We often get remarks from owners that their home just stands out aesthetically.” Diamond Residential benefits from a core team of loyal contractors, suppliers, specialised trades, and carpenters. “We keep our carpenters close. They have bought into our style because they enjoy the challenges and craftsmanship that come with our designs and materials.” Keen to remain in the Kapiti area where, Tonchi says, there are a lot of opportunities for new land to be developed in the region. Their homes suit a larger section space than typical, although we can achieve our styled homes on any site single or multi-level . “In the next 10-20 years we’ll see huge population growth in Kapiti/Horowhenua. It is estimated a further 30,000 people will call Kapiti home. This is the area we live in, and this is where we will continue to concentrate our builds. Currently in construction is Lot 31 at Anderson Park, Central Waikanae. Built close to walkways, a golf course, the beach, river tracks and close to the township, schools, transport hubs and community amenities, the 200m2 home is a classic example of the standard of Diamond Residential bespoke land/home designed packages. When completed it will sit on a fully landscaped 590qsm section and accommodate 3 double bedrooms, study, 2 full bathrooms, separate laundry and designer kitchen with butlers pantry. Attention has been given to high-end chattels throughout and the home also comes with a 10,000 litre water tank, central heating and cooling system and security system. It is currently being marketed through local realtor Howard & Co. Construction is scheduled to get underway early Q2 this year The challenges COVID brought to many in the building sector have been largely avoided by Diamond Residential, due partly to the relatively small number of homes they build. “We’ve managed to navigate labour and procurement issues through good management and key stakeholder relationships.” With a somewhat ‘cool’ residential building market generally, due to issues such as the rise in the cost of living and cost to borrow money Tonchi says people are feeling uncertain and in a holding pattern currently. Although we have noticed enquiries picking up slowly as many astute purchasers are aware that there’s no better time to build as build costs keep rising despite the negative www.franklins.co.nz 04 801 5849 Design, install & commission solar energy systems A Specialist Division Of Stones Electrical Contractors Ltd SOLAR . ELECTRICAL . HEATING . 04 297 3060or 04 296 1727 www.solarzone.co.nz sales@solarzone.co.nz 7 Epiha Street, Paraparaumu Proudly associatedwithDiamondResidential
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