104 | Entertaining was a focus from the start The large 290 sqm home is a comfortable fit for the family of six. D.R Build T T Rosa Watson BUILDING After building many family homes in the Nelson region, Dan and Sarah Richards have moved into their own dream home that was a labour of love. Built by the couple’s construction company D. R build, the large 290 sqm home is a comfortable fit for the family of six, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two lounges and a double garage. There is also a separate 140 sqm shed, also known as the “man cave”, complete with a bar. The four kids’ bedrooms come off a lounge area, where they could chill out together or with friends. There is also a bathroom with a separate toilet room. In the middle of the home is the dining and formal lounge and kitchen, and at the other end is the luxe master bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe. The couple designed the home with the future in mind. “We had visions of a family home that will grow with us as our children do,” Sarah said. Entertaining was a focus from the beginning and there are entertaining spaces throughout the home. “A space where our children can bring friends over and where we can entertain friends and family which is a big part of what we love to do.” The home has a “soft industrial” vibe throughout with natural woods, concrete and neutral tones with pops of black throughout. There was lots of storage space, which was key with four children. “So we have made sure there is ample throughout the home. “Our wall colour choices are kept warm and neutral so we can change the room decor as the children grow, and it will then complement any stage. “When building this home we imagine all of our children having their 21st birthdays here and sharing the space with family and friends at special events.” Proud to support D.R Build “We always have built homes for other families but getting to build our own with our team was a real highlight.” A highlight of the project was building this alongside their “awesome team” at D. R Build. “We always have built homes for other families but getting to build our own with our team was a real highlight.” Another was getting our kids involved in all different aspects of the build - “plenty of time behind a broom or dustpan! “If you asked Daniel he would say his highlight has been building the ‘man cave’ space that has been a dream of his for a very long time ... maybe that’s why it was built before the house was!” It had been challenging to juggle life, business and a house build all at the same time, and the couple say communication was key, and knowing that it wasn’t forever. “Even in the really stressful times we reminded ourselves how grateful we were that we could build our dream home,” Sarah said. Dan and Sarah started D. R Build five years ago. Having built their first home, it had given Daniel the drive and confidence to go out on his own. His first build was for his parents in Motueka, and he built the business from there. There are now two qualified builders on the team that have been with them since day one. Daniel carries out the day-to-day running of the company, building and project managing, and Sarah takes care of the administration side. The company focusses on new house builds but also builds fences, decks and tiny homes. “We have met and worked with so many great Nelson people along the way and are so proud of the relationships we have built while completing all sorts of projects over the past five years,” Sarah said. The Nelson region seemed to be growing steadily, and building was continuing on at a great pace. “In the future we hope that we can continue to build more homes for people in our area, and also to build more spec homes in the future.”
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