Chris Leith exceeded his client’s expectations when their Southland home won the New Homes $350,000 — $450,000 category in the Registered Master Builders 2009 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers.
Owner of David Reid Homes (Southland) Ltd since 2004, Mr Leith says the client’s lifestyle, coupled with a taste of their Dutch homeland, were key factors in the design brief to create their “ultimate dream home”.
“We were rapt to be able to provide our clients with an award-winning home,” Mr Leith says.
“The best part about it was the look on their faces when their home was announced a category winner at the national awards. I don’t think I will ever forget their excited reaction when they heard the news.”
The stunning open plan home boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two dining areas and three living spaces.
“This home has a lovely comfortable feel from the moment you walk through the door, and clearly includes the owners’ artistic licence with effective use of colour throughout,” the judges said. “With a relaxed environment in a highly functional and warm home, this build is close to perfection.”
Mr Leith has always been interested in the building industry, starting a building apprenticeship as soon as he left school.
“I have always had a passion for building good quality homes,” he says.
“One of the things our company prides itself on is having the flexibility to always meet and exceed our clients’ expectations.
“We always aim to build homes for our clients that we would want to live in ourselves, so we are open to changing elements and features right the way along the building process.”
This is the first national award David Reid Homes (Southland) has won in the House of the Year competition, and Mr Leith has high hopes for future entries.
“We have just won two Gold Awards in the 2010 competition. We were a little reluctant to enter again after coming out on top last year, but I guess the challenge is to maintain the standard.
“It’s in the hands of the judges now, so we will have to wait and see if we make it to the Nationals.”
