‘Our new build changed MY LIFE'

Jessica discovered a knack for beautiful, budget-friendly interiors as she remodelled her blank new build into an inviting, glamorous home

- ANNABELLE GRUNDY

Before it was even built, Jessica felt certain she’d love her new house. ‘The design is virtually identical to the home I grew up in, so I knew it would feel comfortable and familiar, and space would flow well,’ says Jessica. ‘Matt and I had viewed quite a few houses before a friend, who was buying on this development, suggested we came to have a look.

‘We were keen on a new build because I think they’re good value and we could benefit from the Help to Buy scheme. This house is on a corner plot, so it’s got a lovely big garden. It’s a bit quirky and different from most of the others we’d been to see and I just fell in love with it.

Off-plan plans

We were buying off-plan, and once we’d reserved the property, Matt and I, and our baby daughter Olivia, all moved in with Matt’s parents. They kindly let us stay for several months, while the house was built. It was tricky at times not having our own space, but it was worth it as it meant we could save hard for all the final touches and things we’d need.

Decision time

In the months leading up to moving-in day, there were so many decisions to make. We had to choose our carpets, flooring, kitchen cabinets and worktops, and bathroom suites and tiles, all from a huge catalog. The most challenging aspect was getting the look we wanted within our budget. The house price included the standard kitchen and bathroom fixtures, with the option to pay extra and upgrade to more interesting or higher-spec choices. Matt and I are quite organized, so we knew what we could afford and we managed to stay nicely on budget with our selection until it came to the kitchen. We just didn’t like any of the cabinets in our price range. Eventually,