Sarah And Andrew’s‘Jackpot of A House

 

HOW SENTINEL HOMES LIVED UP TO THE MCTAGGARTS’ HIGH STANDARDS

 

Sarah and Andrew McTaggart had very clear ideas about what they wanted from their new home build. It had to make the most of their stunning Akatarawa section and support their varied interests and lifestyle pursuits. Perhaps most importantly, the build itself needed to be extremely high quality – the couple own a high precision manufacturing company and they know quality when they see it.

 “We were going to settle for nothing but the best,” says Andrew.

 They got a fair way down the track with another volume-build company, but an early morning phone call with Hayden Rau from Sentinel Homes Wellington/Kapiti changed all that.

 “From the get-go, Sentinel was great to deal with. Both Sarah and I work in sales so reading people is one of our strengths. It was very clear Hayden and his team were straight shooters and not looking to get one over on us,” explains Andrew.

 DESIGNED FOR MUSIC AND ENTERTAINING

 While Sentinel Homes brought all the same reassurance and transparency of a large build company they also offered the design flexibility that the McTaggarts required. Sarah, a singer, needed a ‘toy room’where she could store her gear and have band practices. This was designed into the floor plan, away from the living areas. The keen entertainers also had a specific idea of how their living spaces should flow, with a built-in bar that flows on to the outdoor area.

 “It was more than important that we designed and built the home of our dreams – this is to be our forever house,” says Andrew. “We wanted a home that was going to be pretty special and great for entertaining. We wanted a bit of us to shine through.”

 The couple achieved that with amazing details peppered throughout the home. Their large shower features slides on either end, LED strips welcome people at the front door and polished concrete flooring flows out on to Kwila decking.

 BUILD QUALITY AT ANOTHER LEVEL

 When Andrew says the couple are exacting, he wasn’t joking. From the framing down to the last light switch, Andrew and Sarah’s eagle eyes missed nothing – but they were blown away by the standard. He thinks they hit the jackpot as far as quality is concerned.

 “I actually can't fault it and that is saying something,” enthuses Andrew. “The house is just amazing. A builder friend of mine walked into the house and said, ‘Dude, I simply can't fault this house. You have a fantastic home, well done.’”

 STREAMLINED BUILD PROCESS

 Andrew says the Sentinel team went out of their way to keep lines of communication open, put the McTaggarts first and tackled everything with a can-do attitude.

 “Sentinel was always looking to support us and build us the house we wanted. It’s all about trust, support and quality – pretty cool attributes that this company has.”

 Andrew says he knew there would be some challenges along the way, but hadn’t expected the Sentinel team to work so hard to overcome them.

 “You won't build a 315-square-meter custom home and not have issues, but it was all about dealing with and resolving the challenges. Sentinel did an amazing job of this. Hayden was tops at calming Sarah and me down when we were stressing. He took us through the process, always kept his promises and went over and above to meet our needs.”

 SATISFYING THIS ‘FUSSY BUGGER’

A self-proclaimed ‘fussy bugger’, Andrew is over the moon at the results and thinks everyone should be building with Sentinel.

 “What a house we have – we are stoked. We know the standard of product they produce and that we would be treated fairly and not get ripped off, clearly a big one for everyone.”

Two Homes, One Happy Family

HOW SENTINEL HOMES WAIKATO HELPED THREE GENERATIONS BUILD THEIR FOREVER HOME

Nicole and Kurt’s journey to building their “forever home” was a bit unusual. They weren’t thinking of moving, let alone building, until Nicole’s parents came to stay while they hunted for their next property.

 The arrangement worked perfectly. Having Grandma and Grandpa downstairs made family life so much easier for Nicole and Kurt, who both work full-time and have two busy kids aged five and two. Nicole’s parents also enjoyed having more incidental contact with their grandkids. The two households hatched a plan to pool their resources and find a home that would suit them long-term.

 

TIME TO BUILD, NOT BUY

Waikato’s exploding property market had other ideas. As Nicole says, there didn’t seem to be anything they liked within their budget.

 “We were looking at paying 900K for something we’d still need to do work on,”she says.

 Building seemed like a smart idea – for not too much extra, the family would get exactly what they wanted.

 

SENTINEL HOMES A NO-BRAINER

Nicole says they did their research, but working with Sentinel Homes was a no-brainer.

 “They just stuck out as being better quality,” she explains. “We also loved the look of Sentinel Homes’ pre-designed plans and found one that was perfect for us. They all had the modern look we liked and with their reputation, Sentinel looked really appealing.”

 That first impression was confirmed when they got in touch with Nate Alley, Managing Director of Sentinel Homes Waikato.

 “He’s a friend of a friend, and my friend spoke highly of Nate. He’s a really good guy and you can tell he wants what’s best for you even if that makes things harder for him.”

 

TRANSPARENCY AND FIXED PRICES GAVE REASSURANCE

Nate’s enthusiasm and Sentinel Homes’ systems and processes helped make the planning and building phases far simpler than Nicole expected.

 “It was very daunting at first, but having those fixed prices with everything all written out was very reassuring,”she explains.

 Nate guided the couple through every stage, from preliminary pricing to arranging geo-tech and stormwater reports for their new Ohaupo Road property. His no-surprises policy meant that the family ended up coming in under budget by $6000 in the usually tricky groundworks phase.

 “He was upfront about everything. He put in a good PC sum, so we didn’t get 50K worth of surprises coming up. He wanted to make sure we’d allowed for everything.”

 

FLEXIBILITY AND CUSTOMISATION

The home seemed ready-made for the two households, with two entirely separate dwellings. Sentinel Homes’flexibility meant both households could decorate and spec their spaces as they wished.

 “We have very different styles,” laughs Nicole. “We left each other to it – the interior design is very different in both homes and Sentinel were accommodating to anything we wanted.”

 The two dwellings, one with four bedrooms and the other with two, are separated by a firewall, so one can be rented as a self-contained flat in the future.

 In the larger home, Nicole and Kurt added raked ceilings, upgraded fixtures and a media room, but the base design was already close to perfect.

 “There’s a seven-metre sliding door, which was part of their design. It goes out to the view – we can just step out into the countryside. We’re very stoked with that. Their normal specs are already so good – the upgrades were more to suit our style.”

 

A SNAG-FREE BUILD

When COVID-19 meant that a shipment of flooring was unexpectedly delayed, Nate fell back on Sentinel’s strong supplier relationships to find replacements – and covered the difference in cost. It meant the family can move in before Christmas – two months earlier than expected. When asked, they can’t even remember any snags in the building process.

 “If there were little things, it was never an issue. They would always ring to let us know and then they’d get it done,” says Nicole.

 She puts that excellent track record down to good communication and updates throughout, with a foundation of personal attention.

 “When we first started building, we were introduced to the whole team – they’re not too big that you’re just an address. Everyone knew us and we feel like we’ve built friendships,” she says.

 

BUILD WITH SENTINEL

While Nicole started the process with trepidation, she’s now enthusiastic about building – especially if it’s with Sentinel.

 “It’s a good way to go. In this market, houses are going for crazy prices, but you can build what you actually what for not too much extra, and to do it with Sentinel is great. They actually care. They want you to have a good experience.”

If you’re considering buying the home to suit you, get in touch with Sentinel Homes on 0800 456 321 for a free, no-pressure meeting.

9-Gong Glory In The House Of The Year Awards 2020

 What a year 2020 has been, with huge ups and downs across the board. For Sentinel Homes, it has been a productive year with our franchisees busier than ever. Some of those homes have been recognised at the Registered Master Builder House of the Year 2020 awards – showing it’s not just quantity, but quality.

Sentinel Homes Waikato and the Auckland North/West have raked in Regional Category Winners and Gold Awards in their respective regions. What an achievement in a year of lockdowns where work had to cease – a true testament to the effort and commitment from these teams.

THE AUCKLANDERS HAD A CRACKER OF A YEAR

Maree van de Water heads up the Auckland North/West team, and what a year they have had, with noteworthy achievements adding strength and value to their brand. Their awards from House of the Year include two regional category wins, two golds, a silver, and a bronze.

Maree says that their successes in 2020 have come from many things across the business. These include building partnerships and trustworthy relationships between clients, designers and the builder.

 “We partner with our clients for a long time. We’re on a journey together, and working as a team is what produces those exceptional outcomes,” she says.

For the first time, the homes were pitted against the big budgets in the New Home category. Even so, they still managed to take out the top positions of regional category winner and gold awards.

Maree says that as volume builders, they work under a lot more restrictions and these awards prove that volume builders can create homes with beautiful, bespoke designs.

 "These homes have some seriously cool, bespoke design features. It’s about understanding how to work with materials to make it look ‘wow’ without blowing the budget,” she says.

One of the team's stand-out home design features from the award-winning homes is a two-way fireplace that separates the dining from the living room. Magnificent skylights brighten up a hallway that would otherwise be a second-thought –details that caught the judges’ eyes.

Maree is set on making 2021 an even bigger year for her team and can’t wait to partner with more clients in the new year.

 THE MIGHTY WAIKATO TACKLES DESIGN CHALLENGES LIKE A CHAMP

Managing Director of Sentinel Homes Waikato Nate Alley and his team have taken out two gold awards and regional category winner.

 A Matamata home won a gold and the regional category gong. Made from Rockcote and cedar in a generous 287sqm, the home includes a cedar fireplace, tall vertical windows, entertainer’s kitchen with scullery and a bonus workshop in the garage. A large outdoor area adds more value to the entertaining space, a real score for a New Zealand summer.

 The second gold was awarded to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home. With a valet-style driveway, Linea weatherboards and black brick, the home stands out for all the right reasons. A large open-plan living space with an indoor fireplace is expanded by a Kwila deck, delivering ample entertaining space year-round. A butler’s pantry with sink and an ensuite bathroom with a free-standing tub add those extra layers of luxury.

 

A YEAR FOR REFLECTION AND THANKS

The awards collected by these two Sentinel Homes teams make this year something to look back on. Despite being dominated by a global pandemic, and economic uncertainty, they still delivered exceptional homes and have left their clients with smiles for years to come.

 

Meet Hayden Rau: Business owner/speed freak

During the working week, Hayden Rau of Sentinel Homes Wellington and Kapiti can be seeing tootling around in his branded car. But underneath all that polite driving and professional polish? He’s a card-carrying petrol-head.

Since 2010, Hayden and his good friend Mike have been tackling the corners and straights of the Targa NZ –a road race series.

While Hayden and his wife Kylie have always loved cars, it wasn’t until Mike bought a race-worthy car that Hayden really started to drive his passion forward. He and Mike spent a few incredible years driving in the Targa Tour, designed for hobbyists, or as Hayden describes them, “gentlemen racers.”‍

From the Targa website: The Targa Tour was created to allow people to drive their road registered cars through closed roads, in a safe, structured environment and in a manner and speed not allowed on the open road.‍

“It’s the thrill of it. I’ve always been into speed. I like skiing for the same reason – although I’m not all that good at it!”

MUSCLE CAR MUSTANG

Hayden’ s current race car is all grunty power with a 4.6 litre V8, Quad Cam 32 valve, going from 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds. It does the standing ¼ mile in 13.99 seconds at 163 kilometres per hour.

It’s been lowered on adjustable Tokico shocks and springs with Prothane bushes, and rolls on semi-slick race tires with modified/tightened Limited slip differential. A Momo detachable steering wheel, adjustable Panhard rod rear-end and a 5-speed manual transmission with heavy-duty race clutch keeps things on track.

With all those performance tweaks it’s good to know that it’s also equipped with a RaceFX roll cage, Racetech RH4000 race seats and Racetech 6-point harnesses. Wilwood 2-piece, 6-piston front brakes with braided brake lines and brake ducting/cooling, and Cobra rear brakes let Hayden glide around corners.

The muscle car also has no traction control or electronic aids, but it’s that‘old-school’rawness that makes Hayden love driving it so much.

“It’s a bit of a challenge. You’re going pretty quickly on winding roads, and it’s so big and heavy, it’s not the easiest thing to drive. You’ve got to know what you’re doing to get the best out of it,”he explains.

It’s not just the car that’s spec’d out – Mike and Hayden also need full racing suits, complete with fire-proof underwear.

“It’s not that cool in summer. You’re wearing a three-layer race suit, balaclava, helmet, boots, the whole lot. So it can get pretty warm.”

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT RACING

Hayden’s persistence and obvious business and organisational skills didn’t go unnoticed by the Targa organisers. It wasn’t long before he leaped from competitor to volunteer in different areas of each event.

“We hung around and they gave us a job,” laugh Hayden. “We’ve been a mid-point car, which helps marshal people and make sure the driving’s up to scratch.”

Later, the Targa team brought Hayden and Mike on as the Zero or double Zero car, which drives ahead of competitors to make sure the road is clear.

“We go through flat out – you have to do it in a competition car, with all the same safety gear and equipment, going up to 200 kilometres an hour. So, you have to be on your game. The first rule of being a Zero car is: don’t crash.”

Recently, the team stepped in last minute as the tour leader, which sets the pace for the tour participents.

“My car is equipped to do all the different roles, so we can help out where they need us,”says Hayden.“We go wherever Targa need us.”

Despite all the volunteering hours Hayden contributes to the events, he says that the gratitude actually flows the other way.

“We’re so appreciative of the opportunity that Targa NZ have given us to participate. It’s such a great series – more people should be involved in it.”

A FAMILY SPORT

While it’s always Hayden in the driver’s seat, he wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of his sons got into racing too. Charlie, his youngest at fourteen, comes along on track racing days kitted up in his own race gear, and brushes off the heart-stopping speed as ‘pretty cool’.

“If they want to get into it, I’ll teach them how to drive properly – but it’ll be in their own car, not mine!”says Hayden.

That family feeling extends through to Hayden’s work – Kylie is the co-owner of their Sentinel franchise, and heavily involved in its day-to-day operations.

TAKING SENTINEL ON THE ROAD

Hayden’s Mustang is proudly branded in Sentinel logos–combining his two passions.

After building a few spec houses for themselves, Hayden and Kylie knew that construction was the next big stage of their life.

“We’ve had Sentinel Homes Wellington & Kapiti for about four years and employ eight staff,”

They wanted to join the Sentinel Homes family because they knew it would mean they could offer better, more consistent service and outcomes. The values of the group really appealed to Hayden too – he could see this was a bunch of businesspeople who wanted to work together to do what’s best for customers.

“If I’ve got an issue, I’ll ring one of the others and talk about it. It’s good to bounce questions around – you just wouldn’t get that from a stand-alone. We can also lean on Stu and Guy’s experience – they’ve been in this industry for a long time.”

Thinking of building in the Wellington or Kapiti region? Give Hayden a call – if you’re lucky, he might even give you a ride in the Mustang.

 

Design your dream home – and $5K Kiwi holiday!

 

SIGN AN UNCONDITIONAL CONTRACT TO BUILD WITH SENTINEL HOMES BEFORE 31ST DECEMBER AND GET $5K TO SPEND ON YOUR DREAM ESCAPE

We all know times have changed. Kiwis are not only spending more time than ever at home – discovering they’ve outgrown their present property – they’re also spending less time than ever overseas, discovering breath-taking holiday spots right here in Aotearoa instead.

 

Right now, Sentinel Homes are killing two birds with one stone. If you build your new home with us (think: a cunning little office space, a teenage retreat, a mudroom, extra storage, a magnificent cathedral ceiling – whatever takes your fancy), you can also build a $5,000 holiday for free! It’s an incredible opportunity to finally make a dreamy domestic adventure a reality.

 

WITH US, YOU TAKE THE LEAD

We’ve built our business on giving our clients the perfect mix of reliability and customisation – you get the perfect home design, with the security of fixed price build.

 

That’s why your $5,000 holiday is yours to create too. You get to choose the destination, accommodation, activities – take the whole family along on a whistle stop tour, or nest up in luxury with someone special. But with so many brilliant destinations around this beautiful country, it might be too hard to choose just one holiday. We reached out to our Sentinel Homes team to find out where they’re dreaming of….

 

GET READY TO SEE NEW ZEALAND

When we’re not full throttle in the driving seat at the office or liaising with clients, we love getting off the beaten track to make the most of New Zealand. Check out our top picks to get you dreaming about where your $5,000 adventure could take you.

 

SURREAL SCENERY

Del from Sentinel Homes in the Waikato recommends Cape Reinga at the top tip of the Far North, where Māori believe the spirits of the dead depart. “It’s a magical place where the two oceans meet… you can actually feel what a spiritual place it is.”

 

Further down South, there’s more of that world-famous scenery.

 

“As a resident North Islander, I find the whole of the South Island a complete gem,” confesses Trudi from Auckland. “It even feels different when you’re down there. I have travelled and lived all around the world, but haven't really explored the South Island. I'm really looking forward to that.”

 

General Manager Guy also opts to go south. His favourite trip is flying to Milford Sound through the Southern Alps. “You can almost reach out and touch the snow.”

 

ACTION AND ADVENTURE

If thrills and spills are more your speed, New Zealand has that in droves too.

 

Kylie from Wellington recommends Taupo. “So many beautiful walks, and the Huka Falls jet boat ride is amazing, scary and fun all in one.”

 

Nate from the Waikato has been eyeing up an action-packed excursion in the South. “I would love to go to Fiordland to go diving for big crayfish and paua!”

 

TRAILBLAZING

Exploring the highways and byways of New Zealand’s forgotten roads can take you to some remote, and remarkable spots.

 

The Otago Rail Trail, a two-to-three-day bike ride through Central Otago, comes highly recommended by both Maree and Leon at Sentinel Homes North West Auckland. “Do it with friends,” suggests Maree. “Get outdoors, get active… meet the locals, drink and eat the local fare, see amazing scenery – a total getaway package that isn’t expensive.” Leon has some extra advice: “You can even get electric bikes if you want to make it really easy. And you must try the world-famous cheese rolls when you’re there.”

 

CITY ESCAPES

Tanya from Sentinel Homes Manawatu/Whanganui is a big fan of taking her breaks in Auckland where she enjoys all the options for eating out. “Living away from Auckland makes me appreciate it even more – the scenery, bushwalks, a myriad of beaches and activities (both paid and free).”

 

Hayden from Sentinel Homes Wellington rates Queenstown, too. “Sitting in the spa having a drink looking out at the Remarkables after a day of skiing is fantastic.”

 

BLISS ON THE BEACH

You don’t have to jet to the islands to enjoy some sun, sand and surf.

 

Julia from Taranaki’s favourite spot is Tauranga and the Mount – “Great beaches and playgrounds, and awesome cafes” – but she also talks up her home turf. “Taranaki and the stunning Maunga and coastal walkway are a must-see for visitors.”

 

Nate from the Waikato also rates the Coromandel, with Hot Water Beach being his favourite place in the country. Sentinel Homes Managing Director Stu agrees it’s hard to go past the East Coast of the Coromandel for his holidays. “I love the long white sandy beaches and the clear water, the barbecues, the fishing, the diving and the campfires with friends and family.”

 

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE OF SCENE

Sentinel Homes are keen for you to end 2020 visualising both a new house and a holiday.

 

Sign an unconditional contract to build before 31st December 2020, pay a deposit and you’ll get $5,000 to spend on a holiday of your choice.

 

Call now, or go to SentinelHomes.co.nz/holiday t’s & c’s apply.

Lockdown In A Brand-New Home

SENTINEL HOMES BOP HELPED TOA AND LUMA TAUAI AVERT A COVID CATASTROPHE

The government’s COVID strategy of going hard and going fast has worked, but it wasn’t without its complications. People all over the country scrambled to do everything they needed to get done before level four lockdown took effect. As it happens, Toa and Luma Tauai had only 20 minutes to spare to move into their brand-new home!

ANOTHER HOUSE BUILT WITH TONY FROM SENTINEL HOMES BOP

For Toa and Luma, building their new home with Sentinel Homes BOP was a no-brainer. Franchise owner Tony O’Brien had already built a home for the couple, and they had been impressed with the smooth running of the project and the final results. Their second home build was just the same.

“The finishing was very good and they were very helpful throughout,”explains Toa. “They’d take on board what we asked them to do with any variations, and were always contactable. We’d recommend them to anybody.”

That stress-free experience came to a grinding halt as COVID-19 threatened to derail their best-laid plans.

“The house was ready, but it didn’t have a code of compliance – the final inspection was booked for the Thursday, and we were going to move on Friday. But that had all been cancelled,” explains Toa

THE THREAT OF LOCKDOWN HOMELESSNESS

The Thursday they’d planned for that crucial final inspection was the same day New Zealand went into level four lockdown. Under normal circumstances, no inspection means no code of compliance. Without a CoC, the bank won’t release the final payments, the insurance company won’t cover the home and the owners can’t take possession. With new tenants already set to move into their rental, Toa and Luma had nowhere else to go.

“It was a big drama,”says Toa. “We were both panicked and didn’t know what we were going to do. My husband would say, ‘We ain’t going to move!’ but we kept pushing.”

Tony and the team at Sentinel Homes BOP sprang into action. A phone call to the bank confirmed that there could be a way around the red-tape tangle. A registered valuation plus a guarantee that the house was built to standard, along with photos of the property, would be enough for the bank to confirm that they’d release the funds. And that was enough for the insurance company to cover the house and for Sentinel Homes to hand over the keys.

Even so, the clock was ticking – Toa knew that they’d need to start moving by 1 pm on Wednesday, or they simply wouldn’t make it.

“The stress started to come,”says Toa. “The bank was in chaos, and our manager had to wait all day for the confirmation to come through.

A RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK

Then, with just 12 hours until level four lockdown began, finance and insurance were ticked off, and the couple could take their first load over to their new home. Without movers to help, they spent a back-breaking afternoon and evening, ferrying their household over in a small rental truck.

“I managed to book a truck for the Wednesday – it was the last truck around!” explains Toa

“We couldn’t get a moving company because everyone was moving at the same time. Some friends offered to help, but we didn’t want to put them at risk with the physical distancing.”

They moved their last load into the house at 11.40 pm – with just 20 minutes to spare. The couple “were knackered”after their mammoth effort, and grateful for the four-week lockdown which they could spend recuperating and unpacking in their beautiful new home.

FEELING BLESSED

Now the panic is behind them, Toa is grateful for the effort put in by their bank manager, the insurance company and most of all by Tony and his team at Sentinel Homes. With the Tauais’ perseverance and everyone on board to help, they managed to achieve what should have been impossible

“We were blessed to be able to move in on the day,” says Toa. “Blessed for everyone’s help, from Tony and the crew. Everyone worked together.”

If Toa and Luma weren’t already sold on Sentinel Homes, their pre-lockdown experience would have sealed the deal.

“We’re always telling our friends, to use them. We tell everyone we can,”says Toa.

 

Visit our Tauranga show home or get in touch with Tony and the team.