With us spending more time in our homes, you may be considering taking steps to finally move into your dream home. Rather than potentially compromise with what’s available on the market, perhaps developing a bespoke build may be the answer.
We spoke to Mark Johnson, marketing director at Griggs Homes, who shares his top four things to consider when looking for a property developer to create your perfect home:
1) Their online presence
The way a company operates and markets themselves online may help you determine the way they operate offline as well.
Do your research and take some time to learn everything you can about the developers you are considering via their website and social media pages. This is a good way to get an initial first impression of a property developer and determine whether they sound like a company you’d want to work with.
If they are active on review sites, or receive reviews on Facebook, it’s helpful to note whether they get mostly good or bad comments, but also how they respond to these reviews, as this could give you another indication of the professionalism of the business.
2) Does their style match up with yours? Check out their portfolio
The best way to see if a property developer is right for you is to take a look at their past developments. Have they developed a home similar to the one you want? Do you like the look of their properties?
If a developer has built new build homes or properties that you like, you can assume that they will be able to deliver on your specifications.
Griggs Homes past properties range from large, stately new build homes with indoor leisure facilities, to very modern, art-deco houses with cutting-edge design features.
“Each bespoke new build home is centred entirely around the client’s specifications,” explains Mark.
“You can either come to us with a commissioned design that you love, or with a completely open mind. We can work with you from the beginning, ensuring that the end result meets or even surpasses your expectations.”
Griggs Homes has completed several successful one-off projects, such as a bijou house in Elstree which featured on Channel 4’s ‘Building the Dream’, and a high-specification 17,000 sq. ft mansion in Radlett.
3) The value of a good reputation
Just as with any trade, a good reputation speaks volumes.
Not only is a company acknowledged for its quality of work going to be more trustworthy, but one that values its reputation is likely to be more motivated to keep it pristine.
“We’ve been established for many years, and in that time have won a plethora of prestigious awards. We’ve recently been awarded for our Hanstead House development – a collection of 11 modern apartments in a restored period property - at this year’s UK Property Awards,” says Mark.
Now in its third-generation of family ownership, Griggs Homes has also built a name for itself in the local community and has recently increased its presence with its new storefront on the Radlett high street.
“Although opening a store is a little out-of-the-ordinary for property developers, we wanted to put a face to the name and give people a chance to get to know us and what we do a little better,” Mark says.
“We do a lot of our work in Radlett, and felt it was important to embed ourselves further into the community. People are welcome to pop in and ask us any questions. We’re also planning to open additional offices in Borehamwood, and develop the floors above into high-quality residential apartments.”
4) The level of expertise
It may seem obvious, but it’s integral that the property developer you entrust to build your dream home has the necessary experience.
“The team here are so enthusiastic about what they do and bring the all-important experience in different areas of property development to ensure every project is successful,’ explains Mark.
“Our expertise covers development, construction, planning permission, cost control, architectural design and interior design.”
Griggs Homes can also liaise with external advisors where necessary.
Visit www.griggshomes.co.uk for more information. Contact the team on 01923 852 322 or info@griggshomes.co.uk.
Griggs Homes, 13 Beaumont Gate, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 7AR
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