Getting on the property ladder in Wellington with a tiny home
Getting a foot on the property ladder in Wellington can be challenging, especially for first-home buyers facing a competitive market. But one local family found a creative and inspiring way to take that first leap by pooling their resources to purchase a property with the potential for a tiny home conversion, built by the expert team at Lockhart Construction.
For Emma and her family, finding their place in Wellington’s housing market meant thinking outside the box. “We were all interested in buying property in Wellington,” Emma shares. “Separately, we wouldn’t have been able to buy something that suited us with the finances we had available. By combining our resources, we were able to buy a property that suited us, had space for a separate dwelling, and had room for visiting family.”
This innovative approach allowed Emma to achieve homeownership while staying close to her loved ones. A tiny home was the perfect fit for her goal of a simpler, sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort. An online search led her to Lockhart Construction, Emma was impressed by how closely their values aligned with hers. “After a great chat with Stan Leenders, the owner, we felt confident that Lockhart had the capability to turn our vision into reality”, Emma recalls.
The planning phase began with an existing double garage on the property and whether to renovate or re-build. “We had many hand-drawn ideas before we approached Lockhart,” says Emma. “Stan gave us a few essential ‘must-haves’ based on the building regulations and a quote based on our original plan.”
Emma’s vision for her tiny home was clear: a warm, permanent, and independent space with a fully functional kitchen, bathroom, and plenty of storage. Making the most of what they had was key. “We wanted to reuse where possible to save on costs and reduce waste. The walls were originally ply which we have since repurposed. The original carpet was almost new, so it was pulled up and re-laid once the build had finished,” says Emma.
Lockhart Construction played a key role in refining these ideas and ensuring they met Wellington building codes. One unique request was raising the kitchen bench and vanity to a non-standard height of 92cm, a feature that suited her family’s height. “This small adjustment has worked really well,” she says, highlighting how even the tiniest details were thoughtfully considered.
Challenges did arise during the build. The council’s unexpected requirement to change the cladding from the original garage added costs. “Stan handled this by revising our quote and updating the plans,” Emma explains. “The result seamlessly matches the main house.” Additionally, when builder James discovered aging internal guttering, the family opted to have it replaced, and Lockhart took care of it without a hitch.
The consents process presented another hurdle. “The council took over a month to respond because our application was misplaced,” Emma recalls. “I’d suggest getting your architect to add more detail to the drawings, as many of the council’s questions could have been avoided”. While this was out of their control, Lockhart Construction managed the situation effectively, keeping the project on track.
Throughout the build, Emma appreciated the professionalism and communication from Lockhart’s team. “Our overall experience was positive. Builder James and Apprentice Boaz were professional, did amazing, high-quality work.” When the tiny home was completed, Emma was filled with both disbelief and excitement. “In little more than a year, I had moved out of a rented flat, bought my own property, and created a new space for myself,” she says.
Owning her tiny home has been a game-changer for Emma and her family. “The security of homeownership is incredible compared to renting,” she shares. “The space fits my lifestyle perfectly, whether I’m working on projects or working from home.” Looking ahead, she plans to landscape the outside of the property by creating an outdoor living space as well as helping her family with renovations to the main family house, drawing inspiration from her positive experience with Lockhart Construction.
Emma’s journey to homeownership through a tiny home is a story of creativity and collaboration. Despite the challenges, her experience with Lockhart Construction was overwhelmingly positive. “The professionalism, precise craftsmanship, and good communication stood out to me,” she says.
For anyone considering a tiny home build, Emma’s advice is clear, “Definitely go with Lockhart Construction.” Her tiny home has not only provided her with a place to call her own but has also opened up new possibilities for the future.