Established in 2004, CJ Homes is a family-owned builder offering custom-designed homes, fixed price contracts and turnkey solutions to its clients. We spoke to CJ Homes Director Jyri Hopia to learn more.
Jyri says CJ Homes has built a solid reputation for building quality affordable homes for families during its two decades of operation.
“That’s why we were so excited to open a display home at Ellendale because it perfectly fits with our ethos of creating dream designs for our customers in idyllic locations,” says Jyri.
“We’re so pleased to be located at Ellendale because it’s such a picturesque community just 12km from the city centre, which makes it very unique in today’s market.
“Buyers are so impressed when they visit and see how the community has grown with its tree-lined streets, walkways and bushland corridors so it’s really ideal to be able to showcase one of our display homes here.”
Jyri says CJ Homes is one of the only builders offering fixed price, turn-key contracts on homes built on split and sloping lots at Ellendale, with no up-front deposit required.
By building on a split or sloping block, homeowners are able to enjoy an enhanced home design and lifestyle, while the bespoke nature of the homes also brings a diversity to the streetscape, which helps to create and deliver a more premium community. “When designing homes, we do things a bit differently, and really work hard to understand what the customer wants and make sure they know exactly what they are getting with a custom-designed home,” he said.
“We have a number of ‘template’ floorplans which we use to show people what’s possible on a split or sloping lot – things like elevation including great views of the community, capturing the breeze to enjoy natural passive cooling, and even choosing how your home is oriented to maximise natural light throughout the home are all possible with a split level design – and these can easily be modified to suit the buyers’ chosen lot and their design preferences.
“Once we have a custom design they are happy with, we can give them a fixed price for a turn-key home which is inclusive of all site costs, including a H class slab as standard which is the strongest slab available.
“It only takes our design team about four weeks to create a custom drawing and confirm pricing. From there it’s usually another three months to get the relevant approvals, reports and tests done and then we can start building, which takes about nine months depending on the complexity of the build.
“Our customers can usually step in to their brand-new home within about 12 months of signing their contract.”
Jyri says building on a split or sloping lot can be a more cost-effective option.
“The homesites are a bit more affordable than traditional flat blocks, and while you might spend a bit more on a custom build, a lot of people prefer to put more money into their home.”
CJ Homes’ display is called The Trinity and is an open plan family home with four bedrooms and an entertainer’s kitchen including butler’s pantry.
Three bedrooms and a games room are downstairs, alongside a spacious living and dining room opening out to a large alfresco dining area. Raked ceilings in these communal areas give the home an open and airy feel, and make the area look more spacious.
Upstairs is the master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite as well as a separate lounge and study nook.
“We’re a custom home builder so the display is great for buyers to walk through and get ideas for what they want to see in their own home,” he says.
“We want our customers to view our display home as a canvas for a custom home design and encourage them to envision how they would see their own home taking shape.
“Walking through the home is a great way to spark buyers’ imaginations, by pointing out special features and discussing how they could be modified to suit their lifestyle.
“The home design itself is only one part of the equation. We also discuss what type of homesite the buyer is interested in, because this will also influence the floorplan and approach to building the home.
“Ellendale has plenty to offer because of the variety of blocks from your traditional flat block to your split or sloping block, which opens up loads of design options.
“As a location, Ellendale has been designed with the environment and nature in mind. There is so much natural beauty, as well as a range of flora and fauna, and for many homebuyers they want to be able to enjoy the views on offer – by building on the spilt and sloping blocks they can create a home they love, while taking in all Ellendale has to offer.”
Jyri says building trends have dramatically evolved from when he started CJ Homes 20 years ago.
“People expect more from their houses now, with premium fittings and fixtures like gold tapware is particularly popular,” he says.
“Ducted air and solar are also high on buyer ‘wish lists’, as are natural stone benchtops and varied colour schemes for bathrooms.
“We’re also noticing more people coming to us asking for a butler’s pantry, which are great for when you’re entertaining.”
For more information on the CJ Homes Display at Ellendale, visit https://www.cedarwoods.com.au/ellendale/about/display-homes/cj-homes-trinity-dv