Alastair’s iBuild Experience in Kambah, ACT
Alastair wanted to build a granny flat mainly as a residence for his son but also as an investment. After doing a Google search and visiting the iBuild website, he looked at iBuild’s designs and saw that iBuild’s process made sense. The idea of being an owner builder was attractive to him, as it allowed him to do his build comfortably within his own time frame.
Alastair and his partner chose iBuild’s Kit Homes Oxford design due to its simplicity and attractive cabin style and because it fitted perfectly on their block of land. They made a few changes to Kit Homes Oxford’s overall design. The first was to deepen the house slightly to ensure it met the minimum residence requirements for the ACT by taking space from the verandah. The second included adding attic trusses for half of the house to create storage space in the roof. The addition of the storage space has been very useful as their son, who now lives in the house, uses it regularly. They also combined the vanity and laundry sink into one space so they could have a bigger shower.
We worked with iBuild through all of these changes and found them to be very accommodating.
Alastair George iBuild Customer
After looking at iBuild’s kit home inclusions, Alastair ordered the optional subfloor, lockup and finishing kits for his Oxford. The kits either arrived on time or well before he needed them. He found the Kit’s materials to be of outstanding quality and exactly what you’d expect and need for building a typical home. Alastair also upgraded a few items, his front door, his windows to double glazing and some of his bathroom fittings.
Alastair found the process of owner-building his own home to be extremely rewarding. Even though he made a few mistakes along the way, he also did some things that turned out to be better than he could have imagined. In particular, his attic area, front and rear steps, bathroom waterproofing, and engineered flooring are all features of the home that he is incredibly proud of.
I found that learning each stage just-in-time and purchasing tools as I needed them helped me to maintain focus and not worry too much about progress.
Alastair George iBuild Customer on Being An Owner Builder
When reflecting on his experience with the iBuild team, Alastair noted the support he received was fantastic. In particular, communicating via iBuild’s project management software tool, Basecamp, meant he could always get help when needed. iBuild’s project manager Peter was always there to answer any of his questions, provide him with more information on the building process, and provide him with visual examples from other clients.
Alastair has finished his Oxford and is delighted with the final product. He is now owner building another home with iBuild at his property in Goulburn. His son is now happily living in his Kit Homes Oxford, enjoying a 6-star energy rating, a modern kitchen, ample storage and a large-screen TV.
iBuild is a Great company! with a Great business model.
Alistair George iBuild Customer
Kit Homes Progress Photo Album
Click on the Facebook album to see Alastair’s completed Kit Homes Oxford.
Alastair George
My wife and I have completed a granny flat we purchased from iBuild. The build was a great COVID project and the iBuild team made it go very smoothly. I was really impressed with the kit, the professionalism and the overall help the iBuild team gave.
Alastair George iBuild Customer
Alastair's Q&A
We built the granny flat mainly as a residence for our son but also as an investment.
I did a Google search and when I looked at the iBuild model it made a lot of sense. The idea of owner/building and doing it all in my own time was very attractive.
We chose the Oxford design due to its simplicity and attractive cabin style but also for the fit for our block. We made a few changes. The first was to deepen the house slightly to ensure it met the minimum residence requirements for the ACT. We took some room from the verandah to achieve this. The second was to include attic trusses for half of the house so we could create a storage space in the roof. This has turned out to be a very useful addition as my son uses it quite a bit. And lastly we combined the vanity and laundry sink into the one area giving more room for the shower. We worked with iBuild through all of these changes and found them to be very accommodating.
We ordered the subfloor, lockup and finishing kits which overall were very good. Most items arrived on time or well before I needed them however the early items were typically due to my lack of experience or over-eagerness thinking I’d use them earlier than I did. Most items were very good quality and exactly what you’d expect building a typical home. I did find that some of the frames needed work and this turned out to be a common problem with our local frame and truss provider. I also upgraded a few items like front door, windows to double glazing and some bathroom fittings.
I chose to owner/build and found the experience very rewarding. Yes I made a few mistakes along the way but I also did some things that turned out really nice and am very proud of. The attic area, front and rear steps, bathroom waterproofing and engineered flooring all turned out better than I expected. I found that learning each stage just-in-time and purchasing tools as I needed them helped me to maintain focus and not worry too much about progress.
Yes, the finished granny flat definitely represents value for money. I was fortunate enough to start the project before COVID hit so timber and other material prices were reasonable. iBuild were also very reasonable with any change requests and given my wife and I are about to do this all again, I’m hoping prices haven’t risen too much. 
I had a great experience. The support I received was fantastic and having the Basecamp management tool meant I could always get help when I needed it. iBuild, and in particular Peter, were always there to answer my questions, provide more information on the build process and give me visual examples from other clients. Great business model.
Without question. Great company!
I’m very happy. The project is finished and my 23yo son is now happily living in the granny flat enjoying a 6 star energy rating, modern kitchen, ample storage and large screen TV. 
Life is pretty good for him.
