So here’s the good news I was going to share a couple of weeks ago! If you follow me on Instagram you probably already saw it – but we moved in our first owned home! It’s been a pretty exciting (albeit stressful time) and we’re super thankful it finally happened.
Technically we started the formal process a little under a year ago. It’s a new build property and so it was essentially bought “off plan”. This means that we were simply shown the plan of the development and then it was built from scratch. So I remember it was pretty hard for me to visualise how exactly it was going to turn out. But thankfully Tee was very much on top of it – being able to read the measurements and description off plan.
But to make up, my legal skills kind of came in handy, as I had a pretty good overview of the entire process and was able to review the contracts from a legal background. But the absolute great thing about new build is simply how new everything is! And being able to design it to your taste. So in one of my old posts, you may remember me rolling my eyes at the pretty horrible green carpet in our previous house that we couldn’t do much about!
So flipping back a bit. While we started the formal process a year ago, we probably started talking about this like 5-6 years ago! When we both realised that we’d be in the UK – getting a house was something we considered. And so when we got married, it became a major goal. We started searching immediately mostly for inspiration and to understand how the process worked. We’d visit show homes regularly as well, and try to find a location that works. It’s interesting how much you have to think about – location, (access to amenities, i.e. Train stations, leisure centres, shopping, schools), reputation of the builders and incentives, and of course budget!
Speaking of the latter the more practical bits of it was saving for the deposit – which was something we had to do together. So we put a percentage of our income separately for this. That’s obviously something that isn’t so easy. Unexpected bills come up and you just have to dip in there. But I think being intentional about it helps a lot!
Enough of an overview, here’s the top four things I’m currently loving about this house:
1. The Open Plan Living
I may be wrong, but I feel like open plan houses are more typical to the US, but are definitely becoming more common in the UK. And I totally love it. For me, I love the fact that the kitchen is an extension of the dining area and living room. So while I don’t really mind cooking, I actually quite dislike being locked up in a room called the kitchen while others are having a laugh in the living room. But with open plan, it’s just one big space everyone can get along. Tee may be watching football in the living room and with me in the kitchen, we can still be having conversations. The one down side could be that food smells will easily diffuse into the living area, but an extractor is able to expel such smells (even though the sound drives me nuts!)
2. The Kitchen
The one thing I’m often particular about in a house is the kitchen. Small kitchens are an absolute no no and even in our rented home, the kitchen was priority! So I’m super happy with this one. It’s not overly massive, but it’s got sufficient storage space for our needs at this time. And what really has my heart now? A dishwasher! Oh my goodness. We had both never used a dishwasher and actually had to watch a YouTube video on how to use one. Plus I had no clue dishwashers used a separate kind of soap – which is more expensive than regular washing liquid. But nevertheless, I think it’s a life saver especially for bulk washing.
3. My Space
Not really sure what to call this. But Tee objects to the idea of calling it “my room”. Plus it really isn’t because it won’t have a bed. The idea of separate rooms isn’t one that appeals to us. But that said, a woman needs extra space! If we broke down the walls connecting it to the master bedroom, that might be useful, but way too much hassle. Anyway this space would basically have my dressing table, work station, and wardrobe and maybe a couch for mediation, relaxation and prayers. One thing I know is that I want a white/mustard theme and I hope it turns out well – and not one of those things you visualise in your head perfectly, but actually just doesn’t come out as planned.
4. Bathrooms
I was in a conversation with someone once, and she said she didn’t particularly understand how people had just one bathroom/toilet in their house. I rolled my eyes (only in my head as usual) and let her know we had just one of each. But asides the fact that we have a couple now thankfully!, I’m much more excited by an actual bath tub. Obviously I don’t think I’ll have a bath (in the tub) everyday, the shower is much more likely. But then having it as an option is great. On some days, I really wanted to simply relax in the tub – but no matter how hard one scrubbed our previous grey one, I simply couldn’t put my back to it. So here’s hoping those candle lit, champagne-in-hand calming-baths-as-a-form-of-self-care actually do happen.
This is own list. If we were to ask Tee, he probably would swap his home office/ study space for the kitchen or my space.
That’s pretty much it. We’d probably be done decorating in a few weeks hopefully. At least such that its a functional home. I’m sure they’d always be stuff to tweak and include. My ‘to-buy’ list just keeps getting longer, and one must apply wisdom in money matters! Maybe I’ll share photos of any thing particularly exciting, or storage solutions I’ve found helpful. After so many trips to IKEA, I feel they really do owe me a reward.
The one thing that we’d miss? Knowing that you could previously call a landlord to take care of any damage or hassles. Now we’re pretty much in charge. We need to remember to call in all the warranties on appliances, get home insurance and generally try to be careful to avoid any major damage!
But it’s an exciting journey.
And maybe time to start thinking of the next one? My friends want an 8 bedroom American style house that’s incredibly massive with a bowling alley and everything you can think off. Perhaps the UK mindset is getting to me, but while I definitely want a big house, my dream house would be more of practical, cozy and functional.
What’s your dream house and in what country / city would you love it to be. I’ll love to hear and be inspired. Plus as my one time favourite quote by Walt Disney goes, “if you can dream it, you can do it”
Love,
Kachee… xx
pS: The above picture isn’t the front of our home. Just in case you ever visit and become perplexed. But I love that yellow and white! So pretty.
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Tola
May 9, 2017 at 07:19Congratulations on your new home!!! I pray you guys make lots and lots of good memories there ❤️
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:05Thank you sooo much Tola!
Mercy
May 9, 2017 at 07:40Hey Kachi!CONGRATULATIONS on your new home! I did wonder for a second if that was your real front door but then I thought “nahhhh! she wouldn’t” HAHA!I was taking a walk in the village a while ago and stumbled upon what looked like our dream home from the outside (by faith lol!). It’s easier to show you a picture than describe it but I’ll try. Our dream home is spacious yet cozy. A small gated house with a driveway and lovely back garden, a chimney so we can have a fireplace, 2 bathrooms (one downstairs, one upstairs…maybe ensuite in the master bedroom), 4 rooms one of which would be “my room”, possibly a basement or loft for extra space and of course a big kitchen; big enough for a breakfast table. As much as I don’t like being shut away in the kitchen, I’m also not a fan of open plan. I prefer a separate kitchen but with French doors so I still sort of get the open feeling.Sooooo just realised I’ve already lived in the house I described. Sounds pretty much like the house I grew up in. 😅 Anyway, I know we’ll buy it some day soon because I’ve been dreaming of it a lot lately. HAHAH!Ehen, now let’s talk about when you’re inviting me for housewarming! 😜😜xxMercy.www.immeiko.com
Debs
May 9, 2017 at 08:17Wow, congrats Kachee…that living room/kitchen style is just one I’ve always fascinate about and I’ve always wish to have one in future. Wishing you and Tee the best memories ever, in your new home!
Ifie
May 9, 2017 at 08:28Congrats!!! Gotta love new builds, Gigi says the new house smells like a hotel lol! Enjoy ❤️❤️❤️
mide
May 9, 2017 at 08:45Congrats To you guys! I’ve never really considered ‘my dream house’ but I know that I want a really amazing kitchen too and the idea of your space sounds really cool too.Congrats again❤❤Portableisthenewhot.blogspo…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:04Thanks Girl! Tbh I think every girl needs that extra space. Lol! It’s not too early to start thinking of what you like, so start!
RuthsTravel:Because I Believe
May 9, 2017 at 09:07Congratulations, KacheeTee. I honestly haven’t completed that dream house plan so for now, I’d pass.What I first fell in love with (post wise) is the POWERFUL undertone. These are the points you made before going down to the “business of the day”. You showed us that the house didn’t just appear from thin air. In few sentences, you gave us a great overview: understanding what needed to be done, intention, conversations, saving… everything to the actualisation of a beautiful home. You might just get comfortable with the noise from the extractor especially if you don’t want to step out of the house smelling like jollof rice.I appreciate the honesty I picked from your expressions too. I totally get #3/4 and when you said a mustard/white theme, I scrolled back to the photo in this post.This might not matter to someone else but I love how you call it “home” and not “house”God bless this home. May He continually build, remodel, protect, and establish it. I pray that wonderful memories are made here.http://becauseibelieveblog….
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 09:31Amen and Amen! Thank you so much Ruth. I really really appreciate. I wanted to pass that message across, because it really takes a lot of planning and can be a tough process. Especially for young growing couples or individuals. So glad you picked that up!I’ve tried to get comfortable with the noise, but I keep turning it off after 30 seconds! Lol.
'Dara
May 9, 2017 at 09:29Congratulations on your new home Kachi. I’m so happy for you. I was reading the descriptions with so much excitement; you would think it was my house.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:04Awww. Thank you Dara. You’re a star!
loisvibe
May 9, 2017 at 10:09Many congratulations kachi, you are such an inspiration dear. You gave such a detailed overview of the process getting your dream house. You are indeed an inspiration dear.
Oyinsco
May 9, 2017 at 10:11Congratulations on your new home Kachi. For new builds, you have to register the warranty on the appliances and boiler within 30 days of completion. I made that mistake🙈
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 10:13Oh wow! Had no idea. Thanks a lot for this! Have to do it ASAP.
Vivian AF
May 9, 2017 at 10:27Congrats on your new home!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:03Thank you Viv!!
TheShanyiLife
May 9, 2017 at 10:47Now you got me dreaming about a house, pictureesss please. P.S. I missed this place 🙈
Naija Nomads
May 9, 2017 at 11:10Congratulations on your new home Kacheetee!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:02Thanks babe!!
Bababi
May 9, 2017 at 11:14Congratulations! This is great news. I also love big kitchens, that’s always what I look out for when going house hunting.Oh my! I dream of owning a home someday too, and like you, I’ll like my home to be practical, functional and beautiful. I love bungalows more than any other building design. So my dream home would be a 4-bedroom bungalow in Lagos, Nigeria.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:03I actually loved bungalows, but for some reason I think I’ll prefer them when I’m older and for now I’ll still love some stairs.. Ahhh, I see you want to move back to Lagos. Lol!
Abby
May 9, 2017 at 11:28Congratulations Mama!!I’m pretty sure your home looks just as lovely as you’ve described 🙂 Wish you and Tee pleasant and beautiful memories Candle lit bath soaks are the actual best.. I can relateXx
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:02Thank yo Abby! I’ve never had candle lit soaks, so I hope they meet my expectations. Lol!
April Laugh
May 9, 2017 at 12:10Awwwww! Congratulations hun!! I can’t wait to share this testimony soooon!!!! My dream home has a gym in the basement hahahahah!
Evita
May 9, 2017 at 13:29Congrats Kachi! This is indeed a great feat. Its the beginning of greater things to come for you and your family. I know how it feels when I newly paint my bedroom and get to rearrange. I can then imagine how getting a new house feels like. Owning my own home has always been on the list of my priorities once I get married. I know what its like living in a rented apartment for years and wouldn’t want to go through it again. I would go for functionality and large spaces any day. For decoration inspiration, you can check out Pinterest.www.evitainprogress.blogspo…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:02Thanks Evita! I check Pinterest occasionally until it gets overwhelming and I just exit it. Lol.I’m so with you on functionality and large spaces. And yes, it should be a priority in marriage i think!
Zinny
May 9, 2017 at 13:40Congrats to the both of you! Such great news. Wishing you the very best and lots of great memories together. I’d want my dream home here in Canada, Toronto or Mississauga precisely, and I’d want the interior painted all white just because I’m somewhat a minimalist. But I can’t make that decision alone most certainly.Please share some pictures with us, the description is so lovely. Congrats again!www.zinnyfactor.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:00Thanks Zinny! My photo taking skills are so bad. But if i can manage to, I most definitely will!
TRAVEL WITH A PEN
May 9, 2017 at 13:45Congrats on your new home, Kachee & Tee!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 17:00Thank you girl!!
Kelechi
May 9, 2017 at 13:49Congratulations on your new home!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 16:59Thank you Babe!! xx
Sisilicious “beautyluv” Sosan
May 9, 2017 at 13:58Big Congrats to u’guys! wish you a happy home!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 16:59Thank you Sisilicious!!
Sky
May 9, 2017 at 14:34Wow big congratulations to you guys!Housing is such a big deal and it is very impressive that you guys are able to buy yours so soon.I absolutely cannot wait till i own my own home too.God bless you and Oga Tee’s hustle. xwww.skynotfancy.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 9, 2017 at 16:59Thank you Sky! I guess having the mortgage option makes it easier. Amen, and soon for you by God’s grace! xx
Live In Ibadan
May 9, 2017 at 17:41Awwww. Congratulobia, kacheetee. No wonder you disappeared again. You were busy celebrating. We thank God for new things. I hope the new house brings you and tee so much more Joy than you ever expected. Lots of love!www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com
Phaytea's Pulse
May 9, 2017 at 20:55This is such a huge step…Congratulations on the big move Kachee…Create more awesome memories
Desire Uba
May 9, 2017 at 22:49Congratulations Kachee!!!I’m with you on the Kitchen space, too important. I’m sure you’d do well in turning your new house to a beautiful home! God dey your side. http://www.desireuba.wordpress.com
Sade Owoeye
May 9, 2017 at 23:31Congrats Katchee!! This is a major milestone that you guys acheived pretty early.www.thegraceadventures.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
May 10, 2017 at 09:17Thank you Sade!!And Congrats on your blog launch! I always thought you needed a blog. Your Facebook posts were so insightful and lengthy enough for a full blog post! All the best with it! xx
Sade Owoeye
May 10, 2017 at 09:25blockquote, div.yahoo_quoted { margin-left: 0 !important; border-left:1px #715FFA solid !important; padding-left:1ex !important; background-color:white !important; } Thanks Kachee, Funny enough you were one of the folks who encouraged me to write more oh!Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
jennifer ijeoma
May 10, 2017 at 00:28Congratulations KacheeTee. May you share more joys together as you watch all your dreams come true to fulfilment. I dream of an all white home (for now I will manage not so white becauSe of kids), large backyard (for parties ) basketball court (I can’t play to save my life though but I hope that my kids will be pros to kick my ass), and all those good stuff. This will be on naija… preferably Jos.Have fun beautifying your home. http://www.ijefinelivin.com
Muna
May 10, 2017 at 01:11Awwwwww Congratulations to you and Tee Kachee!!! This is an amazing achievement!! Speaking of the things you love I personally want my own room but my bf absolutely disagrees to the idea of separate rooms because he doesn’t want anybody going to “their” room to sleep when there’s a fight lol, which is sweet and makes sense. Then i absolutely absolutely dislike open plan living just because of the food smell. Where i stay in Lagos is the same way and while extractor helps, getting rid of that soup smell in this heat is usually war! Btw my dream house is a glass house with a lot of mirrors! Then a big walk in closet in my space and bathroom with a view! Lol this might change with time but right now, that’s about it. Congrats baby girl and looking forward to our Abacha date whenever you’re in Lagos, woop!25 Lessons in 25 Years
Precious
May 10, 2017 at 02:17Awww congrats to you guys! I was actually hoping to see pictures… especially of the kitchen. Have fun decorating!I’m always excited about a new home. A room for yourself sounds good! Enjoy your new home!!www.preciouscore.com
Tega Enai
May 10, 2017 at 03:54Congratulations on your new home dear. I was just going to comment on how beautiful your white and yellow door is until I read the last line. Initially I disliked the open plan because of the smell of the food and heat sometimes but then I loved the fact I don’t need to be in the kitchen all by myself.White and mustard for your room is a beautiful combo. Please do a room tour when you’re done.My dream home has to be spacious, with my room – office space – mini studio – glam room. I have always been particular about the environment, a beautiful landscape, with a garden, ponds, swans, peacocks… argghhh I’m currently day dreaming. please don’t wake me up. lol and O! there must me a gym. Amen!!!! http://www.tegaenai.com
Nengi
May 10, 2017 at 05:41Congrats on your new home! We just bought ours and it is new development as well so trust me when i say i understand the struggle. We moved a month ago and we are still living out of boxes.If our previous (rented) house was anything to go by, the tub is merely ornamental. Its funny how both times, it was a prerequisite but i never used it. Hopefully this time it will be different!
Olaa Bobade
May 10, 2017 at 07:17Many Congrats Kachee. Nothing but blissful and pleasant happenings in the new house. Amen. I’ve never thought about my dream house oh but the only thing I know is that I want a large kitchen! Lol @ not being able to call a landlord anymore. xx What The Location Of Your Breakout Says About It http://Www.laitanbee.com
Praise Abu
May 10, 2017 at 11:36Congratulations Kachee on your new home. I can’t wait for you to share pictures on the blog.My Style Look Book Series
Yummy Mum Life
May 10, 2017 at 21:09Congrats to you both.Such an amazing thing to accomplish together.I love the open plan thing and I remember talking to my husband about doing that when we start building.He reminded me of bleaching palm oil and the smell of iru and ogiri.lol! I don’t know how achievable that is in Nigeria.Many more years of doing incredible stuff to you both.www.CheecheeLive.com
Tola
May 11, 2017 at 11:40Big congrats to you guys! I love open plans too, there’s just something really nice and cozy about it! x
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
May 11, 2017 at 12:52Congratulations to you both!! The front already looks beautiful and a perfect spot for ootd pictures lol.. maybe now you can give us some fashion posts with all these cute dresses you’ve been wearing!! I love the idea of open plan houses only when the house is really really super (so much emphasis here lol) spacious. I currently stay in an open plan one bedroom and i don’t like having my whole (little) house smelling of food when i’m cooking or that everywhere gets so stuffy and i have to open the door to my apartment everytime (cause my huge window can’t seem to bring in air smh). If there were doors at least i could step out of the kitchen to catch some air. I also like huge kitchens, i mean i will need some space to dance and twirl while cooking lool and why don’t we call your “space” your walk-in closet because realllyyyyyyy… that’s what i see it as and i’m jealous lol … must feel nice. I miss bath tubs (cries in hate showers).. I like to sit down and still catch some sleep before making the water touch my skin but no, most apartments in the philippines are all built with just showers unlike in Nigeria where you get a bath tub, they get a bath tub, everybody gets a bath tub hahahaYOU MUST DO A HOUSE TOUR FOR US AFTER YOU’RE DONE DECORATING!!!Toyinwithfashion.com
Toluwalade Toyin-Kehinde
May 11, 2017 at 12:53ohh and apparently i skipped the last line of the front door not being yours, now you owe me a house tour foreal real
Okoro Yvonne
May 11, 2017 at 13:50Congratulations to you and your husband. Yeah, I love the yellow and white too.www.okoroyvonne.com
Osar'
May 11, 2017 at 16:30I was so excited about the yellow door, you should have let me be perplexed, lol. All the same, congrats you two, very happy for proud of you. Are you guys going to have a house-warming party?
ifunanya Dibiaezue
May 12, 2017 at 07:41You are both perfectly matched for the task lol. I love huge kitchens too and yes every girl does need her space. Congratulations to both of you!!www.sunlightdreamer.com
yevandy
May 12, 2017 at 12:21Congratulations Kachee!!!
starsandbeacons blog
May 12, 2017 at 18:35Congratulations; and may this be the least you will have together. Having ones own home is definitely a beautiful thing. Your space? i don’t think its a good idea to use wall papers or repaint for new builds; i don’t remember the gist, but you can check your home owners guide. Enjoy.
Tuke Morgan
May 22, 2017 at 22:08Congratulations Kachee!!!I love the fact that you guys started talking about this 5-6 years ago.http://www.tukesquest.com
Bubu Green
May 25, 2017 at 13:47Congrats to you guys! God bless this home. Happy for you, Hun! I’d love a mansion with everything if I’m not the one cleaning but if I am, a cost and functional one would be my pick. I would have said I love living in Nigeria but since citizens have refused to do things differently, I’d love to own a house in Amsterdam. Just love that place.Congrats, again.we.bubusboulevard.com
AB x MeeMee
June 13, 2017 at 16:45Aww congratulations to you & Tee! It’s not easy to be a home owner! 😀
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
June 13, 2017 at 17:01Thanks Hun! Xx
Mitchell Awah
October 9, 2017 at 00:28Lol. Was about to comment that I loved the yellow door. Congratulations you you and Tee, Kachi! Such a huge milestone.An open floor plan sounds awesome. Are those heat extractors really that noisy? And I thought they were going to be my lifesaver.For my own house, I would want large, open, airy, light-filled spaces. Floor to ceiling windows almost everywhere. Looking out into a woods. Or maybe a beach. Not sure yet lol. Some form of nature though. Dunno location sef.