Q&A with Vicky, Co-Founder of Altoria Homes

1. Can you tell us a bit about Altoria Homes? How did you and Alan start the company, and what inspired you to focus on building lifelong homes?

Altoria Homes began back in 2016.  After having our first child we decided we wanted a change in lifestyle and dreamt of creating a business in property.  We were aware of the significant lack of bungalows being built in the local area and felt we wanted to make an impact on this market. 

We bought our first piece of land in Stannington and threw ourselves into building what would become the start of Altoria Homes’ journey.  It was an incredibly steep learning curve but with time, patience and a lot of hard work this enabled us to establish ourselves as a local developer, providing homes that meet the needs of those seeking one-storey living.

2. What sets Altoria Homes apart from other developers? What is it about your approach that makes your homes so special?

I tend to hear the word ‘bespoke’ and ‘personal’ used by many developers but what this means to us, is that our buyers can have a voice in the construction process.  I meet many people who sometimes want to, or because of physical needs, must live in a bungalow.  We approach the purchase process in a different way to other developers. 

Once a home is reserved, we offer our buyers the opportunity to ‘bespoke’ their new home; this isn’t just in the form of what colour kitchen cabinet or flooring they choose, although they are exciting decisions that must be made! 

We take it back to basics and look at the design functionality of each room. Just as an example, we discuss where kitchen appliances are situated to ensure they can be accessed now and in the future.  We discuss where sockets, shower valves and toilet seat heights are positioned to ensure the home is truly lifelong.  This is all quite a task for our site manager to manage as no two bungalows are ever the same but ultimately, this process results in a home that suits buyers needs now and in the future.

3. You specialise in building luxury bungalows. Why did you decide to focus on this type of property, and how do you ensure each home is tailored to your customers’ needs?

There are assumptions that when you look to purchase a bungalow you are downsizing in size, style and sometimes design.  We don’t want this to be the case.  Our bungalows are suitable for everyone and why shouldn’t your new home be as luxurious as possible?

Bungalows are future proof and with the level of customer service and personal approach we take on the purchase process, this enables our customers’ needs to be met.

Buying a home can be daunting as there are many obstacles to overcome but we like to think that with the help and expertise of our team at Altoria Homes, the process of purchasing is as enjoyable as it can be.

4. Altoria offers an exceptional level of choice for buyers when it comes to customising their homes. Can you share more about the options available and how this benefits your customers?

Choosing the finishings of your new bungalow is the most exciting part of the process.  Once reserved, we issue our buyers with an ‘options brochure’ and this document lists all areas of the home which need careful consideration such as: which style of oak door, door handle, kitchen cabinetry, quartz worktops, bathroom vanity cupboard colour, Porcelanosa tiling, colour scheme throughout and flooring, to name but a few!

We find this process can take a few weeks and buyers will visit our sales office and show home to look at finishings and discuss with our team their specific requirements.

5. One of the core principles of Altoria Homes is delivering a hassle-free experience. How do you guide buyers through the home-buying journey, from plot reservation to moving in?

Being a small developer, this allows our sales and construction team the time to dedicate to each bungalow.  Our team are well experienced and can offer thought and consideration to peoples needs and future requirements.

The process begins with reserving your new home and whilst solicitors begin the conveyancing, we invite our buyers to begin the ‘options process’ well ahead of time to ensure that at first fix, our construction team know where services, utilities and furniture will be placed. 

We then move to exchange of contract and this is when the purchase is legally binding.  At this point, our team then get to work with fitting the finishing touches, such as kitchens and flooring.

A few days prior to completion, we ask our buyer to attend a ‘home demonstration’ appointment with me and our site manager.  This is when you are shown how your new home has come together and how appliances and services work.

Shortly followed by the most anticipated day of the process, completion day!  A date is agreed between solicitors and legal completion takes place.  You receive the keys to your new home and the unpacking begins! 

Don’t worry, we don’t say goodbye then!  We schedule post-completion visits to ensure all is well in your new home and I am always at the end of a telephone call/email.

6. Sustainability and modern living are key features in your homes. What technologies and design elements do you include to future-proof your properties for homeowners?

We are always looking to future proof our bungalows and with the emphasis on lifelong living, we only get better with each development.  We use modern technologies such as air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and electric vehicle chargers in all of our bungalows; making them a smart long-term investment for those looking for a home that meets their current and future needs.

7. You often talk about creating ‘lifelong homes.’ What does that mean for Altoria Homes, and why is it important for your customers?

A lifelong home is a home that is suitable from the day you move in and long into the future.  As part of the ‘options process’ we discuss the best way forward to future-proof your home. 

We have adapted many of our bungalows prior to completion, to ensure that this is the case with the use of ceiling hoists and accessible bathrooms; providing people with the ability to stay in their own home for as long as practically possible.

8. Altoria Homes is deeply rooted in Northumberland. How important is it for you to build in communities where you live, and how does that influence your work?

Alan and I are both from Northumberland and we feel incredibly proud to be able to build quality homes that will stand the test of time.  With it being our own business, it is very personal and our work reflects that. 

Being local people and working directly with those that purchase from us, we find this level of personal touch gives reassurance and confidence when making the huge decision to move and buy a new home.

9. Why should someone choose an Altoria home over buying a previously owned property or one from another developer? What do your homes offer that others might not?

When buying a new build, from day one, you are living in a brand-new space and everything is in full working order and hassle free with guaranteed appliances and a ten-year structural warranty. 

Purchasing from Altoria Homes brings with it that ‘bespoke’ and ‘personal’ experience I have previously mentioned, meaning your new home is decorated and finished in your preferred style.  Your new Altoria Home is as perfect as it can be.

10. Can you share any memorable feedback you’ve received from a buyer that reinforces why you do what you do at Altoria Homes?

There have been many moments over the years that make me feel incredibly proud of what Altoria Homes represents. 

It takes time and many in depth conversations to truly capture exactly what a buyer wants their new home to feel and look like.  I am privileged to be involved in the handover of each bungalow and it’s heart-warming to watch people see their finished home for the first time.  Our bungalows are more than the construction materials we use, building a one-storey home gives people the ability to stay in their home for as long as possible.

Having said all the above, our homes are only as good as the people we have working within them.  Our team are excellent and genuinely care about what they do.  We use local family businesses who take pride in their element of the build, ultimately making for a wonderful new home!