Pat Lambie is undoubtedly one of the most popular players to have ever laced up his boots for the Springboks and the Sharks, but he was unfortunately forced into early retirement after suffering various issues related to head knocks and post-concussion syndrome.
Soon after retiring – and besides a brief stint as a kicking coach – Lambie moved quickly and successfully into the property business, while on a personal level he undertook a project to build a dream home at the stunning Seaton Estate on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, which has just been completed.
Now settled into his new coastal home, Lambie reflects on the insights gained throughout the home-building journey, offering practical advice for future homeowners.
Tips for Home Builders: Lessons Learned from Pat Lambie’s Experience
- Source Locally to Avoid Delays
One of the biggest challenges Lambie faced during the building process was material delivery delays due to shipping backlogs. “On one of our imported items, what should have taken eight weeks for delivery ended up taking over four months,” Lambie explained. “To minimize delays, opt to source materials from local suppliers whenever possible. This might help keep the build programme on track.” His advice to future homeowners is clear: work with local suppliers to avoid long shipping times and unforeseen delays. - Design for Natural Light and Airflow
When designing his home, Lambie placed a strong emphasis on natural light and ventilation. The decision to incorporate shared bathrooms upstairs, instead of ensuites, allowed for better airflow and more natural light throughout the home. Lambie’s tip for other builders: maximise natural light and optimise airflow in key areas of the home to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. - Embrace Indoor-Outdoor Living
By focusing on indoor-outdoor living, he created spaces that flow naturally to the garden and patio, perfect for entertaining and relaxing. “Our design really brings the outdoors in, allowing us to enjoy the stunning views and coastal breeze every day,” Lambie said. For those building in coastal areas or places with beautiful landscapes, Lambie advises to make indoor-outdoor living a priority to maximise enjoyment of the environment. - Use Natural, Timeless Materials
“We wanted a home that would age well and blend harmoniously with the surroundings. Lambie focused on sustainable, timeless options such as timber, stone, and off-shutter concrete. All these materials are both durable and beautiful,” Lambie explained. Future homeowners should choose materials that will stand the test of time, both aesthetically and structurally. - Be Prepared for the Paperwork
Lambie admitted that the paperwork involved in building a home, certainly before any construction starts, can be overwhelming. Future homeowners must stay ahead of the paperwork and plan ahead to avoid any last-minute stress. - Design with Family in Mind
While Lambie and his family kept resale value in mind during the design process, their primary focus was creating a home that reflected their family’s needs and lifestyle. “We wanted a home that was a reflection of us, not just a property, that ticks boxes” Lambie said. His tip: design with your lifestyle in mind, not just future resale value. A home that suits your needs will always be more fulfilling in the long term. - Celebrate Milestones Along the Way
One of the most rewarding moments of the home-building process for Lambie was the completion of the roof, followed by a celebratory meal with the contractors. “It was a real sense of accomplishment,” he said. He advises other homeowners to take time to celebrate key milestones along the way, as these moments are part of what makes the journey memorable. - Be Patient and Flexible
As with any major project, Lambie encountered unexpected challenges during the build. “The delays with material deliveries were frustrating, but we had to stay patient and flexible,” he explained. Flexibility and a calm approach are key when navigating the inevitable bumps in the road. - Collaborate with Trusted Professionals
Throughout the building process, Lambie worked closely with architect Lisa Rorich and contractor Karl Wang. His advice for future homeowners: choose professionals who understand your vision and work collaboratively to achieve the best results. - Choose a community that Aligns with Your Values
For those embarking on the home-building journey, Lambie emphasizes the importance of choosing a development that aligns with your lifestyle and values, fostering both physical and emotional well-being. “The community-focused atmosphere at Seaton really stood out to us. It’s not just about having a home; it’s about living in a place where you feel connected and supported,” he said.
YOU CAN SEE THE STUNNING END PRODUCT OF PAT LAMBIE’S HOME CONSTRUCTION BELOW:
You can also follow their journey on the Seaton Estate website.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS ‘DREAM HOME’?
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/pics-pat-lambie-offers-insights-after-building-dream-home/
