New in Geilo in a New Apartment

The day we received the keys and moved into Breidablikk finally arrived. Much of that day and the next few were spent getting settled and feeling at home. We checked that everything was working and that everything was delivered as promised, down to the details. It turned into a bit of a sport; we checked the benches, joints, and trim with a level and felt them with our fingers.

Is it true that there's a difference between developers, that some truly "put their soul into" delivering better quality even if it costs more labor hours and requires more quality supervision during the construction process? From excavation/foundation work to the final artisanal finish inside each apartment? Since no one is in a position—let alone would think—to buy apartments from multiple developers to compare, it’s up to each individual to assess their own.

After having owned an apartment in Breidablikk for two years, we've made some observations. Primarily, it's easy to get in touch with Hallingdal Hytteservice for help and answers. An extra outlet, a screen that needed mounting—it took just a few minutes before one of the craftsmen arrived to fix it. How were we supposed to shut off the hot water when leaving? Such things aren’t always easy to remember, even though it was demonstrated at the handover.

When we, as one of the first, moved in, there was still some work to be done on the common areas and outdoors. We have seen, and to a lesser extent heard, that the work has gradually been completed. The rooftop terrace with its wildly beautiful view has opened. Some of the parking spots in the heated garage have been equipped with electric chargers, we have a corner with equipment and extraction for ski prepping. Paving of outdoor areas—and planting—is in place, and there is good progress on the work with the permanent access road. Given that all categories of craftsmen enter, exit, go up, and down in the building every single day, you would think they bring dust and mud; the common areas have been and remain clean and tidy every time I’ve checked.

Most residents at Breidablikk will have an apartment on each side plus one above and one below. The only time I've experienced loud music was when I accidentally activated the app controlling the sound system in my sleep. It was a bit embarrassing when I came to and realized the sound was coming from my own living room. Otherwise, it is remarkably—and delightfully—quiet in the apartment. Enjoying the view of the mountains from the sofa in the living room brings a unique sense of calm.

I have— as mentioned—no basis for comparison, but I think my experiences as an apartment owner at Breidablikk have something to do with quality. I won’t say rush and buy, but I would caution against purchasing from those who practice sell and run. A new apartment is a significant and important investment, and you would ideally want to deal with someone you trust.