How exciting is it to be in a place in life where you can build your own home? Very exciting, we think! It's complicated, it's overwhelming, and it's a lot of work, but at the end of all of the planning, the stress and the preparation, you end up with a house that is all yours that you built from scratch and that you envisioned.
Being able to see your vision and your design come to life in real time is something else, but knowing exactly how to get through the whole planning process is often the hardest part. Where do you begin? How do you get started? Well, we've put together a list of the most essential tips that you need to guide you through the planning of your new home build.
1. Don't do it alone. When you're building a new house you need to hire experts to help you. You can help with the blueprinting and the planning of the layout of the home, but there's not much you can do without a residential electrician because you don't know how to do wiring. In the same vein, you need a specialist plumber to help you with the pipework, and you'll need somebody to make sure that the foundations are nice and solid, too. The right people will help to guide you through the intricacies of construction, because while you can have all the blueprints, you can't possibly know what you're doing when it comes to laying pipe work and electricals in your foundations.
2. Set yourself a realistic budget. Once you set your budget for your build, add 20% on top of that budget for wiggle room. Before you break any ground, you have to understand the total cost of the project ahead of you. This isn't just the cost of the house that you've just purchased, but the permits, labour, materials, and any contingency plans or additions you want to add. You should also be expecting delays in construction so that you can be ready for it if it does happen.
3, Consider your location. You have to be patient while you wait for your home to be built, so use the time to think about your location. You bought the land, but you need to think about the style of the life that you want to lead. What's the neighbourhood like? Do you need privacy in your new back garden? Are there any trees that are overhanging in the local area that need to be cut back by an expert arborist before you really get started? You have to consider the location that you've chosen because this is going to be your dream home so you want it to be built correctly.
4. Think about the layout. While you're planning your build, really do consider the layout of the new property that you're building up. What does your family need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? Do you require additional space? Talking to an expert architect can help you to put the flow of the home together. You'll be able to see how your house is going to look on paper before you get it started which means that you have time to change things if you need to.
5. Make sure that you focus on energy efficiency. If you're building from the ground up, you can use the planning time to give back to the environment. Building an energy efficient home is not just responsible, but it's a cost effective option. You should make sure that you incorporate energy efficient features when you can so that your home is going to run without costing you too much money. Things like double glazed windows, proper insulation, and integrated energy efficient appliances are all good places to begin. Consult with an energy consultant or an architect so that you can improve your comfort from day one. You may also want to consider solar panelling, rainwater harvesting systems, and geothermal heating.
6. Future-proof your home. As you embark on this new adventure, think about future proofing for the potential changes in technology ahead. Think about home automation systems and smart home technology. This can allow you to control your lighting, security and temperature from your smartphone or using voice assistants. If your home is easily adaptable to changes like extra rooms, you'll be able to keep accessibility in mind for ageing in place.
7. Consult with a contractor. Before you start any construction, you need to have a general contractor helping you out. They'll be able to guide you through the process of applying for and obtaining any necessary permits for building. Local governments require these permits and contractors have the know-how in your local area to tell you what you need to be applying for and what you can avoid. Failing to secure these correct permits can lead to delays and fines and it can even hold your project entirely.
8. Map out a timeline of the build. If you're realistic about the construction timeline then you'll know what needs to happen every step of the way. It's important to regularly communicate with the entire team so that you know that everybody is aligned. You need a project that is well planned and that progression happens smoothly.
9. Put structural integrity first. It's so common for people to focus on the design and the way that they can make their new home pretty. This is tempting, but it's not going to be helpful. You should never overlook the importance of the structural integrity of the home, so you have to ensure that the foundation and the framing, the load bearing elements and even the exterior boundaries are all solid and well constructed. Your architect can work with your contractor and your electrician and plumber to make sure this happens. They will all work together to ensure that your home is not just aesthetically pleasing, but it's structurally sound as well.
10.Choose the best materials. Selecting high quality materials can make a big difference in the longevity and performance of your home. Researching and investing in high quality materials helps you to stand the test of time. Think about the cost and the durability of the materials that you want to use for the roofing, siding, flooring and even the countertops in the bathroom and the kitchen. Affordability is nice but you want longevity so that you're not having to pay more than once.
11.Don't forget to plan your storage. It's often overlooked when planning a new home, surprisingly, but having enough space to store your belongings isn't essential. You want to maintain a tidy and clutter free environment in your new house, so design your closets and cabinets on storage solutions so that they meet your needs. You may also want to consider including built-in shelving in a pantry or a mud room, so that you can maximise your storage options.
12.Work closely with your architect of choice. The architect that you pick is your key partner in turning your dream home into a real one. You have to keep communicating your goals and your style preferences and along the way if they make any suggestions that you don't agree with don't be afraid to say no. Don't forget that you are paying your architect a sizable amount of money to get your home launched and that means that you need to be regularly reviewing the plans and providing feedback. The direction that this house is supposed to be going evolves in a way that you want it to, not in a way that somebody else tells you to.
13.Don't forget to plan for your outdoor spaces. Outdoor living areas are popular in home design for a good reason. Patios, swimming pools, decks, outdoor kitchens all work together to create a harmonious home. Think about how you can use the outdoor space, especially if it's limited, and talk about appropriate drainage systems with your plumber and lighting with your electrician. Hardscaping features like retaining walls and walkways should all be considered, too.
14.Don't forget the landscape. While you're planning your outdoor spaces you need to remember the landscape of the house. Landscaping affects your home's curb appeal and overall ambience, so you need to work with the designer to plan the plants and trees of the house. The ones that you pictured all enhance the exterior of your house and make it look great. Consider local plants and the local climate, because you need to consider the soils conditions to ensure that the plants that you do have are thriving.
15.Keep communicating. Lastly, one of the most important tips that you need when it comes to building a dream house is to keep consistent communication with all members of the team. Keep checking in with everybody to find out how the progression is going and make sure that there are no unexpected budget jumps. Discuss any potential issues, schedule regular updates to review progress, and be proactive. This will help to prevent any delays and misunderstandings along the way.
This is an exciting project that requires thought and planning, so follow these tips and navigate the complexities of the process with these.
