Designing a home is a dream come true for most homeowners.
Photo by Avi Werde on Unsplash
It gives them the chance to sketch out their unique lifestyle, watch it being built, and eventually live in their accomplishment. If you are one of them, here are some tips for you to do it right.
Ask Yourself Why
Why did you decide to go through the hassle of building a house instead of buying one that’s available? Asking yourself will help you have clear goals while facing the challenging moments of home building, and mind you, there will be more than a few. This will also help you build your brief to be a very specific document.
Prepare the Right Brief
This document contains the important requirements of your project. You have to create it before you engage with your design team. It is then used to get an accurate estimate of your costs, but keep in mind, this is an evolving document. Based on the practicality of your design, availability of products, and permits, the document is going to go through a lot of changes.
Things to include in the first brief draft:
- Basic layout/structure of your building flow and internal rooms with accurate measurements.
- The architecture style
- Placement of doors, windows, electrical sockets, and so on, see more examples on Internal Doors UK .
- Important installations like Everpest repellents, solar panels, or rainwater harvesting systems.
- The heating and other energy efficiency strategies.
- Budget and cash flow per construction stage
- A Timeline estimate
The Initial Design
After the topological survey and the land is tested for its bearing capacity and porous ability, you will be given initial sketch designs from your architect or designer. These designs are made with your original ideas with the necessary changes to keep them under permit and structurally safe.
The client, you, will then have to review every minute aspect and submit them for final reviews. Yes, this is a long back and forth process, but it is worth it. It would be better if you or your designer also worked on 2D drawings, even better if they’re 3D models. It will give you a better idea of the floor plan, and it is easier to make any changes early on.
Consider the Future
Think long-term when designing your house. Do you want to have regular BBQ parties, will your elderly parents be moving in with you down the line, do you have children returning home after college or grandchildren you might want to spoil with a playpen? Plan ahead in your design, so you don’t have to constantly make changes either while the building is in progress or post-production.
Work on a Pinterest Board
Pinterest is a very valuable resource if you know how to use it well. Use it to give your architects and contractors precise instructions on what you hope the end result should look like. Custom homes can run out of budget very quickly, more so if the homeowners let their fantasies run amok. Pinterest boards will give you the chance to prioritize the more important aspects of your home.
Plan for the Worse
21st technology advancements can do what humans did not even dream of twenty years ago. Use it to your advantage and build a smart, unique home. Plan for possibilities like a robbery by adding smart surveillance and security systems to your budget. A zombie apocalypse might be far into the future, but bug infestations are a common occurrence. Invest in eco-friendly pest repellents that use cruelty-free methods to repel insects from swarming around your property.
While we’re planning for the worse, also consider the possibility that not everything you want will be achievable in the given budget. It might lead to a lot of compromises and disappointments. But fret not, this is your house, and you can either find alternative solutions or re-design to fit your style.
Consider Flow, Function, and Light
Now, this is the most important aspect of a house and why planning ahead is so important. It is crucial that you design the layout flow to work at your long-term convenience. If you prefer to sleep in late, it is suitable to design your bedroom away from noise sources. If your family prefers to hang out in the kitchen instead of the living room, have an open floor design that allows them to freely move between the kitchen, living room, and dining room.
As a rule of thumb, let sunlight in as much as possible. This will not only balance the energy in the house but also create a positive atmosphere for the people living in it. As for artificial lighting, having multiple layers to your lights will help create the ambiance you desire at any given time.
Conclusion
Seeking advice from the internet and professionals is a wise decision but keep in mind that this is your future home. You get to kick back after a tiring day of work and relax here, it will only be worth it if you’re not constantly regretting your choices. So take your time with the design and only go ahead with what you think is best for your comfort. Good luck!