Creating the home of your dreams is never easy, but it’s important to remain level headed. All too often new-home builders allow their thoughts to overwhelm them, and this is never a good thing. It’s important to take a step back and get down to the basics, and to help you out we’ve prepared a blog post with our top considerations when building a custom home.
We hope you find this post useful throughout the planning process, and we wish you every success with your project!
Design and Long-Term Goals
The first thing you’ll need to do is establish the function of your home. Will it be a family home, or perhaps a holiday home? During the design phase you will need to consider your needs – both now and into the future. You don’t want to get to the end of the build and find that the home doesn’t quite meet your needs. Ensure that every room has a purpose, as there is no point in wasting valuable space.
Building a home requires a significant financial investment, not to mention the time involved. Try to ensure your design will stand the test of time, and this will keep your family happy and ensure that you get the best possible return on investment.
Set a Budget
Building a home doesn’t come cheap, and you’ll want to do plenty of research on the process before you go any further. You should aim to save at least 20% as a deposit, and you may also be eligible for government grants which could reduce your overall building costs.
Sometimes things don’t quite go to plan, and this can cause surprise expenses – make sure you set some money aside for these (we would recommend around 10% of your total budget). If you need any help with cost estimation for your build, please get in touch with us – we’d love to help.
Location
Location is everything when it comes to real estate, and we’ve all got our preferences. Whether it’s a seaside retreat or a cottage nestled deep in the bush, you will need to consider your access to essential services such as shops, hospitals, public transport, recreation facilities, schools and more. This is particularly important for young families and the elderly.
Whilst a plot of land may sound appealing on paper, make sure you do your research to ensure the area is suitable and will accommodate your lifestyle.
Orientation of the Land
Your house design will be dictated by the orientation of your block. It’s a good idea to look at the Your Home – Passive Design Orientation guide to find out which orientation would be best for you. Most people like a north facing orientation, as this allows for optimal sunlight flowing into your living and entertaining areas during the day, creating a warm vibe and reducing the need for heating.
Keep in mind that new homes are now required to meet minimum energy efficiency ratings. Careful design can pay off big time, as you will benefit from lower power and utility bills.
Section 94 – Here to Help!
As registered quantity surveyors, Section 94 are well equipped to help you evaluate a prospective block of land. If you’ve already decided on your block and have commenced (or about to) the build, we can also help with cost estimation reports. We can help you control costs, evaluate risks and ensure your new home is everything you imagined and more.
Contact us now on 0413 953 869, or email us at info@section94.com.au