10 Ways to Make Your Build Easier
By HOUSPECT Building and Pest Inspections|July 27, 2018
The process of building a home can become incredibly complex, with a multitude of factors to consider and decisions to make. The reality is, there are way more than ten ways to make a build easier, however, these ten tips will help you navigate the process and if all goes according to plan, achieve your dream home.
- Organisation – Before you do anything else, purchase a binder with separators and plastic pockets to keep all your documents organised. You may want to also consider setting up spreadsheets; or, if you are tech savvy, use apps or online software to track your finances.
- Finances – When setting your budget, be realistic about what you can and cannot afford. You should fully expect to spend more than what your initial estimations suggest, so leave yourself room to breathe. In a similar vein, shop around for the best deal on financing.
- Home Site – Choose a site that is in an area which suits the needs of your family. Make sure that you fully understand available dimensions and what that means for your floor plan. The last thing you want is a site that only fits a 2 bedroom design when you are a 6 person family.
- Builder References – Not everyone in the construction industry is as trustworthy as they would have you believe. Always check references and ask for a breakdown of details for costs, dimensions, standard build and any extras.
- Prioritise Spending – Budget for your essential needs first and foremost. Extra money in your budget should be initially reserved for any unforeseen costs that may arise during the course of the build. You can think about extras once you are sure that there is a functional home to live in.
- Passive Design – Learn the basics of passive design elements and work with a certified architect. You can save a lot on energy costs by designing a home to take advantage of natural light, airflow and other passive design elements.
- Property Boundaries – Do not assume that the total space on the property is what you have to work with. Property boundaries are important to observe, so plan your build within those limitations and respect the privacy and rights of your neighbours.
- Outdoor Living – You may feel tempted to take up as much of the site footprint as possible for your home. However, every New South Wales home needs outdoor living space. Factor a seating area and landscaping into your design, which will allow you to enjoy spending time outside.
- Kitchen Space – The kitchen is the most functional room in a home, yet is often sacrificed in the pursuit of space in many new build designs. Imagine yourself preparing a meal in the kitchen and whether you will have space for the storage, countertops and appliances that you will need.
- Storage – One of the elements that is often neglected when building a home is storage space. Try to plan for a walk-in pantry; as well as storage for cleaning materials, towels and linen, toys and any other miscellaneous items that are likely to create clutter.
