How you can design and build without blowing your budget.
If you know what you want, but haven't built before, here are some tips for you.
1. Take time with the plan.
It sounds so obvious but we've heard a lot of stories where they thought the plan looked fine. Once the concrete was down, it seemed very small and they realised they hadn't even stepped out the size of the home. If you're building a home for your family; space is going to be paramount, so go for larger bedrooms (3.3 is standard and relatively small). Extra things like high roofs or just 2.2m doors can make rooms appear bigger while adding character at the same time.
2. Ensure your living/kitchen areas can be closed off from the bedrooms.
Especially if there are young children going to be staying in your home. You want to be able to enjoy company after the kids have gone to bed, so make sure all the entertaining areas have got doors and insulation that can reduce noise traveling up the hallway.
3. Let the sun dictate your kitchen.
Your kitchen is usually the hub of your home so it makes sense that a lot of daylight should flow through it. This doesn't mean it needs to be right at the front of your home to catch all day sun - just that it should be positioned in a light-full place.
4. Don't be afraid to tell us if you've changed your mind about something.
Often, as we progress, you might change your mind on the style of lighting you've chosen or even your tap fittings. Don't feel embarrassed to tell us this - we want this home to be just right for you. After all - you'll be the one living in it!
5. Use photos or pictures from magazines to show us exactly what you're imagining.
Words sometimes make it tricky to convey exactly what you like and dislike. If you spot something you like, tear it out and put it in an envelope to us through the planning stage.
6. Make sure the flow of your home will suit its purpose (entertaining/family/sole occupant).
Tell us what you think you'll most use your home for - family purposes, entertaining friends and family, will it just be you in the home? If you tell us these key things, we can make more suggestions so that your home suits your purpose that little bit better.
