Building a new home is one of the most exciting and daunting projects most people will ever undertake. Once you get started though, it can feel like there are a million things to consider, and it’s easy for it all to feel overwhelming. What are the essential features to consider when building a new home in 2022? In today’s article, we’re going to go over some of the features you should consider and give you some tips that’ll turn your new house into a dream home. There’s a lot of careful consideration when building a house and choosing your features, but it’ll all pay off when you move into your new home.
Looking to Build a new home in Brisbane? Click here to read our guide to living in Queensland’s Capital!
Amount of space required for your dream home
One of the first features to consider is the size of your home. How much room do you and your loved ones need? How much can you actually afford? Is this your forever home or do you see yourself upgrading in the future? These are all important questions you need to know early on in the home construction process.
It’s not just the house you need to consider, but also the land. Naturally, if you have a house plan in mind, you’re going to need a block that can accommodate it. If you’ve already got a block of land, what’s the home design that’ll make the most of it?
Your lifestyle will play a big role in what you and your family members need in a floor plan. Don’t forget to consider the future. Will this home still work when your kids move out for example? Do you have little ones on the way who’ll need room to grow?
Building materials required
Different home designs will require different building materials. You’ll need to make decisions like whether you want a steel frame or wood, what tiles you want in your bathroom, the type of countertops you want in your kitchen. The more customised your material choices, the more expensive they’re likely to be, so you’ll need to decide whether this is worth it in the long run.
One of the most common causes of building delays is ordering materials, or those materials not arriving on schedule. If you’re looking at using unique and unusual materials, be prepared to wait for these things to show up.
Eco-Friendly requirements
Energy efficiency not only benefits your wallet, but it’s also great for the environment as well. There are many steps you can take to make your home more sustainable including:
- Installing solar panels
- selecting materials that are recyclable
- using natural light to your advantage
- Ventilation
There is a requirement for all new homes to reach a 6-star energy rating. Find out more about this with our sustainable home guide. Certain areas will have a specific requirement regarding eco-friendly. If you’re not sure, check with the council or your builder.
Home security systems
Naturally, you’re going to want your home to be safe. Here are a few things you can consider when it comes to security:
- Even something as simple as a sensor light could be enough to deter any unwanted visitors.
- Screendoors allow you to answer the door while still having a barrier.
- If you want to take it a step further, an intercom means you don’t even have to open the door.
- Alarms and cameras are available, with modern systems being linked to your smartphone so you can check in on your home at any time.
Smart Home technology
Smart Home technology has become a more common feature in home automation and security over the last decade. Appliances including the air conditioning or the programmable thermostat can be turned on (or off) while you’re driving home. For the elderly, those with disabilities or people with mobility issues, a well designed smart home can provide assistance in everyday tasks.
Like any technology, Smart Home technology can be abused by Cyber Criminals if you don’t take the proper precautions. Another downside is that a reliable internet connection is vital. If you’re living in an area where the reception is spotty (rural areas can be susceptible to this) the smart house might not be stress-free as you hoped.
Lighting
There might be more to lighting your house than it would first seem. Having a lighting plan is important for both practical and aesthetic reasons. The placement of your lighting can make all the difference between a well-lit room and annoying dark areas in your home.
Using natural light can not only light up your home but save you money on energy bills. You can achieve this through well-placed windows.
Outdoor space & garden
A beautiful lawn or outdoor area won’t stay that way long without maintenance, so consider whether the benefits you’ll get outweigh the hassle of getting the lawnmower out.
Some areas have a lot of parks and outdoor areas shared by the community. If you’re willing to use these areas, you may not need as big a yard which will save some money on land.
Garage needs
While garages may not seem like one of the most essential features to consider when building a new home, it is an important feature that you’ll likely use every day. Here are a few factors to consider when designing your garage:
Think about whether you’ll acquire any more vehicles in the future?
Do you want a freestanding or an attached garage?
Automated garage door or manual?
Garage security is another important consideration for any new home buyer. Automated doors are more secure than manual doors (which can be pried open). The humble garage door has come a long way over the years and you can have a range of features including:
- Voice activation
- Smartphone connectivity
- Safety features such as motion detection to avoid collision with you car or family members.
- Emergy key release for door openers in case the power goes out.
- Key pad for an extra level of security.
Kitchen design
When it comes to a well-designed kitchen, there is a term called the work triangle which is the space between your refrigerator, sink and cooktop. While the kitchen can serve as a place to socialise, the primary purpose is for food. You’ll want an uncluttered area with room to move and a workspace to prepare meals. Easy access and plenty of storage never hurt either.
Master bedroom
The master bedroom is the largest in the house. When it comes to bedrooms, a lot will depend on how many people will be using the room. A couple will need more space than a child will. Ideally, you’ll want the main bedroom somewhere that offers a bit of privacy. The door shouldn’t open into the main living area. Odds are, if you’re reading this article, the master bedroom will be yours, so consider what makes you comfortable.
Master bathroom
Also known as an ensuite, master bathrooms have begun to the norm in Australian homes. Like the kitchen, a well-designed bathroom is one that finds the balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. In a family home, the master bathroom can be more tailored for the needs of the parents rather than the children.
Because bathrooms require pipes and infrastructure that cannot be easily changed, it’s best to have a firm idea of how you want the bathroom setup before construction begins. This is one of those things that if you change your mind later, it won’t be cheap.
Laundry room
Traditionally, people think of the laundry as being near the garage. However, many of today’s homeowners will have an upstairs laundry room closer to their bedrooms. This cuts down on trips and makes things more convenient in the long run.
Lounge & media room
The key thing you need to decide is what is the room for? Is it just for movies, video games and watching sports or is it a place to be able to gather and have a coffee? Perhaps you’d like to get some work done there or play boards game with the family? Once you can envision what the room is for, you’ll have the blueprint for what you need to achieve.
If the room is just for media, you may want to consider lighting and soundproofing, thick curtains and other features that will enhance your experience.
When designing a lounge room, you want to create a room that can accommodate furniture while still having room to move. You’ll also need to consider your furniture placement and how to find the balance between furniture and space to move.
Bonus rooms
Looking for your home to have unique features? The bonus room can a great room in your new home. It could be a study, home office, home gym, music room, or a second media room.
Something that has become more popular is having a secret room in the house. What’s in these secret rooms? It can be a library, a movie room, guest room. The only limitation is your imagination (well, and the size of the room you’re working with).
Storage & shelving
One of the hardest things about moving into an existing home is trying to figure out whether it has the storage space that you need. It’s an easy thing to underestimate, especially if you have a family, so consider additional storage when building a new home. You’ll need to also consider closet sizes and the number of cabinets in the kitchen.
Built-in shelves are a popular option in custom homes and can be striking and practical. It streamlines your storage and is a chance for you to get creative.
Need help finding a Builder?
At Buildi, we help you find the right builder, save time, reduce stress and stay on budget.
How We Can Help You
Building a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. At Buildi, we’ll be there throughout the entire building process, guiding you step by step so you can avoid any pitfalls. We will help you by following these steps.
- Free Consultation – We will sit with you to understand what you are looking to accomplish.
- Due Diligence – We work with you to ensure you’re buying the right block of land at the right price without hidden problems.
- Builders tender – We will take your requirements out to the market of builders and they will bid to win your business.
- Present solutions – We will compile the top 3 options and present you with a comprehensive proposal on builders’ strengths & weaknesses along with prices and specifications.
- Contract Signing – We will work with you and your selected builder to ensure there is full transparency in what you are entering into.
- Building your home – We work closely with the builder to ensure all service levels are met and your project is on schedule.
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