Builders & Renovations FAQs

Building a New House: 10 Key Things to Consider

You’ve decided to build your own house, now what?

Building your own home is often described as an exciting milestone in your life, and it is! But we also know that it can be overwhelming, unsure where to start or what to think about first.

In this article, we discuss ten things to consider when starting your house-building journey, from defining the vision for your house to setting a budget and picking the right building professionals. If you need expert advice, speak to our experienced builders about your project.

 

Define Your Dream Home Vision

Before commencing any design or construction work, it is vital to have a clear vision of your desired outcome. This can be achieved by researching existing designs, visiting show homes, and creating vision boards. Establishing a clear vision from the beginning provides you, your designer, and your builders with a valuable reference point throughout the construction process.

Set a Realistic Build Budget

Building a new house is a significant investment, so creating a comprehensive budget at the start of your home-building journey is crucial. A realistic budget will guide your decisions on choosing the right team, materials, and layout to maximise your money and ensure that your dream home becomes a reality. 

Keep track of your expenses throughout the project and immediately flag any areas where you're going over budget. This allows you to stay ahead and make necessary changes. For example, if you choose expensive finishes that push your material costs to 50% of your budget (when you had only allocated 40%), you'll have less money for labour, permits, and unexpected costs. In this situation, you'd need to review and adjust other areas of your budget, and might choose to reduce the landscaping budget.

Choose the Right Building Professionals

Choosing the right team is key to a successful build and a dream end product. For the design of your new home, architects can offer innovative and unique designs, but at a higher cost. Home designers, on the other hand, typically specialise in standard homes, with less creative designs but a more affordable price. Think about your budget and desired design outcome when making your decision. The architect or designer you choose will collaborate with you to create a home that fits your lifestyle, budget, and site location.

Your choice of builder is as critical as your choice of designer. Finding a reputable builder who can work with you to deliver a high-quality home is essential for a successful home build. The builder's role is pivotal in overseeing the construction process, coordinating various trades, managing materials, and ensuring the smooth progression of the project. Their experience and clear communication are invaluable in providing peace of mind throughout the building journey.

Picking the Ideal Location for Your New Home

When choosing a location, consider the proximity to your workplace, schools, and shops. Visualise the layout of your site, including access points, garden space, and the direction of the sunrise and sunset. Visit the site with your chosen designer or architect to conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats, and Opportunities). This analysis can provide essential information for the design process, such as the best orientation for your new home, room placement based on the environment, and relevant local council bylaws that may impact the design.

A majority of homes are built with living areas facing north, as north-facing rooms will have the sun for the longest on a winter day. Take into consideration what climate zone your location is in and what the best approach to heating and cooling is within your zone.

Designing a Home for the Future

The design and layout of your future home are most likely the things you’ve already thought about most. Prioritise a layout that suits your family’s needs, lifestyle, and future plans. Think about your daily life and what a functional layout may look like for you; the position of the rooms, and the general flow through the house. Consider flexible spaces that can adapt over time; a room might serve as a bedroom, office, playroom, or something else entirely as your needs change. Once you have a general idea, assess its practicality. Ensure accessibility throughout the home, consider the flow between indoor and outdoor areas, plan for ample storage, and maximise natural light.

 

Balancing Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

When planning your new home, it can be tricky to differentiate between essential features and those that are simply desirable. It's easy to get carried away during the design process or be influenced by current trends in new builds, but try to focus on elements that are essential for your family’s comfort and well-being. Create a list of all the features you'd like to include and then categorise them as either "must-have" or "nice-to-have.” Often, your budget will help you decide, but you can ask yourself the following questions:

• Will this feature significantly impact my budget, potentially requiring me to sacrifice other elements?
• Is this a practical and durable addition that we will still be using years down the line?
• Will this feature positively or negatively affect the overall value of my property?
• Is it a commonly sought-after addition or niche?

Invest in quality materials for your house

When building your dream home, don’t compromise on the quality of materials used. You want quality materials that can withstand daily use and last for years to come. This is especially important in high-traffic areas such as kitchens. While materials like marble countertops and hardwood floors are aesthetic and durable, they can also be expensive. Collaborate with your designers and builders to find high-quality, cost-effective materials that align with your budget and needs. Remember, building a dream home doesn't have to mean breaking the bank.

 

Prioritise Energy Efficiency in Your New Home

New homes are required to have a seven-star energy efficiency rating; keep this in mind when going through the planning process for your new home. Energy use can be significantly reduced through some simple choices. Consider double-glazed windows, natural light optimisation, ceiling fans and ventilation. Discuss options like LED lighting, roof materials and solar panels with your designer and builders. Also, pay attention to the energy ratings of appliances, water heating systems, and the types of insulation used.

The installation of ceiling fans during your house build can significantly increase your energy efficiency rating. Ceiling fans are proven to reduce use of other high-energy-consuming cooling systems by up to 40% in the same household.

 

Understand the Build Timeline and Set Expectations

The time it takes to design and build a new home is a significant consideration, one that can vary a lot. Your builder is accountable for deadlines and is responsible for delivering the end product according to plan. They will be able to assist you with decisions regarding the timeframe of your build, such as the best time of year for construction or the availability of materials.

 

The Importance of Staying Engaged Throughout the Build

Communication is key! Your involvement throughout the building process is essential. Consistent communication and site visits can help ensure your vision is realised. If uncertainties arise, address them promptly.  Be upfront about your budget and priorities to enable your team to stick to them. Track spending, and highlight any overspends early so you can stay ahead and make adjustments elsewhere.

 

Building your dream home is an exciting and rewarding process that does require careful planning and attention to detail. By defining your vision and setting a realistic build budget, you can ensure the project stays on track. With thoughtful planning and the right team, you can create a home that suits your needs and lasts for years to come.

If you’re looking for further information or would like to chat about your project, speak with our expert home builders.