As of 2022, 65.8% of Americans live in their own home. You’ve been scrimping and saving, and finally, you’re ready to join the ranks in homeownership. You can be one of the majority!
However, you don’t want to live in any house. Instead, you want to design your own so it’s truly unique.
Things can be easier said than done though, and you might quickly find yourself in a bind. So before you make a move, read on. Here are four tips on designing a new home.
- Set a Budget First
You’ve probably already got your dream house in mind, but hold your horses. Chances are, you don’t have all the money needed to get every single feature in. So you need to know what you’re working with first and then proceed from there.
The fact is, custom builds have lots of expenses, and before you know it, you’re up to your eyeballs in bills. Some of the things you need to factor into your budget include framing, foundation, fees (such as architect and building permit ones), finishes, HVAC systems, etc.
Always expect to go over your budget, as it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll run into unexpected problems. You don’t want those to hinder your plans and bankrupt you too.
- Pick the Right Location and Orientation
When looking at land, you need to consider the soil conditions. If they’re not good, then you’ll have to spend extra money on grading and developing the land before you can even design a house. So even if it’s cheap, a piece of land can cost you more in the long run if you don’t evaluate the soil first.
The orientation of your house is key too. Natural light will hit some rooms more than other, and that’ll affect your comfort and utility bills too. And naturally, you’ll want a nice view for your living room, so ensure you’re not staring at a storage shed or wall from there.
- Think About Your Needs and Personal Style
This might seem obvious, but one of the most important things to consider when designing a house is what you need. For example, if your elderly parents are staying with you, then you’ll want to make things more accessible than in a usual home.
Here’s a short list of things you shouldn’t forget:
- Number of bedrooms
- Number of bathrooms
- Size of the living areas
- Size of the kitchen
- Always Hire an Experienced Professional
Never try to build a home on your own. Not only is it difficult, but you’ll end up spending excess amounts of money since you don’t have connections in the industry.
Also, when you’re finding a builder, check that they’re experienced and have a portfolio to prove it. After all, your family will be staying in this home for the foreseeable future, so you want it to be safe and sound.
Good Luck Designing a New Home
Designing a new home is a challenging but rewarding task. As long as you set a budget first, carefully weigh essential factors, and work with a stellar professional, then you’ll build something that’ll last for decades and keep your family safe and comfortable. As a result, your hard work will pay off!
Want to learn more about being a homeowner? Then keep reading our blog page now.
