Whether you are doing a knock-down rebuild or starting from scratch with a new house, we have a few critical tips to help you navigate everything you’ll need to know to make the process transparent and without any surprises.
1. Think about the Future
The first question you should ask yourself is, how will the house be used not only today but going into the future? Building and renovations are not cheap at the best of times so planning for future changes in family and lifestyle is a pivotal part of great building design.
Are you planning on staying in the home for the foreseeable future? Will you lease it out to tenants or sell it in a few years?
Designing for the long term means that you get the most value out of your design and allows you to design with flexibility to cater for any change in circumstances. This is great news for anyone who wants to get the most out of their space and wants the peace of mind that comes with having a sustainable design as opposed to a short-sighted one.
2. Design with Flexibility in mind
If your goal is to sell the property in the future it is critical to be aware of what may and may not appeal to a wider market. Everyone has different ideas of what an ideal home looks like. Some may want a pool room or rumpus for the kids, where others might prefer a master suite/parents retreat!
By designing with flexibility you can create multi-functional spaces that can be converted easily to appeal to a wider range of buyers. The same goes for those who wish to utilise the home as a rental property.
3. Get in early with a builder
Engaging a builder early is critical! Make sure you always discuss your budget with the builder and designer before going ahead and making plans, as this allows for timely changes in design and materials that can save you money. This needs to be done before the plans go to submission so make it a priority.
4. Take on board tips from professionals
Get help in selecting your finishes – a professional will know where it is worth spending money on finishes and where you can cut back and save. Selecting a less expensive tile that still makes a statement to save money, yet choosing quality fixtures and fittings to last a long time and give a sense of luxury are all tricks and tips professionals know well. It also saves you time and provides a sense of reassurance in an already stressful situation.
5. Know your “must haves” from your “like to haves”
Being clear and upfront on your “must haves” and your “like to haves” is also crucial throughout the design process. When sticking to a budget or aiming to capitalise on your home many peoples dream list grows as the design progresses…and then so does their budget.
Remaining realistic is important! Be very clear on the select items in your “dream wish list” for your new home and be prepared to let some of your “like to haves” go. Like with anything in life, compromise is an important part of the building and design process. Compromise allows you to complete your project on budget and on time, keeping all your dream items while cutting down on some less crucial changes. Once the job is done and you’re enjoying your dream home, you wont even notice the minor “like to haves” missing!
At Progressive Plans we offer complete design solutions for all aspects of a build or renovation – from a simple kitchen or bathroom design, through to large-scale renovations, addition or a new dream home. We also do apartments and specialise in multi-functional areas and custom storage solutions to help make the most of your space.
We work on a fixed fee not a percentage cost of the build. This means it’s in our interest to keep your building costs low, and you know at the start how much you are up for. Plan your next project with confidence.
Book your free consultation today to find out how we can help make your design dreams a reality!