Top Tips For Building A Home

Building your own home from scratch is no minor feat. With so many moving parts and so much to think about, it can easily become overwhelming, not to mention expensive. That said, choosing a self-build project has many advantages, including the flexibility to select your location and the seemingly endless customisation options. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, investing in a self-build can be up to 40% cheaper than investing in a new pre-built home. If you’ve been considering the possibility of constructing your dream home, consider the following tips for success.

Choose The Right Plot

By choosing to build your own property, you have much more freedom regarding location. The first thing you must consider is space - your chosen plot needs to be the right size and shape to accommodate your plans. You will also need to consider the condition of the land in terms of stability and soil quality, as clay textures are often considered more stable with high bearing capacity. One of the other main factors you will need to contemplate is the area itself regarding nearby amenities, commute time and local educational institutions.

Smart Storage Solutions

A home can never have too much storage, and in fact, lack of storage seems to be a common issue in many households. Save yourself the hassle of excess clutter and limited space by incorporating innovative storage solutions into your self-build. Build-in storage can make use of vertical space, allowing you more floor space and flexibility with your furniture plans. This is particularly vital when designing your kitchen, as units, islands, and shelving can be designed to maximise space and provide suitable, easy-access homes for your possessions.

How To Combat Decision Fatigue

Building a home can often feel like a monumental test of your judgement and an exercise in micromanagement. As such, you will likely experience some degree of decision fatigue during the process. Every detail, from your floor plan to your lighting fixtures, relies on your input, and the constant fear of making the “wrong” decision may prove overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, either from the professionals you hire or your friends and family. Avoid burdening yourself with excess choices and take regular breaks when necessary.

Hire The Right Teams And Professionals

Your chosen team members will define the finished quality of your build. Every tradesperson, from your electrician to your staircase designer, should be qualified, experienced and able to work effectively as part of a team. Do extensive research before making your hiring decisions - this includes scouring the internet for reviews and asking trusted friends and family members for recommendations. As a rule of thumb, get at least three quotes (in writing) for every job that needs doing, so you can ensure you’re getting a fair and reasonable price.

Carefully Consider Your Budget

Your project will be strictly dictated by your budget and the amount of leeway you allow yourself. According to Grand Designs Magazine, your budget should be “equal to the average property price per square metre multiplied by the square meterage of your prospective build”. While you will need to budget for the build cost itself, you will also need to budget for potential hidden expenses such as liability insurance and human error. Having a contingency plan will save you from any nasty financial surprises.

Maximise Natural Light

Maximising natural light exposure is the best way to create an environment that boosts mood, inspires creativity and feels more inviting. You can increase light exposure by strategically placing large windows, skylights and glass doors throughout the property. It is also worth considering the quality of your artificial light sources - instead of harsh, overhead lighting, opt for multiple soft pools of overlapping light from floor, table and wall-mounted lamps for an extra cosy atmosphere.

Don’t Be Off Put By Mistakes

It’s highly unlikely that you’ll complete your project without the occasional hiccup or setback. Building a house is an incredibly complex undertaking, and statistically speaking, some things will go wrong. That said, don’t let the complications dishearten you. Press on and minimise further mistakes by being hyper-aware of your budget and absolutely clear with your intentions. Furthermore, don’t be tempted to rush or cut corners for the sake of an early finish.