There’s so much to think about when you build a new house, it’s easy to overlook a few details along the way. Like most things in life, planning is the key. So take a moment to stop and think about the way you live, as well as your family’s needs in the future. To help make it easier, we’ve highlighted five of the most common things people overlook when they’re about to build a home.
Spend some time thinking about the way you will use your new home and how it will flow. For example, it’s a good idea to position the kitchen near your garage, so you don’t have to carry bags of groceries too far.
As a general rule, rooms with heavy foot traffic should be more easily accessible, while areas of rest and study (like bedrooms and the home office) should be positioned in a more private location, where possible.
Spend some time thinking about the way you will use your new home and how it will flow. For example, it’s a good idea to position the kitchen near your garage, so you don’t have to carry bags of groceries too far.
As a general rule, rooms with heavy foot traffic should be more easily accessible, while areas of rest and study (like bedrooms and the home office) should be positioned in a more private location, where possible.
Extra storage is a feature that’s usually under-rated – until you move into your new home and realise how much you actually need it! So plan ahead and always opt for more storage space than you think you’ll need – it will all get used eventually!
During the home design phase, carefully plan out each area and determine where you want your storage spaces. And don’t forget to consider garage storage space too. It’s great for tools, bikes and other large items that really don’t belong inside the house.
Apart from being an important safety feature, lighting also plays a huge role in creating the right look and feel for your new home. One of the best things about building a house is that you can design your own lighting scheme. This is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine, adding interest with different lighting features, depending on the style you’re going for. There are so many beautiful and affordable pendant lights on the market now, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Dimmer switches are also a fantastic addition, and consider adding lighting to spots you may not normally illuminate – like under the kitchen cabinets, which can be very handy and also looks fabulous.
A light switch on the wrong side of the room? A bedroom with only one powerpoint? These are annoying mistakes that can easily be avoided when looking at a house plan. A detailed electrical and lighting plan can help you get it right the first time, rather than having to fork out for adjustments once the home build is complete.
There’s nothing more frustrating than not having enough power outlets in the right places, so it’s important to plan carefully – especially these days when most of us rely heavily on electronic devices. It’s much cheaper to install multiple power and TV points during the building process, rather than having to do it later – better to have a few extra than not enough.
Make sure you allow for ample power points in your pantry for appliances like the kettle, toaster and coffee machine that may end up living there. Consider adding a USB outlet in your kitchen or pantry for charging laptops, tablets and phones. And don’t forget to add power outlets to the garage, outside entertaining area and other key locations where you may need power.
Choosing an experienced home builder can go a long way to making sure you don’t forget a thing. As a family-owned project builder with over 35 years experience building quality homes, Hallmark has a proven build process that really works. If you’re thinking of building a home in South-East Queensland, our friendly team is ready to help. Come and check out one of our display homes or take a virtual tour from the comfort of your home. If you have any questions about our home designs or house and land packages, please contact Hallmark Homes today.
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